Flat Panel Displays News Releases

Air Products Brings World’s First On-site High-Purity Ammonia Plant Onstream in China to Support Booming LED Market

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced it has brought a large-scale, on-site ammonia (NH3) plant onstream in China’s Anhui Province to supply ultra high-purity NH3 to Anhui Sanan OptoElectronics Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Sanan OptoElectronics (Sanan). The plant, located at Sanan’s new high brightness LED (light emitting diode) manufacturing facility in the Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Area, is the largest on-site high-purity NH3 facility in the world with a supply capacity of 2,000 metrics tons per year.

Sanan is the largest high quality LED manufacturer in China. To support Sanan’s expansion plan, Air Products is also building a second high-purity NH3 plant with the same capacity, which is expected to be onstream in the middle of 2012. Large volumes of NH3 are needed to provide the nitrogen source for the gallium nitride layers used in the manufacture of LEDs.

A grand opening ceremony was held on December 12 at Sanan’s Wuhu facility to celebrate the milestone. Attendees included Steve Jones, Air Products’ China president and senior vice president and general manager of Global Tonnage Gases, Energy and Equipment; Joseph Stockunas, director of electronics materials for Air Products; and representatives from Sanan.

“Air Products has a long and proven record of building large-scale, on-site industrial gas plants around the world. We are pleased Sanan OptoElectronics chose Air Products for their high-purity ammonia supply to support its increased LED production. By working closely together, we successfully brought the world’s first and largest on-site facility onstream. It is a milestone for both Sanan and Air Products,” said Steve Jones. “LED is an exciting market for Air Products. We will continue to leverage our leading technologies, excellent reliability and safety records to support the growing market needs.”

“We are pleased to have partnered with Air Products as we rely on its leading technologies and global expertise to provide us ammonia with the purity necessary for high-quality LED production,” said Wei Daman, general manager of Anhui Sanan OptoElectronics. “We hope the long-term partnership can reinforce our leadership in the LED market.”

Air Products pioneered the on-site industrial gas supply mode in the 1940s. Since then, it has been building on-site facilities serving refining, chemicals, steel and glass-making industries around the world.

LEDs are used in applications such as automotive and traffic signage, and are displacing conventional lighting alternatives based on their ability to operate at reduced power, lower temperature and with extended lifetimes. LEDs are also increasingly finding use as backlighting for televisions and displays.

For more information, please go to www.airproducts.com/electronics.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had revenues of $10.1 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. 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 and Dow Corning Enter Long-Term Silane Supply Agreement

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) and Dow Corning―a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation―entered into a long-term supply agreement for electronic-grade silane, a material used for manufacturing flat panel displays, semiconductors and photovoltaic cells.

The agreement provides Air Products with access to significant silane volume to meet the present and future needs of its global customers, as well as the future growth of the electronics and solar industry.

“This agreement further demonstrates Air Products’ commitment to our silane customers around the world, as well as the global electronics industry,” said Wayne Mitchell, vice president of Electronics for Air Products. “With over 20 years of experience supplying silane around the world, Air Products is an industry safety leader, providing extensive training to customers in the handling and storage of silane. We believe that Air Products will provide the electronics market with a high quality, reliable and safe solution for their long-term silane requirements.”

“Dow Corning and Air Products combine the strength of a silicon manufacturing leader with the expertise and infrastructure capabilities of a global gas distributor to the electronics industry,” according to Jim Helwick, vice president, Dow Corning Electronics Solutions. “Air Products, with its commitment to the long-term supply of ultra-high purity silane, is a great channel partner for Dow Corning,” Jim added.

“With our silane capacity fully dedicated to the merchant market under a global distributor channel-to-market business model, Dow Corning is offering a cost competitive and reliable first or second source of silane,” said Eric Peeters, Dow Corning vice president, Solar Solutions. “The plant’s consistent purity and our track record of quality in silicon-based products make silane from Dow Corning a switch customers can make with confidence.”

