How nexAir is Helping Startups and Small Businesses Grow with Tailored Gas Solutions

Small businesses and startups face unique challenges in today’s manufacturing landscape. Limited budgets, restricted space, and the need for flexibility can make industrial gas management particularly difficult. At nexAir, we’ve developed approaches specifically for these growing companies that turn gas supply from a potential obstacle into a competitive advantage.

Starting Small Without Compromising Quality

Many small fabrication shops and manufacturing startups begin with basic cylinder deliveries, assuming more sophisticated gas systems are beyond their reach. This misconception often leads to inefficiencies that can stunt growth.

We work with small businesses to find the sweet spot between their current needs and future potential. For example:

• Scalable microbulk solutions that eliminate cylinder handling while fitting into limited spaces
• Partial equipment financing options that make advanced gas systems accessible on startup budgets
• Flexible delivery schedules that adjust to fluctuating production without penalties
• Entry-level mixers that provide precision blending without enterprise-scale investments

A craft brewing equipment manufacturer learned this firsthand when they began producing stainless steel fermentation tanks. Their initial cylinder-based setup couldn’t maintain consistent quality as orders increased. We designed a right-sized solution that improved their weld quality and reduced gas costs by 23% — all while fitting within their existing shop layout.

Small doesn’t have to mean settling for less. The right gas system creates room for growth from day one.

Training and Knowledge Transfer

For many startups, especially those founded by skilled tradespeople making the jump to business ownership, technical knowledge isn’t the issue — business efficiency is. Our approach goes beyond gas delivery to include knowledge transfer that helps these businesses maximize their investment.

Our expert KnowHow™ becomes an extension of their team through:

• Hands-on training sessions for new employees
• Process optimization consultations that improve gas usage efficiency
• Documentation designed specifically for small teams without specialized gas management staff
• Technical guidance that helps small shops compete for larger contracts

A two-person custom furniture maker specializing in metal and wood pieces leveraged this support to bid successfully on a hotel project that required consistent, high-quality welding work. The technical guidance they received helped them deliver results typically associated with much larger operations.

Small businesses often succeed through personal expertise and dedication. We simply provide the tools and knowledge that help them apply these strengths more effectively.

Adapting to Fast-Changing Needs

Perhaps the greatest challenge for growing businesses is managing rapid change. A small manufacturer might double production in months rather than years, making traditional gas supply agreements problematic.

We help our clients Forge Forward through these growth phases with:

• Supply agreements designed to evolve with changing needs
• Equipment that can be upgraded rather than replaced
• Monitoring systems that provide early indicators of changing requirements
• Regular consultations that align gas supply with business growth plans

A specialty medical device startup experienced this flexibility when they rapidly scaled production after receiving FDA approval. Their gas requirements increased tenfold in just 90 days. Our adaptive approach ensured uninterrupted supply throughout this critical growth period, allowing them to focus on production rather than input management.

Growth shouldn’t be constrained by infrastructure limitations. Our solutions expand in step with our customers’ success.

Right-Sized Technology Access

Many small businesses assume that advanced gas technologies are only viable for large operations. We’ve changed this equation by making sophisticated solutions accessible and practical at smaller scales.

Some examples include:

• Simplified versions of enterprise-level monitoring systems
• Gas blending technology scaled for smaller production volumes
• Specialized gas mixtures that were once only economical for large orders
• Advanced delivery systems that work in limited spaces

A specialty food producer with just eight employees implemented modified atmosphere packaging technology typically used by national brands. This access to right-sized technology allowed them to extend product shelf life, open new distribution channels, and compete with much larger competitors.

Technology access should be determined by business needs, not business size. Our approach puts sophisticated gas solutions within reach of companies at every stage of growth.

Reach out to our small business specialists to explore how custom gas solutions can support your company’s growth journey.