Agriculture News Releases

Air Products Announces Intent to Spin-Off Materials Technologies Business

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 00:00:00 -0400

Board of Directors Approves Move Consistent With Strategic Five-Point Plan
Enables leading and focused Industrial Gas and Materials Technologies companies to leverage critical competencies
Seifi Ghasemi to be non-executive chairman and Guillermo Novo to be CEO of the new company
Conference call on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. ET

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the intention to fully separate its Materials Technologies business via a tax-free spin-off to its shareholders. The targeted completion of the Materials Technologies spin-off is before September 2016, subject to typical regulatory approvals. Air Products will hold a conference call on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the spin-off (details below).

“I am very pleased that our Board of Directors has approved this strategic move. This separation will provide shareholders ownership in two leading and focused companies while providing the opportunity to value our Industrial Gases and Materials Technologies businesses independently. We believe a tax-free spin-off of the Materials Technologies business will create significant shareholder value,” said Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at Air Products.

This strategic decision will allow Air Products’ Industrial Gases and the Materials Technologies businesses to leverage their respective critical competencies and enhance their competitive positions. The Company believes the result of the spin-off will be two best-in-class public companies with distinct business models, capital requirements and growth profiles. The spin-off decision was made after an extensive review examining the strategic options for the Materials Technologies business by Air Products’ Board of Directors and management.

“The intent to separate is consistent with our management philosophy and the five-point plan we have discussed on many occasions over the past year and emphasized at our Investor Conference. It will allow us to take another step in pursuit of our ultimate goal, to become the safest and most profitable industrial gas company in the world, providing excellent service to our customers,” said Ghasemi.

“The timing for this action is excellent and we look forward to the opportunity to operate as a stand-alone company focused on specialty materials. We already have a portfolio of world-class businesses with leading positions and sustainable competitive advantages in attractive niche markets. Our management team has demonstrated the ability to innovate, improve our underlying performance and rapidly respond to changing market dynamics to deliver profitable growth,” said Guillermo Novo, executive vice president – Materials Technologies.

Novo will be CEO of the yet-to-be-named company at the completion of the spin-off. Ghasemi will be the non-executive chairman of the new company, while maintaining his current roles as chairman, president and CEO of Air Products.

Conference Call Details:
The teleconference on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. ET will be open to the public and the media in listen-only mode by telephone and Internet broadcast.

Live teleconference: 719-325-4751
Passcode: 4483419
Internet broadcast: Available on the Event Details page on Air Products’ Investor Relations web site.

Telephone replay: 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820 (international)
Passcode: 4483419
This will be available from 1:00 p.m. ET on September 17 through 12:00 p.m. ET on September 24.
Internet replay: Available on the Event Details page on Air Products’ Investor Relations web site.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a leading industrial gases company. For nearly 75 years, the company has provided atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and related equipment to manufacturing markets including metals, food and beverage, refining and petrochemical, and natural gas liquefaction. Air Products’ materials technologies segment serves the semiconductor, polyurethanes, cleaning and coatings, and adhesives industries. Over 20,000 employees in 50 countries are working to make Air Products the world’s safest and best performing industrial gases company, providing sustainable offerings and excellent service to all customers. In fiscal 2014, Air Products had sales of $10.4 billion and was ranked number 276 on the Fortune 500 annual list of public companies. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including statements about the Company’s plans for completion of the spin-off, the expected benefits of the spin-off, the tax free nature of the spin off, the prospects for the independent companies following the spin-off and the timing of the transaction. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including, without limitation, our ability to obtain regulatory approvals, our ability to fully realize the anticipated benefits of the spin-off, negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the proposed spin-off on the market price of the company’s common stock, significant transaction costs and or unknown liabilities, general economic and business conditions that affect the companies in connection with the proposed spin-off, changes in capital market conditions, future opportunities that the company’s board may determine present greater potential to increase shareholder value, the ability of our companies to operate independently following the spin-off; and other risk factors described in the Company's Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document to reflect any change in assumptions, beliefs or expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances upon which any such forward-looking statements are based.

Carburos Metálicos cede una instalación de fertilización por riego en Tarragona

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:00:00 -0400

La comunidad de regantes de La Sequieta es la beneficiaria de este proyecto, que ha contado con una inversión total de 120.000 euros por parte de la compañía gasista
El agua amoniacal, subproducto no tóxico generado en la producción de protóxido de nitrógeno de la planta de La Pobla de Mafumet, se reutilizará como fertilizante agrícola

Este mediodía se han presentado en La Pobla de Mafumet (Tarragona) las nuevas instalaciones de fertirrigación de la comunidad de regantes de La Sequieta. El proyecto es fruto del acuerdo, firmado hoy, entre Carburos Metálicos y los regantes locales en función del cual la compañía, líder en el sector de los gases industriales, pone a disposición de los agricultores de la zona de manera gratuita el agua amoniacal generada en la actividad productiva de la planta de La Pobla de Mafumet, con el fin de contribuir a abonar los campos de cultivo del término municipal.

En concreto, el proyecto de fertilización por riego consiste en la instalación de una balsa, a 300 metros de la planta de producción de La Pobla, con una capacidad de almacenamiento de 1.500 m3 de solución gracias a la cual los agricultores obtendrán los abonos nitrogenados para sus campos de cultivo. También se ha instalado un depósito regulador de 60 m3, un depósito dosificador de la solución de 7 m3 de capacidad y elementos de interconexión y control entre los depósitos, la balsa y la estación de bombeo.

Asimismo, el acuerdo prevé el establecimiento de las características de la solución empleada, rica en nitrógeno, según las necesidades de fertilización de los campos de la zona. Además, en línea con la importancia que Carburos Metálicos otorga a la seguridad, se creará un procedimiento de envío de producto y un protocolo de fertirrigación, se realizarán análisis mensuales y semestrales de los componentes de la solución almacenada y se instalarán dos puntos de muestreo autorizados por la Agencia Catalana del Agua.

