Westfalen

What Westfalen does

Westfalen AG is a family-owned German gases and energy company headquartered in Münster, founded in 1922 and now in its centenary year, operating across seven European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, the Netherlands). The company produces and distributes approximately 300 gases and gas mixtures spanning industrial and technical gases (argon, helium, nitrogen, CO2, specialty and calibration gases), liquefied petroleum gas/propane (Westfalengas), medical and pharmaceutical gases, food-grade gases (Protadur), diving gases (Divox, to EuAB and NATO standards), refrigerants, and heat-transfer fluids (Antifrogen). Its underlying technology base combines industrial gas production, liquefied gas storage and distribution infrastructure, fuel station networks (including hydrogen, LNG, CNG, HVO, AdBlue, and conventional fuels), hydrogen refueling technology, EV charging systems (EquiVolt), and heat pump systems through its NGC.Tec subsidiary.

Westfalen serves a horizontally diversified customer base: industrial and commercial businesses (its primary segment, including welding, cutting, laser, and process gases), small business and trade (propane for heating and forklift fuel), consumer/retail (grilling, camping, balloon, diving), healthcare providers and home-care patients (via Westfalen Medical respiratory therapy), food and beverage processors, laboratory and pharmaceutical customers, and fleet operators seeking alternative fuels and EV charging. Named enterprise customers include Canon Medical Systems (helium for MRI equipment), BENTELER (30-year technical-gas partnership), LVM (e-mobility pilot), and TU Dortmund.

The business model is multi-stream and transaction- or subscription-based. Industrial and technical gas supply, propane cylinders and tanks, and fuel station sales are predominantly transaction-fee with quote-based B2B pricing and multi-year contracts on the industrial side; consumer propane cylinders use a standardized deposit (Pfand) system (e.g., 5kg ~EUR 26, 8kg Grillmeister ~EUR 40, 33kg ~EUR 68). Medical/respiratory therapy (Westfalen Medical) operates on a recurring subscription model, E-mobility and heat pumps blend hardware sales with services, and distribution runs through company-owned infrastructure, a nationwide independent dealer network (Westfalengas Händler), franchise fuel station operators, and country-specific subsidiaries. Channel mix spans direct B2B field sales, dealer/reseller networks, retail fuel stations, e-commerce (hub.westfalen.com), and franchise operators.

Name

Westfalen

Legal name

Westfalen AG

Website

https://westfalen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1922

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Westfalen AG is a 100-year-old family-owned German producer and distributor of approximately 300 industrial, medical, food, and specialty gases, plus propane, hydrogen, and EV charging solutions, serving B2B and consumer customers across seven European countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Münster

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Industrial and Technical Gases: Sale of approximately 300 gases and gas mixtures to industrial, commercial, and laboratory customers including argon, helium, nitrogen, CO2, specialty gases, and calibration gases.
2. Propane/LPG (Westfalengas): Sale of propane in gas cylinders (5kg, 8kg, 11kg, 19kg, 33kg) and stationary tanks for heating, cooking, and as forklift fuel. Includes bottle deposit system (Pfand).
3. Fuel Stations (Tankstellen): Operation of fuel stations offering hydrogen, LNG/Bio-LNG, CNG/Bio-CNG, HVO, AdBlue, and conventional fuels. Revenue from fuel sales and convenience store/bistro operations.
4. E-Mobility Solutions (EquiVolt): EV charging infrastructure solutions for companies including charging stations, depot solutions for E-trucks, and charging cards. Revenue from charging services and equipment sales/leasing.
5. Medical and Respiratory Therapy: Supply of medical gases and home respiratory therapy services (via Westfalen Medical subsidiary) including oxygen therapy, sleep therapy, and ventilation.
6. Heat Pump Systems (NGC.Tec): Heat pump solutions for commercial and industrial heating applications via majority-owned subsidiary.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Westfalen manufactures and distributes approximately 300 industrial, technical, medical, food, and specialty gases (including argon, helium, nitrogen, CO2, calibration, and diving gases) plus propane/LPG (Westfalengas) in cylinders and stationary tanks for heating, cooking, and forklift fuel. The company also operates a network of fuel stations offering hydrogen, LNG, CNG, HVO, and EV charging (EquiVolt), supplies medical gases and home respiratory therapy through Westfalen Medical, and provides heat-pump solutions via subsidiary NGC.Tec.