Dow Corning has been producing electronic-grade silane since March 2011 in a newly constructed, state-of-the-art, fully vertically integrated plant in Thomas Township, Mich., adjacent to the polysilicon manufacturing plant of Hemlock Semiconductor Group, of which Dow Corning is majority shareholder. Dow Corning’s silane plant, recently ISO-9001:2000 certified with zero non-conformities and zero opportunities for improvement, has a world-leading capacity of 4,000 metric tons per year, producing silane at the same or even higher level of purity currently offered in the market.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had revenues of $10.1 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company’s Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.

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 Increases Prices for Electronics Offerings

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that effective January 1, 2012, or as contracts allow, it will be increasing prices in North America by 3.5% to 15% on all electronics materials and electronic formulated products. In addition, Air Products will be eliminating rental discounts on these products.

The price increase is necessary to address escalating production costs.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had revenues of $10.1 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. 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 Signs Second Contract with Samsung Mobile Display to Supply Nitrogen and Other Gases for AMOLED Production

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced it has been selected to supply gaseous nitrogen and oxygen, and liquid argon to Samsung Mobile Display (SMD) for its Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) production. This is the second contract of its type following last year’s contract for SMD’s 5.5 generation AMOLED.

Air Products will build another air separation unit and pipeline at its Tanjeong, Korea site for gases supply to SMD’s upcoming fab. Air Products will also build purification, filtering and monitoring systems. The company is currently supplying gaseous nitrogen and oxygen, and liquid argon to SMD’s existing AMOLED fab in Tanjeong and two large-scale TFT-LCD facilities in Cheonan.

“Samsung has been a long-standing and strategic customer for Air Products. We are honored to have their continued confidence in our capabilities to support their growth,” said Wayne Mitchell, vice president and general manager of the Electronics Division at Air Products. “This contract once again demonstrates our capability to serve the world’s largest electronics customers with our infrastructure, technology advancements and product capacity in place.”

Besides Tanjeong and Cheonan, Air Products has also recently announced nitrogen and pipeline expansions in many of the most important semiconductor and LCD manufacturing geographies around the world including Gumi, Korea; Tainan and Tai Chung, Taiwan; and Austin, Tex. and Chandler, Ariz. in the U.S.

For more information on Air Products’ Electronics business, please go to www.airproducts.com/semiconductors.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Samsung Mobile Display (SMD)
SMD was established in January 2009 as a core Samsung company that provides cutting-edge display solutions. With highly advanced technological capabilities, SMD offers a comprehensive range of displays including those featuring AMOLED and LCD technologies. SMD is a total solution provider offering next-generation technologies including flexible, foldable and transparent displays. For more information about Samsung Mobile Display, please go to www.samsungsmd.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, 2010.

Air Products to Expand Nitrogen Capacity in Korea’s Cheonan City

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that it will increase production of gaseous nitrogen in Cheonan City, South Chungcheong Province, Korea to serve the increasing demand of the electronics industry in one of the country’s leading areas for technology manufacturers.

Air Products will build a new nitrogen plant at its site in Cheonan Industrial Complex. The new plant is expected to be onstream in the spring of 2012 and will serve the increasing needs of existing customers, as well as new demand from the Chenon-ChaAm Industrial Complex, including a new photovoltaic investment, which is currently being established nearby.

“We have been serving the electronics industry in this high-tech region and are pleased to bring additional capacity to support the expanding market,” said Wayne Mitchell, vice president and general manager of Electronics at Air Products. “This investment positions us well to support the growth plans of our customers through a reliable supply in a quick and cost-effective way.”

Cheonan is a hub of high-tech industry and transportation with a cluster of large national corporations and technology companies. Air Products has been supporting the production of semiconductor, liquid crystal displays (LCD) and telecommunication equipment in the area with nitrogen and other bulk gases supplies.