A la presentación han asistido el director de los servicios territoriales de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Natural de la Generalitat, Anton Ballvé, la responsable del servicio de Salud de Tarragona, Carme Coll, los alcaldes de La Pobla de Mafumet, Joan Maria Sardà, de El Morell, Pere Guinovart, y de Perafort, Joan Martí Pla i Pla, el presidente de la Comunidad de Regantes de La Sequieta, Joan Gasull, el director general de Carburos Metálicos, Francesco Maione, el director de operaciones de la compañía, José Luis Méndez, el director de Relaciones Institucionales, Román Trias, y el director de la planta de La Pobla, Víctor Cano.

Beneficios del agua amoniacal en la agricultura
Los beneficios del agua amoniacal como fertilizante agrícola se basan en el aumento que produce de los niveles de nitrógeno en la tierra, lo que conlleva un mayor grado de nutrientes. Además, el uso de agua amoniacal ayuda a preservar la fertilidad natural del suelo y evitar su empobrecimiento. Asimismo, su uso evita la lixiviación de sustancias potencialmente tóxicas para las aguas freáticas.

El agua amoniacal es un subproducto no tóxico generado en la producción de protóxido de nitrógeno que Carburos Metálicos lleva a cabo en La Pobla de Mafumet. Anteriormente, la valorización del agua amoniacal de la planta se realizaba a través de empresas de fabricación de fertilizantes destinados a la agricultura de la Comunidad Valenciana. Las nuevas instalaciones evitarán el transporte por carretera del agua amoniacal para su recuperación, lo que contribuirá a reducir la huella de carbono que hasta ahora se derivaba de esta actividad.

Compromiso con la sostenibilidad
Para Carburos Metálicos sostenibilidad es sinónimo de compromiso con el entorno. El proyecto de fertirrigación en beneficio de la comunidad de regantes de La Sequieta, que ha contado con una inversión total de 120.000 euros por parte de la compañía, se enmarca dentro de esta filosofía orientada a ofrecer soluciones sostenibles desde la proximidad y la eficiencia, entendida tanto a nivel energético y medioambiental como a nivel de operativa industrial y productividad. En este sentido, Francesco Maione, director general de Carburos Metálicos, ha destacado: "esta iniciativa plasma el estrecho vínculo de Carburos Metálicos con el área de Tarragona y nuestra apuesta por la sostenibilidad, nuestro compromiso desinteresado con la comunidad local, el respeto medioambiental y la búsqueda de una mayor eficiencia de nuestra actividad".

Carburos Metálicos, más de 50 años en Tarragona
Con origen industrial en el área de Tarragona en 1958, Carburos Metálicos cuenta actualmente con cinco plantas en la zona, que tienen una capacidad de producción total superior a las 2.500 toneladas por día. Están situadas en las localidades de La Pobla de Mafumet, El Morell, La Canonja y Vilaseca. En La Pobla de Mafumet la compañía tiene dos plantas de producción. La primera, inaugurada en 2002, produce protóxido de nitrógeno y dióxido de carbono, entre otros gases. La otra planta produce hidrógeno de tecnología SMR de gran capacidad (HYCO); se trata de la única planta de hidrógeno en Catalunya y una de las mayores de la Península Ibérica.

El negocio de Carburos Metálicos en el área de Tarragona tiene una orientación 100% local, en línea con el compromiso de la compañía con el desarrollo de la industria y las comunidades donde se encuentran sus instalaciones. Carburos Metálicos se ha involucrado en distintos proyectos e iniciativas de la zona dirigidas tanto a su equipo humano como a su entorno más próximo, y está de igual modo presente en organizaciones de referencia, como la AEQT.

Sobre Carburos Metálicos
Carburos Metálicos es una compañía líder en el sector de gases industriales y medicinales que produce, distribuye y vende gases para múltiples sectores: metalurgia, vidrio, aguas, alimentación, medicinal, energía, petroquímica, laboratorios, congelación, refrigeración, enología, ocio y bebidas. La compañía aporta una amplia gama de productos, soluciones y servicios a sus clientes, así como materiales y equipos destinados a las aplicaciones de estos gases.

Fundada en 1897, Carburos Metálicos cuenta con más de 118 años de servicio a la industria de nuestro país y siempre ha mantenido un fuerte vínculo con la sociedad. Actualmente, es líder en el sector de gases industriales y medicinales en España y un referente en el sector químico en temas de seguridad, innovación y sostenibilidad.

Carburos Metálicos cuenta con un equipo de más de 600 profesionales en España, una capacidad diaria de producción de más de 1200 toneladas de gas licuado (mtpd), 13 plantas de producción, 12 plantas de envasado, 2 laboratorios de gases de alta pureza y un centro de I+D ubicado en Bellaterra (Barcelona) que dan servicio a más de 100.000 clientes. Desde 1995, la compañía pertenece al grupo norteamericano Air Products, grupo global que cuenta con 20.000 empleados en más de 50 países y que presta servicio a clientes en todo el mundo, ofreciendo además de gases, materiales de alto rendimiento e intermedios químicos. Para más información www.carburos.com.

Sobre el grupo Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) es una compañía de gases industriales. Durante cerca de 75 años, la compañía ha suministrado gases atmosféricos, manufacturados y especializados, así como equipamiento a mercados de manufacturas como metales, alimentos y bebidas, refinos, petroquímicos y gas natural licuado. Los materiales y la tecnología de Air Products se emplea en diferentes sectores como semiconductores, poliuretanos, recubrimientos y adhesivos. Más de 20.000 trabajadores en 50 países trabajan para convertir a Air Products en la mejor compañía de gases industriales del mundo gracias a una oferta sostenible y a un excelente servicio al cliente. En el año fiscal 2014, Air Products obtuvo unos ingresos de 10.400 millones de dólares y alcanzó el puesto 276 en la lista anual de 500 compañías públicas de la revista Fortune. Para más información www.airproducts.com.

Los principales retos de la acuicultura en el desarrollo de la agroindustria, eje central de la conferencia impartida en MATGAS por el Dr. Lluis Tort

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0500

La ponencia, enmarcada en la serie de seminarios organizados periódicamente por MATGAS, se centró en la importancia de la producción sostenible de pescado y marisco

El Profesor Lluis Tort, biólogo español de reconocido prestigio internacional, especializado en Fisiología Animal, Biología Celular e Inmunología, ha participado recientemente en la última conferencia organizada por MATGAS, centro de referencia internacional en la investigación de procesos y productos sostenibles.