Product overview

Westfalen is an expert for gases, heat, cold, and future-proof mobility. The portfolio encompasses over 300 gases and gas mixtures across industrial, medical, food, and leisure applications. Core products include propane (WestfalenGas) for heating, cooking, and vehicle propulsion; specialty gases such as helium (Ballongas, Tauchgase Divox), industrial gases (welding, cutting, laser gases), food gases (Protadur), pharmaceutical gases, calibration gases, noble gases, and refrigerants (Kältemittel). The energy transition offering includes hydrogen (as fuel and gas), green hydrogen, E-Mobility solutions (EquiVolt for workplace/home/depot charging), Bio-LNG, Bio-CNG, and HVO. Supporting products include digital fill level monitoring (Comfy, GaaS, Dings), the Conneo click-on forklift gas system, and fuel station solutions. The company also provides respiratory home therapy through Westfalen Medical and heat pump solutions through NGC.Tec.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Grillmeister: Propane gas cylinder brand for grilling, featuring 8kg fill capacity with ergonomic carrying handle and scratch-resistant foot ring.
• Divox
• EquiVolt
• Protadur
• Conneo
• Comfy
• GaaS
• Alumini
• Antifrogen
• EKONOR

Products and services

• Grillgas Grillmeister Propane Cylinder 8kg propane cylinder for grill enthusiasts with ergonomic plastic carry handle and scratch-resistant foot ring, designed to fit standard gas grill cabinets; sold to consumer end-users.
• Ballongas Helium Helium in portable cylinders (multiple sizes) for inflating balloons for parties and events, sold to consumers and small businesses.
• Campinggas Propane Portable propane cylinders for heating and cooking in caravans, motorhomes, and outdoor recreational use; sold to consumers.
• Divox Diving Gases Ready-made and custom diving gas mixtures manufactured to EuAB and NATO standards for sport and professional divers.
• Westfalengas Propane/LPG Propane/LPG in cylinders (5, 8, 11, 19, 33 kg) and stationary tanks for residential heating and cooking, industrial process energy, forklift propulsion, and agricultural use; sold to consumers and businesses via dealers.
• Bio-LPG (Bio-Flüssiggas) Bio-based liquefied petroleum gas for sustainable residential heating applications as a lower-carbon alternative to fossil LPG.
• Conneo Forklift Fuel Gas Cylinder Innovative forklift propane cylinder with click-on system enabling up to 50% faster bottle changes without tools, with integrated non-return valve; sold to logistics and industrial forklift operators.
• Forklift Fuel Gas Station Solutions Customized forklift LPG refueling station solutions including compact tanks, above-ground or underground storage, dispensers, optional tank automation, and Westfalen's patented Anfahrschutz collision-protection barriers; sold to logistics and industrial operators.
• Industrial and Technical Gases Portfolio of approximately 300 industrial and technical gases including welding gases, cutting and laser gases, burner gases, and specialty mixtures for industrial and commercial customers (manufacturing, metalworking, laboratories).
• Refrigerants (Kältemittel) Refrigerant gases for cooling, air conditioning, and heat-pump applications, with take-back and recycling services for used refrigerants; sold to HVAC contractors and industrial users.
• Antifrogen Heat Transfer Fluids Heat transfer fluids under the Antifrogen brand providing frost and corrosion protection for industrial cooling and heating circuits; sold to industrial customers and HVAC installers.
• Protadur Food Gases Food-grade gas mixtures under the Protadur brand for natural freshness preservation and accelerated ripening of fruits and other foods; sold to food processors, beverage producers, and restaurateurs.
• Pharmaceutical Gases Pharmaceutical-grade gases meeting highest quality and safety standards for medical and pharmaceutical applications; sold to hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Calibration and Test Gases Calibration and test gases for gas warning devices, exhaust gas measurement equipment (with calibration certificate), and type approval testing for engines; sold to laboratories, vehicle inspection bodies, and engine OEMs.
• Noble Gases (Edelgase) Noble gases including argon, helium, and specialty mixtures for laboratory, pharmaceutical, and industrial research applications; sold to research institutions and industrial laboratories.
• Alumini Small Aluminum Gas Cylinders Compact aluminum gas cylinders for portable on-the-go use in laboratory, service, and field settings; sold to technicians, laboratories, and field-service professionals.
• Hydrogen as Vehicle Fuel Hydrogen dispensed at public Westfalen hydrogen filling stations for fuel cell vehicles; sold to consumers and commercial fleet operators.
• Industrial Hydrogen Supply Industrial hydrogen supply including green hydrogen and customized hydrogen projects for industrial and energy-transition customers.
• EquiVolt E-Mobility Charging Solutions EquiVolt-branded EV charging solutions for companies, including workplace charging stations, home charging for company cars, depot charging solutions for electric trucks, and public charging parks; sold to enterprise fleet operators and employers.
• Bio-LNG (Liquefied Natural Biogas) Bio-LNG dispensed at Westfalen LNG refueling stations as sustainable fuel for heavy-duty trucks and commercial transport; sold to commercial fleet operators.