Recently, Air Products also has announced expansion of its nitrogen capacity in the Gumi National Industrial Complex for the growing demand in Korea’s biggest inland industrial complex. In fact, in the past few years, the company has announced nitrogen and pipeline expansions in many of the most important semiconductor and LCD manufacturing geographies around the world including Tangjeong and Hwaseong, Korea; Tai Chung, Taiwan; and Austin, Tex. and Chandler, Ariz. in the U.S.

As demand for nitrogen from Electronics customers continues to rise, nitrogen now makes up almost a third of Air Products’ Electronics portfolio, up from about 15 percent in 2005. For more information, please go to www.airproducts.com/semiconductors.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. 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, 2010.

Air Products Receives Supplier Excellence Award from Texas Instruments

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced it has been presented the 2010 Supplier Excellence Award by Texas Instruments (TI). The award, given annually, recognizes achievement in cost, environmental responsibility, technology, responsiveness, assurance of supply and quality.

“Suppliers like Air Products help us to innovate, to provide more value. It’s a collective effort on everyone’s part―from quality folks to logistics―to get the product out on time,” said Jeff Loewecke, procurement specialist for wafer fab materials, chemicals and gases at TI. “The quality TI delivers depends on the support of Air Products, and we are proud of our 25-year relationship.”

“It is a great honor to receive this award from TI, which reflects the commitment of our Electronics team to consistently deliver the quality and performance our customers have come to expect,” said Corning Painter, vice president and general manager, Electronics for Air Products. “We have wanted this award from TI and worked towards this for many years. We are grateful to have the opportunity to enter more deeply into this relationship.”

Air Products was the only industrial gas supplier honored this year and has been supplying TI with gases, chemicals and equipment for more than 25 years.

For more information on Air Products’ Electronics business, please visit www.airproducts.com/industries/Semiconductors.aspx.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. 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, 2010.

Air Products Signs a Contract to Supply Nitrogen and Oxygen to Samsung Mobile Display in Korea

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced it has been selected to supply gaseous nitrogen, oxygen and argon to Samsung Mobile Display’s (SMD) newest Active-matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) fab located in Tanjeong, Korea.

Air Products will build a new air separation unit (ASU) and pipeline at its Tanjeong site for gases supply to SMD. Air Products also supplies gaseous nitrogen and other bulk gases via pipeline to SMD’s two large-scale TFT-LCD facilities in Cheonan.

“We are honored to extend our relationship with Samsung and be involved with such an important customer whose new plant will utilize this new technology,” said Corning Painter, vice president and general manager of the Electronics Division at Air Products. “This contract is an excellent example of our capability to serve the world’s largest electronics customers with our infrastructure, technology advancements and product capacity in place.”

Samsung Mobile Display, a joint venture between Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Samsung SDI Co. Ltd., is a global leader in next-generation small and medium displays and is building a 5.5th generation production line in Tanjeong to start mass production of AMOLED, which is an emerging display technology used in mobile devices and media players for large high-resolution displays that consume significantly less power.

For more information on Air Products’ electronics business, please go to www.airproducts.com/electronics.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. 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, 2010.

Air Products Signs Letter of Intent with Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan. The agreement signifies a commitment between both parties to identify investment opportunities in Taiwan’s semiconductor, solar energy and TFT-LCD manufacturing industries; foster long-term cooperation with Taiwanese companies and research institutes; and work collaboratively with the country’s Industrial Technology Research Institute in the development of gas and semiconductor fluid cleaning technologies.

The LOI was signed by Taiwan Deputy Minister Sheng-Chung Lin and Air Products CEO John E. McGlade at the company’s global headquarters in Allentown, Pa. Wilfred Muskens, Deputy Secretary of International Business Development, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, participated in the ceremony together withofficials from various departments within the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs, as well as representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the U.S.

“Air Products has been building relationships in the Asia region for nearly 30 years, and we are especially pleased with the growth of Air Products San Fu, our Taiwanese affiliate, which is today the largest industrial gas company in Taiwan,” said McGlade, who served as vice president of Air Products San Fu Industrial Gas Division based in Taipei in the late 1980s.