En esta ocasión, el Dr. Tort centró su intervención en los importantes retos que debe afrontar la acuicultura, fruto de los continuos cambios que experimenta la sociedad en sus hábitos de consumo alimentario. Es una realidad que la acuicultura es una de las áreas de la agroindustria que está creciendo más a nivel mundial debido tanto al elevado consumo de productos marinos en Asia, como a una mayor concienciación sobre los beneficios que ofrece el pescado como fuente saludable de proteínas.

“La evolución de nuestros hábitos en alimentación ha traído nuevos retos en el ámbito de la biología animal. En este sentido cabe citar el logro de las mejores condiciones para que las larvas de los peces tengan un mayor índice de supervivencia, la mejora de las tecnologías para que el crecimiento del marisco y los peces sea más rápido, o el desarrollo métodos de anestesia menos nocivos, ejemplos que llevan la aplicación de la investigación en este campo a la mejora de la calidad de vida”, ha afirmado el Dr. Tort.

El Dr. Lluis Tort es profesor de Fisiología en el departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología en la Universidad Auntónoma de Barcelona, donde también es Vicerector de Proyectos Estratégicos.

Por su parte, en palabras de la Dra. Lourdes Vega, directora de MATGAS, directora de I+D de Carburos Metálicos y manager global de tecnología en agroalimentación, tratamiento de aguas y aplicaciones de CO2, “La participación de un científico de reconocimiento internacional como el Dr. Tort en nuestro ciclo de seminarios es honor para nosotros ya que sus investigaciones y experiencia son de gran interés para algunos de los proyectos que desarrollamos en MATGAS y en Carburos Metálicos, centrados especialmente en sectores como la agricultura y la alimentación.”

Sobre MATGAS
MATGAS, centro de excelencia en CO2 y sostenibilidad, es una agrupación surgida como alianza estratégica entre la empresa Carburos Metálicos, del grupo Air Products, el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Fundado en 2001 y situado en el campus de la UAB, MATGAS es un centro puntero en el desarrollo de procesos y productos sostenibles, enfocado en tratamiento de aguas, agro-alimentación y conservación de alimentos, usos sostenibles del CO2 y otros temas relacionados con energía y procesos sostenibles. Para más información sobre MATGAS visite: www.matgas.org.

Sobre Carburos Metálicos
Carburos Metálicos es una compañía líder en el sector de gases industriales y medicinales que produce, distribuye y vende gases para múltiples sectores: metalurgia, vidrio, aguas, alimentación, medicinal, energía, petroquímica, laboratorios, congelación, refrigeración, enología, ocio y bebidas. La compañía aporta una amplia gama de productos, soluciones y servicios a sus clientes, así como materiales y equipos destinados a las aplicaciones de estos gases.

Fundada en 1897, Carburos Metálicos cuenta con más de 117 años de servicio a la industria de nuestro país y siempre ha mantenido un fuerte vínculo con la sociedad. Actualmente, la compañía cuenta con un equipo de más de 700 profesionales en España, una capacidad de producción de más de 1000 toneladas de gas licuado cada día (mtpd), 13 plantas de producción, 12 plantas de envasado, 2 laboratorios de gases de alta pureza, y un centro de I+D ubicado en Bellaterra (Barcelona), que desde 2014 tiene responsabilidades mundiales dentro del grupo Air Products en las áreas de agricultura, alimentación, tratamiento de aguas y aplicaciones de CO2.

Además, es la única compañía gasista que da cobertura a todo el territorio español, a través de una red de 160 distribuidores que aportan flexibilidad y cercanía y que le permiten servir a más de 100.000 clientes.

Desde 1995, pertenece al grupo norteamericano Air Products, hecho que le añade el potencial y la visión de un grupo global que cuenta con 21.000 empleados en más de 50 países y que presta servicio a clientes en todo el mundo, ofreciendo además de gases, materiales de alto rendimiento e intermedios químicos. Para más información sobre Carburos Metálicos visite www.carburos.com.

Para más información:
Burson-Marsteller
93.201.10.28
Alberto Jiménez
Marta González

Air Products to Feature Advanced Gas Technologies for Chemical Applications at Specialty & Agro Chemicals America

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) will feature its range of advanced gas technologies and services for a variety of chemical applications at Specialty & Agro Chemicals America 2014 in Charleston, S.C., from September 8-10.

Conference attendees are invited to stop by booth 98 to speak with knowledgeable Air Products engineers about their specific process challenges. With decades of gas applications experience and know-how, Air Products’ R&D and technical support teams take a total solutions approach to help chemical manufacturers improve their process efficiency, safety, and economics. Air Products offers a range of technical solutions for many gas applications, including liquid nitrogen technologies for reaction/process cooling, cryogenic grinding, pelletizing, solvent/VOC recovery, and flash freezing; gaseous nitrogen systems for blanketing, inerting, and purging; hydrogen and oxygen offerings for reactive chemistries; and many more. The company’s industrial gases are available in a variety of supply options to efficiently and cost-effectively match the requirements of both small- and large-volume users.

Air Products’ marketing and applications development manager, Svetlana Ivanova, Ph.D., will discuss the company’s offerings and technical capabilities during a Supplier Showcase session to be held at Emerald Three on September 8 at 1:50 p.m.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. Recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies by both Thomson Reuters and Forbes magazine, more than 21,000 employees in over 50 countries supply effective solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2013, Air Products had sales of $10.2 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

Air Products Signs Distributor Agreement with TechnoGas in Kuwait

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 00:00:00 -0400

Today Air Products (NYSE: APD) announced it has signed a distributor agreement with the Kuwaiti company TechnoGas.

Air Products has been offering ultrahigh-purity gases (UHP), calibration mixtures, process chemicals and equipment to customers globally for over 40 years. By signing an agreement with TechnoGas, the company now has an important distribution network in Kuwait allowing it to expand its speciality gas and equipment activities in the State.

Through the company’s tonnage business, Air Products has been doing business in the Middle East for more than 50 years, with offices in Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. A provider of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cryogenic technology to Oman and the rest of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Air Products has built, owned, and operated several air separation units and hydrogen production plants throughout the Middle East region.

Air Products Middle East was formed in 1990 and is a 100% owned subsidiary of Air Products. It operates a helium and cylinder gas filling and distribution facility, as well as a specialty gases center in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, UAE and distributes its helium and its specialty gases to over 20 countries throughout the GCC and wider Middle Eastern region.

