Update date: Jul 08, 2026 | 130 Pages | Report ID: SE-SC-002630
Gas Detection Equipment Market
DMA IntelligenceGas Detection Equipment Growth Analysis & Future Outlook 2033
Segments: Product (Fixed Gas Detector, Portable Gas Detector), Technology (Semiconductor, Infrared (IR), Laser-based Detection, Catalytic, Photoionization Detector (PID), Others), End Use (Medical, Building Automation & Domestic Appliances, Environmental, Petrochemical, Automotive, Industrial, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts
$4.5B
Market Size, 2025
$4.8B
Market Estimate, 2026
$7.4B
Market Forecast, 2033
6.5%
CAGR, 2026–2033
Market Definition and Strategic Context
The Gas Detection Equipment Market refers to the global industry involved in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of devices used to detect the presence of various gases in an area, often as part of a safety system. These devices are critical for preventing hazardous situations, protecting personnel, and safeguarding assets across a wide range of industrial, commercial, and residential environments. The market encompasses both fixed and portable gas detectors, employing diverse technologies such as catalytic, electrochemical, infrared, photoionization (PID), semiconductor, and laser-based sensors. These systems are essential for monitoring toxic, flammable, and asphyxiating gases, ensuring compliance with stringent safety regulations worldwide. The increasing emphasis on workplace safety, coupled with the expansion of high-risk industries like oil and gas, chemicals, mining, and manufacturing, is a primary driver for the Gas Detection Equipment market size. The market was valued at USD 4.50 Billion in 2025 and is poised for significant industry expansion, with a robust growth outlook expected to continue through the forecast period. The comprehensive market forecast indicates steady adoption driven by technological advancements, stricter regulatory frameworks, and growing environmental concerns. The demand for sophisticated and reliable gas detection solutions is escalating, reflecting the critical role these systems play in modern safety protocols. The continuous evolution of sensor technology, including the integration of IoT and AI capabilities, is further enhancing the efficacy and application scope of these devices, contributing to the overall market growth and shaping the future trajectory of the industry.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 4.50 Billion |
| Revenue forecast in 2033 | USD 7.45 Billion |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2033 |
| Actual data | 2021 - 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025 - 2033 |
| Quantitative units | Revenue in USD Billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2033 |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments covered | Product, Technology, End Use |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East and Africa (MEA) |
| Country scope | U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; UK; France; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Australia; Brazil; KSA; UAE; South Africa |
| Key companies profiled | ABB Ltd; AirTest Technologies Inc; Teledyne Technologies Incorporated; Fluke Corporation; General Electric Company; Honeywell International Inc; Lynred; Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc; Siemens |
| Customization scope | Free report customization (equivalent to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
| Pricing and purchase options | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Growth Catalysts & Market Constraints
The Gas Detection Equipment market is currently experiencing dynamic shifts driven by a confluence of regulatory pressures, technological advancements, and industrial expansion. The increasing awareness and stringent enforcement of workplace safety standards globally are significantly impacting the Gas Detection Equipment market size, propelling demand for reliable monitoring solutions. This robust growth outlook is further supported by innovations in sensor technology, enabling more accurate and diverse gas detection capabilities. However, the market also faces specific challenges that could influence its growth forecast. Understanding these underlying dynamics is crucial for stakeholders to navigate the industry effectively and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring continued industry expansion amidst evolving operational landscapes.
Growth Drivers
- Stringent Safety Regulations and Industrial Compliance: Governments and international bodies are increasingly implementing and enforcing strict safety regulations across industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, mining, and manufacturing. These mandates require companies to install and regularly monitor gas detection systems to ensure worker safety and prevent environmental hazards. This regulatory push is a primary driver, compelling industries to adopt advanced gas detection equipment to avoid hefty penalties and ensure operational continuity.
- Technological Advancements and IoT Integration: The continuous evolution of sensor technology, including the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities and artificial intelligence (AI), is enhancing the precision, reliability, and remote monitoring features of gas detectors. These smart systems offer real-time data, predictive maintenance, and improved connectivity, leading to greater operational efficiency and proactive hazard mitigation, thereby driving their adoption across diverse end-use sectors.