“Taiwan is an extremely attractive market for us, and we welcome the opportunity to work even more closely with our government, industry and academic partners to enhance Taiwan’s global competitiveness.”

Deputy Minister Lin, who is leading the Taiwan delegation during visits this week to leading U.S. companies in the gas, energy, biopharmaceutical, telecommunications and information technology industries, expressed his appreciation for the high-quality gases, equipment and chemicals Air Products has supplied to Taiwan’s industries over the years and its contribution to Taiwan’s industrial development.

“Taiwan is a world leader in semiconductor, LED and solar cell manufacturing,” Lin said. “With this agreement we have signed today, it is our hope that Air Products San Fu will continue to invest in the petrochemical and semiconductor industries, and advance its efforts into the green energy industry as well.”

Air Products has been operating in Taiwan through its San Fu subsidiary since 1987 and supplies atmospheric and specialty electronics gases, chemicals and related equipment to many industries. The company has approximately 800 employees at 18 locations capable of serving all parts of Taiwan.

Air Products San Fu was recently named one of “The Top 300 Companies” in Taiwan by The Commonwealth magazine and is the first gas company in Taiwan awarded ISO9002 and ISO14000 certifications, a measure of the company’s commitment to high standards of quality and environmental responsibility.

In addition, Air Products San Fu recently received its second Silver Award in the 2010 Taiwan TrainQali System (TTQS). TTQS is a national training quality evaluation program held by the Bureau of Employment and Vocational Training in Taiwan to recognize corporations with outstanding performance in implementing quality and effective training systems.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. 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, 2009.

Air Products to Build the World’s First On-Site, Large-Scale Specialty Gas Plant

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced it has signed a contract with Anhui Sanan OptoElectronics Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Sanan OptoElectronics, to build two on-site ammonia (NH3) plants at Sanan’s new high brightness light emitting diode (LED) manufacturing facility in the Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Area, Anhui Province, China. These new facilities, which will supply ammonia with state-of-the-art purity to Sanan, will be the first and largest on-site specialty gas plants in the world.

Each plant Air Products is building will be capable of supplying 2,000 metric tons per year. Large volumes of NH3 are needed to provide the nitrogen source for the gallium nitride layers used in the manufacture of LEDs. Air Products currently supplies Sanan OptoElectronics’ two other LED facilities in China.

“We are pleased Sanan OptoElectronics chose Air Products for their high purity ammonia needs at Anhui,” said Corning Painter, vice president and general manager, Electronics, for Air Products. “At these volumes, Air Products is the only company providing ammonia with the purity at the source necessary for LED production.”

Air Products has a long history of building on-site industrial gas plants. In fact, the company pioneered the process in the 1940s. Since then, it has been building on-site facilities serving the refining, chemicals, steel and glass making industries around the world.

LEDs are used in applications such as automotive and traffic signage and are displacing conventional lighting alternatives based on their ability to operate at reduced power, lower temperatures and with extended lifetimes. LEDs are also increasingly finding use as backlighting for televisions and displays.

For more information, please go to www.airproducts.com/electronics.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. 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, 2009.

Air Products Signs Contract with Taiwan’s CMO to Supply Flat Panel Market

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announcedthat its subsidiary in Taiwan, Air Products San Fu Co. Ltd., hassigned a long-term contract with Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO), the world’s fourth largest TFT-LCD supplier, to provide nitrogen and bulk gases to their Fab 6 located in Tree Valley Science and Industry Park (TVSIP), Tainan, Taiwan.

Air Products San Fu has installed an air separation unit next to CMO Fab 6 to provide on-site nitrogen. Air Products also will supply bulk gases including oxygen, argon, helium, hydrogen and carbon dioxide to CMO and other customers in the TVSIP.

TVSIP is located adjacent to Tainan Science Industry Park (TSIP), one of the largest technology parks in the world. Administered by the Tainan County Government, TVSIP is a TFT-LCD industrial parkwith a cluster of related producers including glass, backlight module, and television assembly manufacturers.