“This distribution agreement provides us with entry to the speciality gas and equipment market in Kuwait by working with a trusted local company in TechnoGas,” commented Simon Little, General Manager, Merchant Gases at Air Products (Middle East) FZE. “Air Products’ business also compliments TechnoGas’ existing portfolio of products perfectly.”

Mr Adnan Al-Rashed commented on the agreement saying: “This Agreement is the result of strenuous efforts and intensive communication and has been carefully evaluated between us and Air Products. The importance of this agreement comes from the regulation and supervision of the distribution of high-quality specialty gases used for calibration purposes with all the required equipment such as control valves along with high-purity industrial gases.

Al-Rashed went on: “There are multiple uses of industrial gases such as in medical laboratories, universities, medical applications, oil and gas, science and agriculture”. Al-Rashed concluded: “This agreement comes during the third Oil and Gas Convention in Kuwait, where we are continuously seeking to achieve such agreements which supplement the industry and the national economy and add new services to the company which is always striving to expand and improve the service for our clients year after year”

EDITOR’S NOTE:

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. Recognized as one of the world’s most innovative companies by both Thomson Reuters and Forbes magazine, more than 21,000 employees in over 50 countries supply effective solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2013, Air Products had sales of $10.2 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About TechnoGas
Technology Industrial Gases Production Co. (TechnoGAS) is a Closed Kuwaiti Share Holding Company with a share capital of 7 Million KWD, established in Kuwait. TechnoGAS has its head office in Fahaheel and factory site at the Shuaiba Industrial Area, Kuwait. Shortly, TechnoGAS will be operating their Air Separation Unit at a production capacity of 120 tons/day. To understand the cylinder market, TechnoGAS had started the distribution of different kinds of industrial gases which is filled locally or abroad. To avail customer requirements of calibration cylinders, TechnoGAS have signed a Mutual Distributor Agreement with Air Products Middle East (Jebel Ali Group) to distribute High Purity and Specialty Gases for the Kuwaiti markets and for the Iraqi market in the near future.

TechnoGAS aims to be one of the leading Industrial Gases Production Company in the region and to provide high quality of high purity and specialty gases by the signing of the Mutual Distributor Agreement with Air Products," commented Adnan Al-Rashed, Chairman of TechnoGAS.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company’s Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.

El grupo Air Products integra Barcelona a su red de centros de I+D de referencia a nivel mundial

Wed, 07 May 2014 00:00:00 -0400

El centro de excelencia de Bellaterra (Barcelona) se convierte en un referente global en las áreas de agricultura, alimentación, tratamiento de aguas y aplicaciones de CO2, áreas en las que pasará a desarrollar proyectos industriales que luego se implementarán en todo el mundo
Hay 6 centros de investigación principales del grupo Air Products a nivel mundial, 2 de ellos en Europa

La compañía Air Products, de la cual forma parte la filial española Carburos Metálicos, ha anunciado esta mañana que su centro de investigación situado en Bellaterra, en Barcelona, asumirá responsabilidades mundiales en tres áreas estratégicas para la compañía: agricultura-alimentación, tratamiento de aguas y aplicaciones de CO2. El centro de Barcelona pasa a ser el sexto en adherirse a la red mundial de I+D de Air Products, el segundo a nivel europeo.

Este anuncio supone un importante reconocimiento al centro de excelencia de Air Products en Barcelona como único referente mundial de la multinacional en estas tres áreas de gran importancia para la compañía. Air Products apuesta por este centro siguiendo los tres vértices del triángulo de la innovación de éxito: inversión, talento y cultura de innovación, condiciones que se dan en el centro de Barcelona.

Mediante estas nuevas competencias, la multinacional gasista reconoce la trayectoria de más de 25 años de su centro de excelencia y de su equipo investigador. La apuesta en I+D en su centro de Barcelona se remonta a mediados de los años ochenta, cuando Carburos Metálicos inició sus labores de investigación en España.

La designación comportará también la consolidación del equipo investigador de Barcelona, actualmente formado por 35 personas, a la vez que también prevé la creación de nuevos puestos de trabajo de alto valor añadido en investigación. De hecho, desde enero de 2014 ya se han incorporado cinco nuevos investigadores.

En relación a la designación del centro de Barcelona, Francesco Maione, director general de Carburos Metálicos, ha afirmado: “integrar la red mundial de I+D de Air Products supone un importante reconocimiento a la labor realizada por nuestro equipo de investigadores en los últimos años, que ha sido capaz no solo de desarrollar soluciones industriales en los tres campos sino también de garantizar posteriormente su aplicación práctica en el ámbito industrial, siendo así coherentes con la filosofía práctica de nuestra I+D. Ello ha permitido que Carburos Metálicos pueda aportar soluciones de valor añadido a sus clientes en nuestro país”.

Carburos Metálicos no sólo cuenta con un equipo de investigadores propios de prestigio, sino que además busca alianzas estratégicas con expertos en las áreas de investigación en las que trabaja, aumentando así su capacidad de desarrollo. Así, en 2001, la compañía se unió a dos socios estratégicos, el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) y la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona para formar MATGAS, centro de excelencia en CO2 y sostenibilidad. Carburos Metálicos colabora también con el IRTA desde 1996, centro de referencia en tecnologías agroalimentarias, firmando una alianza en 2013 para desarrollar y llevar al mercado tecnologías en estos campos.

Inversión y tipo de I+D
Por otra parte, las nuevas responsabilidades asumidas comportarán también una mayor dotación de recursos para el centro de excelencia de Bellaterra. Concretamente, la compañía prevé invertir más en el futuro en proyectos de investigación, aunque la cifra concreta podrá variar cada año dependiendo de los proyectos de investigación que se lleven a cabo y de su posterior aplicación industrial.

Según ha explicado Declan Weldon, director global de Tecnología de Air Products, la compañía invirtió 133,7 millones de dólares en I+D en su último año fiscal. Además, Weldon ha añadido que “a partir de ahora el grupo Air Products prevé financiar la inversión necesaria para que nuestro centro de Barcelona pueda seguir aportando soluciones de valor añadido a nuestros clientes de agroalimentación, aguas y CO2 no solo en España sino también de todo el mundo”.