Restraints
- High Initial Investment and Maintenance Costs: The implementation of sophisticated gas detection systems often involves a substantial upfront capital expenditure, especially for large-scale industrial facilities requiring numerous fixed detectors and complex integration. Furthermore, these systems necessitate regular calibration, maintenance, and replacement of sensors, adding to the operational costs, which can be a significant deterrent for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited budgets.
- False Alarms and Sensor Malfunctions: Gas detection equipment, particularly in challenging industrial environments, can be prone to false alarms caused by environmental factors like humidity, dust, or interfering gases, leading to unnecessary evacuations and operational downtime. Additionally, sensor malfunctions due to aging or contamination can compromise safety and reliability, eroding user confidence and potentially increasing the overall cost of ownership through frequent replacements.
Opportunities
- Expansion into Emerging Markets: Developing economies in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are undergoing rapid industrialization and infrastructure development. As these regions adopt more robust safety standards and invest in new industrial facilities, the demand for gas detection equipment is expected to surge, presenting significant growth opportunities for manufacturers and solution providers to expand their geographical footprint.
- Integration with Smart City and Building Management Systems: The growing trend of smart cities and intelligent building management systems offers a substantial opportunity for integrating gas detection solutions into broader safety and environmental monitoring networks. This integration allows for centralized control, enhanced data analysis, and automated responses to gas leaks, creating a more comprehensive and efficient safety infrastructure for urban and commercial spaces.
Challenges
- Technological Obsolescence and Rapid Innovation Cycle: The fast pace of technological innovation, while a driver, also poses a challenge as existing gas detection equipment can quickly become outdated. Companies must continuously invest in R&D to keep pace with evolving sensor capabilities, communication protocols, and software features, which requires significant capital and technical expertise to remain competitive in the market.
- Lack of Standardization and Interoperability: The gas detection market often faces issues with a lack of universal standardization across different manufacturers and technologies, leading to interoperability challenges when integrating diverse systems. This can complicate installation, maintenance, and data management for end-users, requiring custom solutions and increasing the complexity and cost of deploying comprehensive safety networks.
Market Level Breakdown
The Gas Detection Equipment market is comprehensively segmented by Product, distinguishing between Fixed Gas Detectors and Portable Gas Detectors. Fixed gas detectors are permanently installed in specific locations to continuously monitor the atmosphere for hazardous gases, typically in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and critical infrastructure. These systems are often integrated into larger safety and control networks, providing continuous surveillance and triggering alarms or automatic shutdowns when gas concentrations exceed safe levels. Portable gas detectors, on the other hand, are lightweight, handheld devices designed for personal safety or spot-checking in various environments. They offer flexibility and mobility, making them indispensable for workers entering confined spaces, performing maintenance, or responding to emergency situations. The increasing demand for both continuous area monitoring and personal safety in dynamic work environments drives the adoption across these product types, influencing the overall Gas Detection Equipment segmentation.
Further segmentation by Technology highlights the diverse sensor types employed in gas detection, including Catalytic, Electrochemical, Infrared, Photoionization (PID), Semiconductor, and Laser-Based technologies. Catalytic sensors are commonly used for detecting flammable gases, while electrochemical sensors are highly effective for specific toxic gases and oxygen. Infrared sensors provide reliable detection of hydrocarbons and CO2, offering immunity to poisoning. Photoionization detectors (PIDs) excel at detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Semiconductor sensors are versatile but can be less selective, and laser-based detectors offer highly specific and long-range detection capabilities for certain gases. Each technology offers distinct advantages in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, response time, and resistance to environmental factors, catering to specific application requirements and contributing significantly to the market's technological landscape and growth trajectory.