• Bio-CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Bio-CNG and CNG for sustainable vehicle propulsion, dispensed at Westfalen fuel stations; sold to commercial and consumer drivers.
• HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) Fuel HVO (HVO100) environmentally friendly drop-in alternative diesel fuel sold at Westfalen fuel stations; sold to commercial fleet operators and diesel drivers.
• Westfalen Medical Respiratory Home Therapy Westfalen Medical-branded home respiratory therapy services including oxygen therapy, sleep therapy, and ventilation therapy supported by home medical devices; sold to healthcare providers and homecare patients on a subscription basis.
• NGC.Tec Heat Pump Systems Heat-pump systems for residential and commercial heating applications offered through subsidiary NGC.Tec, with a 49% stake in FKT Fernwärme- und Kesseltechnik GmbH strengthening the offering for large commercial projects; sold to commercial and residential customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 50% faster cylinder exchange with Conneo system
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SC Preußen MünstercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Exclusive partnership with local football club SC Preußen Münster extended until 2030 (four-year extension). The partnership supports regional sports sponsorship and community engagement.
• FKT Fernwärme- und Kesseltechnik GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWestfalen acquired 49% stake in FKT to strengthen heat pump subsidiary NGC.Tec for large commercial projects. FKT specializes in district heating and boiler technology.
• Westfalen Gas Schweiz (WGS)coreOthersSwiss subsidiary producing and distributing industrial gases. Currently expanding production capacity with double-digit million EUR investment.
• Deutsche Telekom MMS GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAccessibility consulting partner providing expert guidance on website accessibility compliance with BFSG and WCAG 2.1 standards.
• AWIN AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliate marketing partner program for tracking conversions and attributing advertising commissions.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• SOL Group: SOL Group is a European, family-influenced producer and distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases with homecare medical divisions, directly comparable to Westfalen's industrial gas, medical gas, and home respiratory therapy businesses.
• Nippon Gases Europe: Nippon Gases (formerly Praxair Europe) supplies industrial, specialty, and medical gases across multiple European countries, directly overlapping Westfalen's portfolio of welding gases, refrigerants, food gases, and medical oxygen delivered to industrial and healthcare customers.
• Messer SE & Co. KGaA: Messer is the closest comparable to Westfalen: a privately held, family-owned industrial and medical gases producer-distributor headquartered in Germany with European operations, competing head-to-head in technical gases, medical gases, and specialty gas mixtures for industrial customers.
• Primagas Energie GmbH & Co. KG: Primagas is one of the leading German LPG/propane distributors for residential heating, commercial customers, and mobility, directly comparable to Westfalen's Westfalengas cylinder and stationary tank propane business.
• Tyczka Energie GmbH: Tyczka Energie is a German family-owned supplier of LPG/propane, natural gas, and energy solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, directly competing with Westfalen's propane, energy, and mobile energy portfolios in the DACH region.

Broad incumbents

• SHV Energy / Liquigas: SHV Energy, parent of Liquigas and other LPG brands, is one of the largest LPG distributors globally with substantial European presence, comparable to Westfalen's propane/LPG distribution scale across multiple European geographies and end markets.
• Air Liquide S.A. Air Liquide is a global industrial gas leader producing and distributing oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and specialty gases across Europe, directly competing with Westfalen in merchant industrial gases, medical gases, and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
• Linde plc: Linde is the world's largest industrial gases company, supplying atmospheric, process, and specialty gases globally, including in Germany and the rest of Westfalen's footprint, and competes with Westfalen for large industrial and merchant gas accounts while offering a much broader technology and on-site portfolio.
• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Air Products is a major global industrial gas and hydrogen player with significant European operations, overlapping with Westfalen's industrial gas supply and hydrogen-for-mobility offerings as a much larger incumbent.

Emerging players

• Nel ASA: Nel ASA is a Norwegian hydrogen technology company producing electrolyzers and hydrogen refueling stations across Europe, competing with Westfalen's hydrogen refueling and supply activities but focused on equipment manufacturing rather than gas distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/westfalen-ag
• Instagraminstagram.com/westfalenag
• Xx.com/westfalengruppe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Westfalen