Declan Weldon ha expuesto también que, “con las nuevas responsabilidades globales, el centro de excelencia situado en España pasa a integrarse en una red mundial de 6 centros de investigación principales, siendo uno de los dos en Europa junto con el que tenemos actualmente en Basingstoke, en el Reino Unido. Este hecho demuestra que España, país en el que estamos representados por Carburos Metálicos, es un mercado importante para el grupo Air Products y las nuevas responsabilidades globales de nuestro centro de excelencia de Barcelona contribuirá a que así siga siendo”.

Por su parte, la Dra. Lourdes Vega, directora de I+D de Carburos Metálicos y manager global de tecnología en agro-alimentación, tratamiento de aguas y aplicaciones de CO2, ha dado a conocer algunos de los proyectos más importantes en los que se centra actualmente su equipo de investigadores y ha explicado cómo gracias al esfuerzo y a la confianza que Air Products ha depositado en el equipo investigador se han logrado importantes resultados. Vega ha explicado también que se prevé que, gracias a las nuevas responsabilidades, el centro se pueda llevar a cabo una media de 25 proyectos anuales de investigación en el ámbito de la agricultura, la alimentación, las aplicaciones de CO2 y el tratamiento de aguas.

La Dra. Lourdes Vega ha sido galardonada recientemente con el Premio Nacional de Física 2013 en la categoría de Física, Innovación y Tecnología otorgado por la Real Sociedad Española de Física (RSEF) y la Fundación BBVA, distinción que ha reconocido su capacidad por haber trasladado la física a aplicaciones del ámbito industrial y también su labor al frente del equipo investigador de Carburos Metálicos / grupo Air Products.

Sobre Carburos Metálicos
Carburos Metálicos es una compañía líder en el sector de gases industriales y medicinales que produce, distribuye y vende gases para múltiples sectores: metalurgia, vidrio, aguas, alimentación, medicinal, energía, petroquímica, laboratorios, congelación, refrigeración, enología, ocio y bebidas. La compañía aporta una amplia gama de productos, soluciones y servicios a sus clientes, así como materiales y equipos destinados a las aplicaciones de estos gases.

Fundada en 1897, Carburos Metálicos cuenta con más de 117 años de servicio a la industria de nuestro país y siempre ha mantenido un fuerte vínculo con la sociedad. Actualmente, la compañía cuenta con un equipo de más de 700 profesionales en España, una capacidad de producción de más de 1000 toneladas de gas licuado cada día (mtpd), 6 plantas de producción, 12 plantas de envasado, 2 laboratorios de gases de alta pureza, y un centro de I+D ubicado en Bellaterra (Barcelona).

Además, es la única compañía gasista que da cobertura a todo el territorio español, a través de una red de 160 distribuidores que aportan flexibilidad y cercanía y que le permiten servir a más de 100.000 clientes.

Desde 1995, pertenece al grupo norteamericano Air Products, hecho que le añade el potencial y la visión de un grupo global que cuenta con 21.000 empleados en más de 50 países y que presta servicio a clientes en todo el mundo, ofreciendo además de gases, materiales de alto rendimiento e intermedios químicos. Para más información sobre Carburos Metálicos visite www.carburos.com.

Sobre Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) suministra gases atmosféricos, procesados y especiales; materiales de alto rendimiento; equipamiento y tecnología. Durante más de 70 años, la compañía ha permitido a sus clientes ser más productivos, energéticamente eficientes y sostenibles. Reconocida como una de las empresas más innovadoras del mundo por la agencia Thomson Reuters y la revista Forbes, 21.000 empleados en más de 50 países suministran soluciones innovadoras en energía, medioambiente y mercados emergentes. Esto incluye materiales semiconductores, plantas de hidrógeno, gasificación de carbón, licuefacción de gas natural, recubrimientos avanzados y adhesivos. En el ejercicio fiscal 2013, Air Products obtuvo unos ingresos aproximados de 10.200 millones de dólares. Para más información, visite www.airproducts.com.

Para más información:
Burson-Marsteller
Marta González
Alberto Jiménez
Tel: 93.201.10.28

Air Products Provides Industrial Gas and Chemical Solutions for Specialty Chemical and Agrochemical Manufacturers

Tue, 03 Sep 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) will be on-hand at the 2nd Annual Specialty & Agro Chemicals America show in Wilmington, N.C., from September 9-11 to discuss how the company’s range of industrial gas and chemical solutions can help specialty chemical and agrochemical manufacturers improve process efficiency, and reduce safety and environmental risks.

Air Products will feature its diverse portfolio of multifunctional surfactants that can be used in a variety of formulations as dynamic wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, and agricultural spray adjuvants. Among these products is the company’s new Carbowet® GA-210 surfactant, which provides superior performance as an agrochemical adjuvant. This solvent-free, low-foaming additive can provide low surface tension and rapid wetting, enabling use in a wide range of applications.

In addition, Air Products will highlight its advanced gas technologies and services, which can be tailored to a variety of applications, including inerting and blanketing, hydrogenation, chemical oxidation, particle size reduction, reaction/process cooling, and solvent/VOC recovery. The company will also highlight its range of industrial gases and variety of supply options designed to match every customer’s requirement efficiently and cost-effectively.

Show attendees are invited to stop by Air Products booth 58, where the company will have industrial gas and chemical specialists on-hand to listen to the challenges facing specialty chemical and agrochemical manufacturers today. As the world’s only combined gases and chemicals company, Air Products has the scope, knowledge, and experience to develop a deeper understanding of its customers’ needs and help identify the most suitable product and technology solutions.

For more information about Air Products’ portfolio of multifunctional surfactants for the specialty chemical and agrochemical industries, please call 800-345-3148, email cheminfo@airproducts.com, or visit www.airproducts.com/surfactants. For information about the company’s complete range of industrial gases and technology solutions, please call 800-654-4567 (code 1796), email gigmrktg@airproducts.com, or visit www.airproducts.com/chemprocessing.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 20,000 employees in over 50 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2012, Air Products had sales approaching $10 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

Air Products Launches New Microsite for Hydrogen Users

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD)―the world's leading hydrogen supplier and operator of the world's largest hydrogen distribution network―has developed a new microsite designed to help hydrogen users improve efficiency and lower overall costs. The dedicated website is loaded with information and tools to aid hydrogen users in selecting the most cost-effective gas supply option for their specific operation, as well as help them increase process efficiency, optimize gas usage, and improve safety.