The market is also segmented by End Use, reflecting the wide array of industries that rely on gas detection equipment. Key end-use sectors include Oil & Gas, Chemical & Petrochemical, Mining, Manufacturing, Commercial Buildings, Healthcare, and Environmental Monitoring. In the oil & gas and chemical sectors, these devices are crucial for detecting highly flammable and toxic gases, ensuring safety in drilling, refining, and processing operations. Mining operations depend on them to monitor methane, carbon monoxide, and oxygen levels in underground environments. Manufacturing facilities use them to protect workers from industrial gases and chemical fumes. Commercial buildings integrate them for HVAC safety, while healthcare facilities utilize them for anesthetic gas monitoring and laboratory safety. Environmental monitoring applications involve tracking pollutant gases in ambient air. Each industry has unique gas detection requirements, driving specialized product development and contributing to the diverse application landscape of the Gas Detection Equipment market taxonomy.
Gas Detection Equipment Segmentation Breakdown
- Product
- Fixed Gas Detector
- Portable Gas Detector
- Technology
- Semiconductor
- Infrared (IR)
- Laser-based Detection
- Catalytic
- Photoionization Detector (PID)
- Others
- End Use
- Medical
- Building Automation & Domestic Appliances
- Environmental
- Petrochemical
- Automotive
- Industrial
- Others
Geographic Performance & Regional Trends
Geographically, the Gas Detection Equipment market exhibits varied growth patterns driven by regional industrial landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and technological adoption rates. North America currently stands as the largest market, accounting for approximately 33.33% of the global consumption in 2025. This dominance is attributed to stringent occupational safety regulations, a highly developed industrial sector, and early adoption of advanced safety technologies across the United States and Canada. Conversely, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region, with a robust CAGR of 7.5%. This rapid Gas Detection Equipment market growth is fueled by rapid industrialization, increasing foreign direct investment in manufacturing and infrastructure, and rising awareness of industrial safety in countries like China, India, and South Korea. The region's expanding chemical, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectors are key contributors to this accelerated growth, indicating significant opportunities for market players.
Regional Growth Drivers
- North America: The region's mature industrial base, coupled with stringent environmental and occupational safety regulations enforced by bodies like OSHA, drives continuous demand for sophisticated gas detection equipment. High investment in R&D and rapid adoption of IoT-enabled safety solutions by industries in the United States and Canada further solidify its market leadership, prioritizing worker protection and operational integrity.
- Europe: Robust regulatory frameworks from the European Union, such as ATEX directives, mandate the use of gas detection systems in hazardous environments across countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. This, combined with a strong focus on industrial automation and smart factory initiatives, propels market growth as companies seek to enhance safety and efficiency in their operations.
- Asia Pacific: Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing infrastructure development in economies like China, Japan, and India are significantly boosting the demand for gas detection equipment. Growing awareness of industrial safety, coupled with government initiatives to improve working conditions and reduce industrial accidents, is driving substantial market expansion and technological adoption in the region.
- Latin America: Economic growth, investment in the oil and gas sector, and modernization of industrial facilities in countries such as Brazil and Mexico are creating new demand for gas detection solutions. Increased focus on worker safety and environmental protection, alongside foreign investments, stimulates the adoption of advanced monitoring technologies to comply with evolving international standards.
- Middle East & Africa: Significant investments in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries across countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are primary growth drivers. The region's expanding infrastructure projects and increasing emphasis on industrial safety standards are leading to higher adoption rates of gas detection equipment to protect critical assets and personnel in high-risk environments.
Looking ahead, mature markets like North America and Europe will likely focus on upgrading existing infrastructure with smart, connected gas detection systems, emphasizing predictive maintenance and data analytics. Emerging regions, particularly Asia Pacific, will continue to experience strong volumetric growth due to new industrial setups and increasing regulatory compliance. This divergence presents strategic implications for suppliers, who must tailor their product offerings and market entry strategies to address both the sophisticated demands of mature markets and the foundational safety needs of rapidly industrializing economies. Strategic partnerships and localized manufacturing will be key to capturing growth in these diverse regional landscapes.
