EXHIBIT (23)(a)

                      CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our
report dated February 6, 1995 (except with respect to the matter
discussed in Note 6, as to which the date is March 2, 1995)
included and incorporated by reference in CBI Industries, Inc.'s
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 and to all
references to our Firm included in this registration statement.


                                   /S/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Chicago, Illinois,
March 30, 1995