“CMO has been a long-standing customer for Air Products, and we are honored to be selected to support the needs of this leading TFT-LCD supplier,” said Corning Painter, vice president and general manager of Global Electronics, Air Products. “Our facilities in TVSIP and TSIP will further enhance our capabilities to provide reliable, flexible and cost-competitive solutions to meet the requirements of our customers in the two parks.”

Air Products San Fu has established a leading supply position in TSIP, and its customers in the park include CMO’s Fab 3, Fab 4, Fab 5 and Fab 7; TSMC’s Fab6 and Fab 14Phase One and Phase Two; and United Microelectronics Corporation’s (UMC) Fab12A. Air Products San Fu serves its customers through large ultra-high purity (UHP) bulk gas facilities and a pipeline that is fed by the world’s largest UHP nitrogen facility. This plant also produces UHP liquid nitrogen and UHP liquid oxygen for other semiconductor customers.

Air Products SanFu is a leading producer of industrial gases in Taiwan, supplying atmospheric gases, electronics specialty gases, chemicals and related equipment for many industries. Air Products San Fu is one of “The Top 200 Companies” in Taiwan and is the first gas company in Taiwan awarded ISO9002 and ISO14000 certifications.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. Air Products had fiscal 2008 revenues of $10.4 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 21,000 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 Continues to Focus on What Matters Most at SEMICON® Europa 2008

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The global electronics industry continues to evolve as semiconductor and thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) manufacturers work to supply consumers with the smaller, faster and more powerful electronics devices they demand. At Air Products, we recognise these ongoing demands on the electronics industry and that is why the company continues to focus on what matters most to our customers, namely: value, reliability and innovation. To learn more about Air Products, please visit us at stand 1404 in Hall 1 at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre, October 7-9.

Value

Air Products’ more than thirty years experience as a leading supplier of bulk and specialty gases and chemicals enables the company to work with our customers to reduce their total cost of ownership in producing semiconductors and flat-panel displays. Air Products’ global production sites, synthesis and manufacturing expertise, unparalleled global supply chain and our leading position in equipment and services allow us to provide our customers with a competitive price in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Recently Air Products announced that semiconductor manufacturers faced with rising prices for xenon can now recover and reuse this crucial gas, saving time and money in the process, thanks to Air Products new XeCovery™ on-site xenon recovery service.

Reliability

As device manufacturing features continue to miniaturise and become more exacting, reducing variability in material supply is critical. Air Products is able to deliver the most consistent gases and chemicals through our nCtrl™ offering. With nCtrl materials, Air Products supplies products with reduced variation from container-to-container for semiconductor materials by developing specifications based on statistically generated control limits.

In the 1970s, our nitrogen pipeline helped transform an ordinary apple orchard into Silicon Valley. Today, our pipelines travel through the leading Science Parks in Taiwan, China, and Korea, supplying next generation fabs with the high volumes of nitrogen necessary for semiconductor and TFT-LCD production, and as new manufacturing companies emerge, such as those in the Photovoltaic industry. Earlier this year, Air Products announced it signed an agreement with Signet Solar Inc. to supply turnkey installation of gas delivery systems and services and related gas needs for a new, thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module production facility in Mochau, Germany. The long-term agreement includes the supply of hydrogen, helium, nitrogen and argon, as well as specialty gases such as silane, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and dopant gases.

Besides production expertise, Air Products is also a leader in the delivery of gases and chemicals to the global electronics industry. As the fabs for both 300mm wafers and TFT-LCDs continue to grow and use more specialty gases, Air Products’ bulk specialty gas system (BSGS) allows the bulk delivery of those gases which not only translates to improved reliability, but also helps further reduce cost of ownership as the bulk deliveries cut downtime and improve safety and productivity at fabs, almost creating a transportable pipeline.

Innovation

The Electronics and Performance Materials business segment of Air Products accounts for more than half of the entire corporation’s R&D spending. This focus on technology development allows Air Products to bring material solutions to our customers that enable them to meet their performance needs.