Competitive Insights & Leading Companies
The Gas Detection Equipment competitive landscape is characterized by a moderately consolidated structure, featuring a mix of established global players and specialized regional manufacturers. Key companies such as Honeywell International Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Siemens hold significant market shares, leveraging their extensive product portfolios, robust R&D capabilities, and global distribution networks. These industry leaders often compete on the basis of technological innovation, product reliability, and comprehensive service offerings. Mid-sized companies and niche players, including AirTest Technologies Inc. and Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd., carve out their market positions by specializing in specific technologies or catering to particular end-use segments, such as environmental monitoring or advanced optical detection. Competition is intense, driven by continuous innovation in sensor technology, the integration of IoT and AI, and the increasing demand for predictive analytics in safety systems. Pricing strategies vary widely, from premium offerings for highly specialized, high-performance detectors to more cost-effective solutions for general industrial applications. Distribution channels are diverse, encompassing direct sales, third-party distributors, and online platforms, allowing companies to reach a broad customer base. Moreover, securing regulatory approvals and certifications, such as ATEX and IECEx, is a critical competitive lever, particularly for equipment used in hazardous environments, ensuring compliance and building customer trust.
Companies in the Gas Detection Equipment market employ various strategies to maintain and expand their competitive advantage. Mergers and acquisitions are common, allowing larger players to consolidate market share, acquire new technologies, or expand their geographical reach, while smaller firms gain access to broader resources and distribution. Product launches, particularly those featuring enhanced connectivity, miniaturization, and improved accuracy, are frequent, reflecting the industry's focus on innovation. Strategic partnerships and collaborations are also vital for developing integrated solutions and addressing complex client requirements, especially in the realm of smart factory and smart city initiatives. For instance, partnerships with software providers for advanced data analytics or with system integrators for comprehensive safety management systems are increasingly prevalent. Differentiation is achieved through superior sensor technology, extended battery life for portable devices, user-friendly interfaces, and robust post-sales support and calibration services. Companies also focus on channel strength, building strong relationships with distributors and end-users to ensure efficient market penetration. However, the market faces challenges such as margin pressure due to intense competition and the need for continuous investment in R&D. Compliance costs for evolving safety standards and the risk of commoditization for basic detection units also pose significant hurdles. Supply chain risks, particularly for specialized components, can impact production and delivery timelines, requiring robust procurement strategies and diversification of suppliers to mitigate potential disruptions.
Gas Detection Equipment Key Companies
- ABB Ltd
- AirTest Technologies Inc
- Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
- Fluke Corporation
- General Electric Company
- Honeywell International Inc
- Lynred
- Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc
- Siemens
Gas Detection Equipment Market Ecosystem
Ecosystem Participants
- Manufacturers of Gas Detection Equipment — These entities design, develop, and produce a wide range of fixed and portable gas detectors, including various sensor technologies. They are responsible for innovation, quality control, and ensuring compliance with international safety standards, forming the core of the market's supply side.
- Their operational responsibilities extend to sourcing raw materials, conducting R&D for new sensor types and integration capabilities, and overseeing the assembly and testing of final products. They also manage intricate supply chains for specialized components, facing risks related to component availability and cost fluctuations.
- Component and Sensor Suppliers — These companies provide the critical electronic components, specialized sensors (e.g., catalytic beads, electrochemical cells, infrared emitters), and microprocessors that are essential for the functionality and accuracy of gas detection devices. Their expertise is vital for enabling technological advancements.
- They often collaborate closely with equipment manufacturers to develop custom sensor solutions and integrate new detection principles. The quality and reliability of their components directly impact the performance and certification of the final gas detection equipment.
- Distributors and Channel Partners — These intermediaries play a crucial role in the market by bridging the gap between manufacturers and end-users. They handle sales, marketing, logistics, and often provide local technical support and training for the equipment. Their extensive networks ensure broad market reach and efficient product delivery.
- Distributors also often offer value-added services such as system integration, installation, and initial calibration, acting as a crucial touchpoint for customer engagement and market feedback. Their ability to manage inventory and provide timely delivery is critical for customer satisfaction.