Air Products’ hydrogen support website explains the range of gas supply options available from the company, including:

CryoEase® microbulk solution for smaller volume users, which is an alternative to traditional cylinder supply that eliminates the hassle of cylinder handling and the supply interruption that occurs during cylinder change-outs;
Gaseous and liquid bulk hydrogen for larger volume users, which is delivered by tanker or trailer and stored on a customer’s site;.
PRISM® hydrogen generation systems, which enable on-site gas production for a more reliable, uninterrupted gas supply;
Cryogenic Hydrogen Compressor system for high-pressure hydrogen, which is a load-following system that closely matches output to changing demand requirements; and
Air Products Express Services, which is a fast and flexible option for short-term or emergency hydrogen supply.

The dedicated website contains contact information so hydrogen users can reach experienced Air Products engineers who can recommend the most efficient and cost-effective supply mode based on their volume, pressure, purity level, flow rate, and operating pattern.

The hydrogen support website also hosts interactive conversion tools, including Air Products’ new Gas Converter mobile app, which quickly converts weight and volume measures for hydrogen and other common industrial gases. In addition, microsite visitors can access technical literature on topics such as hydrogen supply, hydrogenation, and hydrotreating technologies, as well as read case studies to learn how other companies have benefited from Air Products’ hydrogen solutions.

Visit Air Products’ new hydrogen support microsite at www.airproducts.com/H2support.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 20,000 employees in over 50 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2012, Air Products had sales approaching $10 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company’s Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

OCI Signs on to Air Products’ New Gulf Coast Connection Hydrogen Pipeline

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

When Air Products (NYSE: APD) dedicated its Gulf Coast Connection Pipeline (GCCP) project just weeks ago, company representatives talked about the benefits for new customers in need of reliable and flexible hydrogen supply to connect to the world’s largest hydrogen plant and pipeline supply network. Those statements were demonstrated today as Air Products announced a new long-term hydrogen supply agreement with OCI Beaumont LLC in Beaumont, Texas.

Air Products, the leading global hydrogen provider, will supply approximately 25 million standard cubic feet per day of hydrogen, effective immediately, via the GCCP and Gulf Coast hydrogen system for OCI Beaumont’s integrated methanol and ammonia plant. OCI Beaumont is a subsidiary of OCI Fertilizer (Netherlands), one of the European market leaders in the production of mineral fertilizers and the world’s largest producer of melamine.

“We had supplied OCI Beaumont with hydrogen since their start up late last year, but the new extended and increased supply contract opportunity was solidified with our Gulf Coast pipeline capabilities. Reliability and flexible supply are of the utmost importance to customers and we believe OCI Beaumont recognized the strength of our pipeline offering in making its supplier decision. We are pleased to have expanded this relationship with OCI Beamont,” said Wilbur Mok, Air Products’ vice president - North American Tonnage Gases.

Air Products’ Gulf Coast pipeline stretches 600 miles from the Houston Ship Channel in Texas to New Orleans, Louisiana. In August it began supplying over 1.2 billion cubic feet of hydrogen per day to refinery and petrochemical customers. Air Products had operated two hydrogen pipeline systems in Texas and Louisiana before joining them with the new 180-mile segment. The pipeline span is fed by over 20 Air Products hydrogen production facilities.

The pipeline is monitored by Air Products’ new Operations Service Center (OSC) and Customer Service Center (CSC) in Pasadena, Texas. Working hand-in-hand, the OSC oversees the daily production at Air Products’ plants, and the CSC works with customers and communicates with the OSC on product supply needs. The centers support most of Air Products’ North America industrial gas facilities and the new pipeline to meet customer demand and operate its industrial facilities safely and efficiently.

Globally, Air Products’ hydrogen pipeline operational expertise is evidenced by the 40 year safe operation of its network of systems. Pipelines offer a safe, robust and reliable supply of hydrogen to the refinery and petrochemical industry around the world. In addition to the Gulf Coast hydrogen pipeline system, Air Products also has hydrogen pipeline networks operating around the world in the U.S. in Southern California; in Canada in Sarnia, Ontario, and Edmonton, Alberta; and in The Netherlands in Rotterdam.

Hydrogen is widely used in petroleum refining processes to remove impurities found in crude oil such as sulfur, olefins and aromatics to meet the product fuels specifications. Removing these components allows gasoline and diesel to burn cleaner and thus makes hydrogen a critical component in the production of cleaner fuels needed by modern, efficient internal combustion engines.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 20,000 employees in over 50 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2012, Air Products had sales approaching $10 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company’s Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

空气产品公司与河南心连心化肥有限公司签署长期供气合同

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

空气化工产品公司（Air Products，简称空气产品公司，纽约证券交易所代码：APD）今日宣布，公司已与河南心连心化肥有限公司（河南心连心）签署一项长期合同，将在河南建造并运营一套空分装置和集成气体液化装置。该空分装置每天可为河南心连心在新乡扩建中的化肥厂提供约2000吨氧气。而液化装置每天将生产超过250吨的液态产品，为该区域不断增长的商用气体市场提供液氧、液氮和液氩。该空分和液化装置将于2013年投入运行。

空气产品公司中国区总裁史蒂夫∙琼斯(Stephen Jones)表示：“我们很高兴能为河南心连心提供大宗工业气体以满足其新厂扩建的生产需求。我们这一特定尺寸的空分装置恰到好处地满足了客户的需求。这是河南心连心首次与第三方气体供应商合作，能够得到他们的信任，我们深感荣幸。”

他还表示：“从商用气体的市场机遇来看，该项目从两方面符合空气产品公司的战略目标。首先，项目的液化装置搭载在空分装置上，能够整合并高效地生产液态产品。其次，项目将使空气产品公司成为服务于当地市场的首家全球性工业气体公司。项目座落于空气产品公司的重点发展区域内。该区域的化工、电子、金属加工和玻璃制造等空气产品公司已在全球提供服务的工业领域将实现快速增长。”