Air Products’ PDEMS™ material technology is the leading candidate currently being implemented at 45nm by both device and major PECVD equipment manufacturers to meet their need for low k dielectric interconnect material. As PDEMS has seen increased acceptance, the company has been working closely with customers to develop etching, cleaning, and film preparation materials that are compatible with the PDEMS porous dielectric process. With our broad portfolio of leading edge products and our unique short loop integration capabilities we are in the best position to provide complimentary and integrated solutions for our customer’s leading edge processes.

In memory and logic, Air Products has developed a series of high k dielectric materials that combat gate oxide leakage, a major technological hurdle, while meeting customer demand for smaller, faster devices that use considerably less power.

Air Products Electronics is not just focused on new materials, the company also continues to invest in process technology at our manufacturing sites, which can improve yields and also help reduce costs for our customers.

What Matters Most

Air Products continues its journey that began by supplying bulk high purity inert gases and specialty materials to semiconductor customers in the 1970s. As material technology challenges increase, Air Products is finding more opportunities to provide the important technological solutions our customers need. Whether it’s value, reliability or innovation, Air Products is focused on what matters most to its customers today and tomorrow.

Notes to the Editors:
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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 $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

Air Products Increases Prices for Electronic Specialty Materials

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that, effective October 1, it will be increasing the price of various Electronic Specialty Materials by up to 30 percent in all regions of the world.

The continued escalation of unrecovered fuel and energy costs, as well as significant increases in the cost of raw materials is the primary driver for the increase.

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

Air Products Boosts NF3 Capacity in US and Asia

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced a substantial increase to its global nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) capacity with a significant boost to US capacity and a doubling of its Asian production.

Air Products has increased the production capacity at the company’s world-class NF₃ production facility in Hometown, Pa., by 200 metric tons. The increase brings Hometown’s capacity to more than 2,200 metric tons per year.

In Korea, Air Products plans to kick off phase-two of its NF₃ expansion at the company’s site in Ulsan. Air Products will double the capacity of the Ulsan plant to 1,000 metric tons per year. Phase two of the Korean expansion will be on stream in the first half of 2009.

“These expansions strengthen our leadership position in the global NF₃ market,” said Corning Painter, vice president, Electronics, for Air Products. “With our portfolio management activities behind us, Air Products is in a strong position to invest for the future.”

Upon completion, Air Products’ global capacity for NF₃ will be more than 3,200 metric tons annually, maintaining Air Products’ position as the number one global producer of NF₃. The company has safely manufactured and distributed NF3 for more than 25 years from its manufacturing facility in Hometown, Pa. The first phase of the company’s NF₃ expansion in Ulsan, Korea―a new 500 metric ton per year plant―is expected on stream in the first quarter of 2008.

NF₃ is used as a chamber cleaning gas in the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays and other electronic devices. When compared with competing materials, NF₃ offers customers significant reductions in emissions, throughput increases of up to 30 percent, longer chamber life and faster clean rates. NF₃ is also stable and nonflammable, making it a safe gas to transport, store and deliver to customers around the world.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 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 Focused on What Matters Most at SEMICON® West 2007

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0400

The global electronics industry continues to evolve as semiconductor and thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) manufacturers work to supply consumers with the smaller, faster and more powerful electronics devices they demand. At Air Products (NYSE:APD), we recognize these demands on the electronics industry and that is why the company focuses on what matters most to our customers, namely: value, reliability and innovation. To learn more about Air Products, please visit us at booth 2220 in the South Hall of San Francisco’s Moscone Center July 17-19.

Value

Reliability

As device manufacturing features continue to miniaturize and become more exacting, reducing variability in material supply is critical. Air Products is able to deliver the most consistent gases and chemicals through our nCtrl™ offering. With nCtrl materials, Air Products will supply products with reduced variation from container-to-container for semiconductor materials by developing specifications based on statistically generated control limits.