- System Integrators and Installers — Specializing in designing and implementing complete gas detection systems, these participants integrate various devices, control panels, and software into comprehensive safety infrastructures for industrial and commercial clients. They ensure seamless operation and adherence to site-specific safety protocols.
- They are responsible for the complex task of integrating diverse equipment from multiple vendors, configuring communication networks, and ensuring that the entire system functions as a cohesive unit. Their role is critical in customizing solutions for unique operational environments.
- End-Users (Industrial, Commercial, Residential) — These are the ultimate consumers of gas detection equipment, spanning sectors like oil & gas, chemicals, mining, manufacturing, commercial buildings, healthcare, and residential properties. Their demand drives market innovation and product development.
- End-users are primarily concerned with ensuring workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and protecting assets from gas hazards. Their feedback on usability, reliability, and maintenance requirements directly influences future product iterations and service offerings.
- Regulatory Bodies and Certification Agencies — Government agencies and independent certification bodies establish and enforce safety standards, guidelines, and certification requirements for gas detection equipment and its use in hazardous environments. They ensure product safety, performance, and reliability.
- Their role includes defining acceptable gas concentration limits, specifying equipment testing procedures, and issuing certifications (e.g., ATEX, IECEx) that are mandatory for market entry and operation in many regions. Compliance with these bodies is non-negotiable for manufacturers.
- Maintenance and Calibration Service Providers — These specialized firms offer ongoing maintenance, repair, and calibration services for installed gas detection systems. Regular calibration is critical to ensure the accuracy and reliability of detectors over their operational lifespan, directly impacting safety.
- They provide essential post-installation support, ensuring that equipment remains operational and compliant with performance specifications. Their services help extend the lifespan of devices and prevent costly downtime due to inaccurate readings or malfunctions.
Report Coverage & Key Deliverables
The report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the Gas Detection Equipment, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights. This exhaustive study offers an in-depth exploration of the market's current state, historical performance, and future growth trajectories, providing decision-makers with critical intelligence to navigate the evolving landscape. It serves as a vital resource for stakeholders seeking to understand market dynamics, identify growth opportunities, and formulate strategic business plans. The scope of this report encompasses a detailed examination of market size, growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, along with a thorough analysis of segmentation across various product types, technologies, and end-use industries. Furthermore, it provides granular regional and country-level insights, highlighting key trends and regulatory impacts that shape market development. The competitive landscape section offers a strategic overview of key players, their strategies, and market positioning, enabling businesses to benchmark their performance and identify potential partnerships or competitive threats. Ultimately, this report is designed to empower businesses with actionable insights, facilitating informed decision-making and sustainable growth in the global Gas Detection Equipment market.
Report Coverage
- Market Size Estimates (historical and forecast)
- The report provides detailed market size estimations, beginning with historical data from 2021 and extending through a comprehensive forecast period up to 2033. These estimates are derived using a robust methodology that combines primary research (interviews with industry experts) and secondary research (company reports, industry databases, and government publications), ensuring accuracy and reliability for strategic planning.
- Detailed Segmentation And Revenue Analysis
- A granular breakdown of the market by product type (fixed, portable), technology (catalytic, electrochemical, infrared, etc.), and end-use industry (oil & gas, chemical, manufacturing, etc.) is included. Each segment's revenue contribution and growth prospects are thoroughly analyzed, offering insights into high-potential areas and emerging trends for targeted investment and product development strategies.
- Regional And Country-Level Insights
- The study offers in-depth analysis across major geographies including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, with specific country-level data for key markets. This regional perspective allows businesses to understand market maturity, regulatory environments, and unique growth drivers in different parts of the world, aiding in localized market penetration strategies.
- Competitive Benchmarking Of Key Players
- A comprehensive assessment of the competitive landscape, profiling leading companies based on their product portfolios, strategic initiatives, market share, and regional presence. This section provides critical intelligence for understanding competitive dynamics, identifying key success factors, and evaluating potential M&A opportunities or competitive threats within the industry.