河南心连心董事长兼总经理刘兴旭说：“空气产品公司投资新乡，与河南心连心构建一种多年的战略合作关系，这是双方合作共赢理念的具体体现。双方的合作是一次强强联合，它将有助于河南心连心进一步提高运行效率，降低生产成本，增强市场竞争力。”

这一项目中的空气分离机组将通过设计改进以提升能源效率，使运营成本最低化。技术进步和其他提高生产力的举措将有助于实现空气产品公司节能减排的整体可持续发展目标。

“为世界各地的客户提供最低成本、采用最先进技术的空气分离设施，帮助他们提高能源效率从而改善其生产运营和环境，一直是我们的目标，”琼斯说道。琼斯先生是公司最高执行委员会（Corporate Executive Committee）成员，作为公司战略的一部分，他被派驻上海，支持公司在中国战略的实施，即抓住重大发展机遇并加速公司在高增长市场的发展。

空气产品公司还将在当地建立一个大宗液体转运站，为该区域各类商用液态气体客户提供服务。

河南心连心是河南省最大的化肥生产企业，亦是全国第四大煤基尿素制造商。它是一家以煤炭为原料生产尿素、甲醇和复合肥的企业。河南心连心是中国心连心化肥有限公司（中国心连心）的全资附属子公司。中国心连心是一家于新加坡注册成立，在香港联合交易所和新加坡交易所两地上市的的企业，股票代码分别为01866.HK和B9R.SI。

今天这一订单的签署是继2011年12月空气产品公司赢得的当时授予工业气体公司的全球最大的空分装置长期供气合同后的又一里程碑。在上一份合同中，空气产品公司将为陕西未来能源化工有限公司在陕西榆林建造并运营一座空分设施。该设施包括多套大型空气分离机组，每天可为陕西未来能源的煤化工项目提供12000吨氧气以及吨量级的氮气和压缩干燥空气。这些空气分离机组计划在2014年投入运行。

自1987年以来，空气产品公司就已经在中国开展业务，是首批在中国投资的跨国工业气体公司。目前，公司在中国拥有40多家公司，50多处生产设施以及2400多名员工，建立了坚实的市场基础，为各行各业提供服务。

关于空气产品公司
空气产品公司（Air Products, 纽约证券交易所代码：APD）提供空分、工艺和特种气体，功能材料，相关设备及技术。70多年来，空气产品公司一直帮助客户提高生产效率和能源效益，实现可持续发展。拥有18000多名员工的空气产品公司，在全球40多个国家和地区开展业务，为能源、环境和新兴市场，包括半导体材料、加氢炼化、煤气化、天然气液化以及先进的涂料和粘合剂等，提供创新型的解决方案。2011财年度，空气产品公司的销售额达101亿美元。欲获得更多信息，请登陆公司网站：www.airproducts.com。

注释：此新闻稿中可能包含1995年《私人证券诉讼改革法案》中所界定的一些前瞻性陈述。这些前瞻性陈述基于本新闻稿发布日期时管理层关于重大风险因素的预期和假设所作出。由于管理层可能没有预期到一些因素，请以实际情况为准，这些因素包括公司10K表中的风险因素，因为本财年已于2011年9月30日结束。

媒体垂询：
博达公关上海办事处
联系人：常东升
电话：(8621) 62893488 – 15
邮件：diana.chang@ebacomms.com

Air Products Wins Long-Term Supply Contract for Xinlianxin in Chinachina

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced it has signed a long-term contract with Henan Xinlianxin Fertilizer (Xinlianxin) and will build, own and operate an air separation unit (ASU) and integrated gas liquefier in Henan Province, China. The ASU will produce approximately 2,000 tons per day (TPD) of gaseous oxygen for Xinlianxin’s expanding fertilizer plant in Xinxiang. The liquefier will produce over 250 TPD of liquid products, namely oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, for the region’s growing merchant gases market. The Air Products ASU and liquefier are to be onstream in 2013.

“We are pleased to be supplying Xinlianxin’s tonnage industrial gas needs for its fertilizer plant expansion. Our ASU product offering of this specific size was the right solution for the customer’s needs. This is the first time Xinlianxin has contracted with a third-party to supply industrial gases, and we are honored by that trust,” said Steve Jones, Air Products’ China president. “From a merchant gases opportunity, this location meets Air Products’ strategic goals in two ways. First, the facility’s liquefier piggybacks on the ASU location to provide for integrated and efficient production of liquid gas products. Secondly, it will make Air Products the first global industrial gas producer in this market. The location is within a key region that Air Products believes will grow in industry segments we already serve globally including chemicals, electronics, fabrication and glass.”

“Air Products’ investment in Xinxiang brings a long-term and strategic partnership with Xinlianxin,” said Liu Xingxu, chairman and general manager of Xinlianxin. “The collaboration will help Xinlianxin to improve efficiency, reduce cost and sharpen its competitiveness. It is a win-win deal for both companies.”

The ASU train will include design enhancements to minimize operating costs through energy efficiency. Technology advancements and other productivity improvements support Air Products’ overall sustainability goals of reducing energy consumption and emissions. “Our goal is always to provide our worldwide customers with the lowest cost and newest advanced technology ASU facilities which offer energy efficiencies that benefit their production operations and the environment,” said Jones, a member of the company’s Corporate Executive Committee who is based in Shanghai as part of Air Products’ corporate strategy to support significant growth opportunities and accelerate the company’s development in emerging markets.

Air Products will also locate a liquid bulk terminal facility at this location to serve the varied liquid gas merchant customers in the region.

Xinlianxin is the largest fertilizer producer in Henan Province and the fourth largest coal based urea producer in China. Xinlianxin is a producer of urea, methanol and compound fertilizer using coal as a feedstock. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of China XLX Fertilizer Ltd., a Singapore-registered company listed on both the Singapore Stock Exchange (stock code: B9R.SI) and the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (stock code: 01866.HK).

Today’s China contract award news follows Air Products’ December 2011 announcement of a long-term contract for the largest single on-site ASU ever awarded to an industrial gas company. The facility, to be built, owned and operated by Air Products for Shaanxi Future Energy Chemical Co., Ltd., will be located in Yulin, Shaanxi Province, China. It will include multiple ASU trains and produce 12,000 TPD of oxygen and significant tonnage volumes of nitrogen and compressed dry air for Shaanxi’s coal chemical plant. The Air Products ASUs are to be commercial in 2014.