Besides production expertise, Air Products is also a leader in the delivery of gases and chemicals to the global electronics industry. As the fabs for both 300mm wafers and TFT-LCDs continue to grow and use more specialty gases, Air Products’ bulk specialty gas system (BSGS) allows the bulk delivery of those gases which not only translates to improved reliability, but also helps further reduce cost of ownership as the bulk deliveries cut downtime and improve safety and productivity at fabs, almost creating a transportable pipeline.

In the 1970s, our nitrogen pipeline helped transform an ordinary apple orchard into Silicon Valley. Today, our pipelines snake through the leading Science Parks in Taiwan, China, and Korea, supplying next generation fabs with the high volumes of nitrogen necessary for semiconductor and TFT-LCD production.

Innovation

The Electronics and Performance Materials business segment of Air Products accounts for more than half of the entire corporation’s R&D spending. This focus on technology allows Air Products to develop material solutions for our customers that enable them to meet their performance needs.

Air Products’ PDEMS™ material technology is the leading candidate currently being implemented at 45nm by both device and major PECVD equipment manufacturers to meet their need for low k dielectric interconnect material. As PDEMS has seen increased acceptance, the company has been working closely with customers to develop etching, cleaning, and film preparation materials that are compatible with the PDEMS porous dielectric process. With our broad portfolio of leading edge products and our unique short loop integration capabilities we are in the best position to provide complimentary and integrated solutions for our customer’s leading edge processes.

In memory and logic, Air Products has developed a series of high k dielectric materials that combat gate oxide leakage, a major technological hurdle, while meeting customer demand for smaller, faster devices that use considerably less power.

Air Products Electronics is not just focused on new materials, the company also continues to invest in process technology at our manufacturing sites, which can improve yields and also help reduce costs for our customers.

What Matters Most

Air Products continues its journey that began by supplying bulk high purity inert gases and specialty materials to semiconductor customers in the 1970s. As material technology challenges increase, Air Products is finding more opportunities to provide the important technological solutions our customers need. Whether it’s value, reliability or innovation, Air Products is focused on what matters most to its customers.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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 $9 billion, operations in over 40 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.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
A SEMICON West 2007 press kit is available through Air Products' online Press Room.

Air Products Brings New Nitrogen Plant in China On-Stream

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) has brought a new nitrogen plant in China on stream for InfoVision Optoelectronics (IVO), a leading Chinese producer of flat-panel displays. It is the first nitrogen plant of its kind that was designed and built locally in China.

The new plant is based on Air Products’ high efficiency design, which delivers reliable and cost-effective nitrogen to customers in the electronics and other industries around the world. This plant is located at IVO’s factory in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province and provides nitrogen to IVO under a long term contract. IVO produces 5G TFT-LCD panels in a state-of-the-art production centre that represents a US$1 billion investment and is a major project under China’s Eleventh Five-Year Plan.

The plant is also the first Air Products nitrogen plant in China commissioned using local resources including design, manufacturing and construction. The cold box was fabricated by Air Products’equipment manufacturing facility in Caojing, Shanghai, and the main air compressor was assembled locally.

“The successful completion of this project is a milestone in our development in China. The localization not only allows us to meet the project targets on time, it also enables us to supply our customer with reliable bulk nitrogen at a competitive cost while maintaining the quality standards for which Air Products is known worldwide. This greatly reinforces our position as a leading gas supplier to China’s electronics industry,” said Andy Tuan, general manager of the Electronics Division in China, Air Products.

“We are very pleased with Air Products’ performance on this project,” said Hsueh Ching Yuan, Head of Facility Department of InfoVision Optoelectronics. “The nitrogen plant was completed on time and on budget, thanks to close cooperation between the Air Products team and our own people. A reliable and high-quality nitrogen supply is critical to the production of LCDs.”