- Customization Options Based on Specific Requirements
- Recognizing diverse client needs, the report offers extensive customization options. Clients can request specific segment breakdowns, deeper country-level analysis, inclusion of additional companies, or a more focused analysis on particular technologies or applications, ensuring the report precisely addresses their unique research objectives and business requirements.
Recent Industry Insights
The Gas Detection Equipment industry has witnessed several significant developments over the past 12-18 months, reflecting a dynamic period of innovation and strategic recalibration. A key trend has been the accelerated integration of IoT and AI capabilities into gas detection systems, enhancing predictive maintenance and remote monitoring. Companies are increasingly forging partnerships with software and connectivity providers to offer comprehensive safety solutions. Regulatory bodies globally have also continued to tighten safety standards, particularly in high-risk sectors like oil & gas and manufacturing, driving demand for advanced and compliant equipment. There has been a notable emphasis on developing portable, multi-gas detectors with extended battery life and improved user interfaces, catering to the growing need for personal safety in diverse work environments. Furthermore, investments in R&D are focused on creating more selective and sensitive sensors capable of detecting a wider range of hazardous gases, indicating the Gas Detection Equipment industry trends are moving towards smarter, more integrated safety ecosystems.
Key Market Developments
- October 2024: Honeywell International Inc. launched a new line of connected portable gas detectors, integrating cloud-based data analytics for real-time safety monitoring in industrial environments.
- August 2024: Siemens announced a strategic partnership with a leading AI software company to enhance its fixed gas detection systems with advanced anomaly detection capabilities, reducing false alarms.
- May 2024: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. acquired a smaller sensor technology firm, expanding its portfolio of specialized gas detection solutions for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
- February 2024: The European Union introduced updated directives for occupational exposure limits to certain toxic gases, prompting industries across Germany and France to upgrade their existing detection infrastructure.
- November 2023: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated unveiled a new laser-based gas detection system offering ultra-fast and highly specific detection of methane over long distances, targeting the oil and gas industry.
- September 2023: ABB Ltd expanded its manufacturing capacity for gas analyzers in Asia Pacific to meet the surging demand from industrialization projects in China and India.
Analyst Opinion
The Gas Detection Equipment market is poised for sustained growth, driven by an unwavering global focus on industrial safety and environmental protection. Analysts view the market as highly attractive, underpinned by increasing regulatory mandates and the continuous expansion of high-risk industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, and manufacturing. The competitive intensity is moderately high, with leading players continually innovating to offer more accurate, reliable, and integrated solutions. While the demand-supply balance currently appears robust, driven by steady industrial adoption, specialized sensor components can face supply chain pressures. The market benefits from a strong imperative for safety, making gas detection equipment a non-discretionary investment for many organizations. Furthermore, the rising integration of IoT, AI, and cloud connectivity into these devices is transforming them from standalone safety tools into integral components of broader smart safety and operational intelligence systems. This evolution is expected to unlock new revenue streams and applications, reinforcing the positive Gas Detection Equipment market outlook for the foreseeable future.
The long-term outlook for the Gas Detection Equipment market remains exceptionally positive, characterized by ongoing technological advancements and expanding application areas. The innovation landscape is vibrant, with significant R&D efforts directed towards developing miniaturized, highly sensitive, and selective sensors, as well as enhancing data analytics and predictive capabilities. This will lead to more proactive hazard mitigation and reduced operational downtime. Key risk factors, however, include the high capital expenditure required for advanced systems, which can deter smaller enterprises, and the complexity of maintaining and calibrating sophisticated equipment. Furthermore, intense price competition, particularly in mature segments, could pressure profit margins. Geopolitical instabilities and global economic fluctuations might also impact industrial investment, indirectly affecting market growth. Despite these challenges, the fundamental need for safety, combined with the continuous drive for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, ensures a resilient market. Strategic investments in R&D, diversification of product portfolios, and strong channel partnerships will be crucial for companies to capitalize on the sustained growth trajectory and navigate potential headwinds effectively in this critical industry.