Air Products has been operating in China since 1987 and was one of the first multinational industrial gas corporations to invest in the country. With over 40 operating entities, 50 production facilities and 2,200 employees, the company has already established a strong market position in China, serving a broad range of industries.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 18,000 employees in over 40 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had sales of $10.1 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company’s Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

Air Products Completes Sale of Amines Business to Taminco

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today said it has completed the previously announced sale of its Amines business for $211 million to Taminco, one of the world's largest producers of methylamines and methylamine derivatives.

"We are pleased to complete this sale to Taminco at a price consistent with our expectations. This sale is another example of us moving toward becoming a more focused, less cyclical and higher growth company. We thank all of the employees involved for their hard work in improving the business and completing this sale," said John Jones, Air Products' chairman and chief executive officer.

The sale of the amines business, which generated approximately $310 million in revenues in fiscal year 2006, includes production facilities located in Pace, Fla.; St. Gabriel, La.; and Camaçari, Brazil. The approximately 225 employees directly associated with this business will continue with Taminco, which has plans to open an office in the Lehigh Valley area. The amines business produces methylamines and higher amines products used globally in many household, industrial and agricultural products. For more information on Taminco, visit www.Taminco.com.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $8.1 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products to Sell Amines Business to Taminco

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its amines business to Taminco, one of the world's largest producers of methylamines and methylamine derivatives. The sale is part of Air Products' ongoing portfolio management activities intended to make the company a more focused, less cyclical and higher growth company.

The sale of the amines business, which generated approximately $310 million in revenues in fiscal year 2006, includes production facilities located in Pace, Fla.; St. Gabriel, La.; and Camaçari, Brazil. The amines business produces methylamines and higher amines products used globally in many household, industrial and agricultural products.

"We are extremely pleased to be making this sale to Taminco. We said in March that this business is an attractive asset for the right owner, and we would only sell it to a buyer who appreciated that value. This is a good fit for Taminco, who recognized the improvements we made in the business and the quality of our employees," said John Jones, Air Products' chairman and CEO. There are approximately 225 employees directly associated with this business and all will continue with Taminco.

"Acquiring the amines activities from Air Products is a unique opportunity for Taminco. The businesses are very complementary, focusing on similar markets in different regions, with leading market positions and the same technology base." said Pol Vanderhaeghen, Taminco's CEO. "We want to share our excitement with every employee of Air Products who will join us from around the world. Also, the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania seems to be a perfect location for us to open a new office."

Air Products and Taminco expect the sale, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, to be completed by the end of September.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $8.1 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Taminco

Taminco is one of the world's largest producers of methylamines, a key building block for pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Taminco also specializes in methylamine derivatives and serves industries such as agrochemicals, biocides, animal feed additives, rubber processing, performance solvents, water and gas treatment and surfactants. Taminco was founded in 2003, after separating from UCB, its previous parent company. Since then, Taminco has acquired the methylamines and derivatives business of Air Products in Europe, together with the contracts and commercial obligations for methylamines and choline chloride from Akzo Nobel growing the company from 180 million € in 2003 to 264 million € in 2005. Taminco employs about 460 people and is headquartered in Gent, Belgium. The company has 15 sales offices worldwide and three production sites in Gent (Belgium), Leuna (Germany) and Shanghai (China). For more information, visit www.Taminco.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Taminco Contact:
Pol Vanderhaeghen
Tel: +32 9 254 15 80
E-mail: pol.vanderhaeghen@taminco.com

Air Products Announces Planned Closure Of Converted Products Fertilizer Manufacturing Operations At Pace, Florida

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) announced today that it will permanently close its converted products fertilizer operations at Pace, Fl. by the end of December 2005. Air Products had been unsuccessful in finding a buyer to purchase the operation, which manufactured ammonium nitrate prills, ammonium nitrate solution and nitric acid products. Employees and customers impacted by this closure have already been informed.

"The fertilizer industry is a very competitive business, with a changing regulatory environment and global competition with access to offshore natural gas derived raw materials, such as ammonia, which made it difficult to sustain a profitable business," said Geoff Ingham, business director–Amines for Air Products. "We had been attempting to sell this operation for some time and unfortunately were not able to do so."

Approximately 35 employees and 5 to10 outside contractors are impacted by the converted products closure.

No other businesses at the site are impacted by this decision, and the Pace facility will continue to make amines products. Pace produces over 40 amines products, which find application in more than 100 additional everyday consumer products. There is also a hydrogen truck terminal, an R&D pilot plant, and utilities complex at Pace.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $8.1 billion, operations in over 30 countries,and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Syngenta Invests in ExStream™ Emissions Control Solution

Mon, 26 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0400

One of the world's leading agribusinesses, Syngenta, is investing in state of the art cryogenic emissions control technology, developed by Air Products, as part of its commitment to environmental best practice.

Syngenta is a market leader in crop protection and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Like many manufacturers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used as part of some production processes.

Amid tightening environmental legislation, the company is investing in a new emissions control system, CryoCondap® ExStream™, to recover VOCs from process gas streams to near 100% efficiency. The compact system is capable of recovering even the most complex VOCs at low gas flow rates, below 300 Nm³/h. The system can also be easily adapted on site to recover different VOCs at varying freezing temperatures and concentrations.

Mark Northwood, Air Products' commercial manager, for cryogenic applications in the UK, said:

"Legislation is a key driver for solvent-using industries, to minimise air pollution and ensure they can meet tough emissions limits now and in the future. Our ExStream™ technology is capable of near zero efficiency at low gas flow rates and therefore represents an ideal solution."

While keeping up with changing legislation is important, Syngenta's decision to invest in cryogenic abatement technology reflects the company's commitment to enhancing sustainability and caring for the environment in the longer term.

Syngenta were impressed with Air Products' knowledge of working with difficult solvents and their ability to demonstrate the efficiency of the ExStream™ solution in laboratory trials at an early stage. In particular, they were impressed with the scope the solution allows for enhancing the sustainability of our processes, by allowing for solvent reuse.

For more information about cryogenic condensation technology, contact Air Products on 0800 3890202, visit www.airproducts.com/epm or email cryoeur@apci.com.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates.

Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $6.3 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 18,500 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.