Strategically located adjacent to ShanghaiChemical Industry Park, Air Products’ facility in Caojing has broad capabilities to design, engineer and manufacture cryogenic equipment to support air separation unit projects in China and other Asian markets. The Caojing facility is complemented by Air Products’ engineering center in Shanghai, which handles engineering design, project development and project management.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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 $9 billion, operations in over 40 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 Completes Expansion of Its China Technology Center

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) has embarked on a major expansion of its China Technology Center in Shanghai to support the fast-growing businesses in Asia. The expanded center will further complement Air Products’ regional technology centers in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

The expansion, built on space adjoining the current facility, has a high bay which is equipped with two high-pressure polyurethane machines and accessory tools for both rigid and flexible applications that supplement the existing shoe sole capability. Two spray booths, aqueous and non-aqueous, will be used for spray coating development. The new space also features a general-purpose lab with additional fume hoods, expanded chemicals storage areas and associated office space to provide new application and product development, technical services, process R&D and in-region analytical to support all businesses including Gases, Performance Materials and Electronics.

The expansion of the China Technology Center will enable Air Products to enhance its capabilities and material solution offerings, and bring support closer to its key customers in Asia, particularly in sectors such as polyurethane, coatings, inks, adhesives, civil engineering, personal care, cleaning, mining, oil field and other industries. These markets are growing at over 10 percent a year, and growth is expected to accelerate as China continues to develop as a global manufacturing center.

“This latest step in strengthening our technology capabilities will support our fast-growing businesses in China and across the Asia region,”said Wilbur Mok, Air Products’ Asia President. “Our new investment in China will bring us closer to our customers throughout the region, and increase the speed by which we create innovative solutions and value-added offerings that address the specific requirements of local markets.”

Bobby Chen, Air Products’ Asia Technology Director, said the expansion in Shanghai underscores Air Products’ commitment to driving growth through innovation. “Our Asian Technology Centers are fully integrated into our global technology network,” he said. “They complement and support one another, with each center having specific market focus in serving customers by leveraging the company’s strength in material and surface sciences, analytical technology, application and engineering excellence.”

The company has also recently upgraded its Electronics technology capabilities in Korea and Taiwan, and Performance Materials technology capabilities in Japan. The Electronics and Performance Materials business is one of Air Products’ four global business divisions.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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 $9 billion, operations in over 40 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 Breaks Ground on New NF3 Production Facility in Korea

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced it has broken ground on the first phase of its nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) plant in Ulsan, Korea. The new production facility, which will be operated by Air Products Korea Electronics, will produce more than 500 metric tons per year when completed in late 2007.

“The recent groundbreaking reinforces our commitment to our semiconductor and TFT-LCD customers around the globe that we will remain the world’s leading supplier of NF₃,” said Corning Painter, vice president, Electronics at Air Products.

NF₃ is used as a chamber cleaning gas in the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays and other electronic devices. When compared with competing devices, NF₃ offers customers significant reductions in emissions, throughput increases of up to 30 percent, longer chamber life and faster clean rates. NF₃ is also stable and nonflammable, making it a safe gas to transport, store and deliver to customers around the world.

Upon completion, Air Products global capacity will be more than 2,500 metric tons annually. The company has safely manufactured and distributed NF₃ for more than 25 years from its manufacturing facility in Hometown, Pa. Air Products will continue to operate its three existing NF₃ plants at that location to ensure a reliable global supply of NF₃.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. 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 $9 billion, operations in over 40 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 Promotes Silane Gas Safety in First-ever Asian Silane Safety Seminar

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD), a globally diversified gases and chemicals company, recently chaired the first Silane Safety Seminar in Asia to share expertise and experience with the industry on the safe handling of silane, a specialty gas used extensively in the electronics industry in the manufacturing of semiconductors and flat panel displays which requires particular care due to its hazardous properties.

Held in Taiwan, the seminar is the first ever Silane Safety Seminar in Asia and it drew a full-house of more than 450 participants from major gas companies, industry associations, risk management specialists, material suppliers, end-users and Air Products' customers.

Air Products has been actively spearheading an industry effort to promote the importance of silane safety for years. "As a world leader in the electronics industry, Air Products is committed to product and process safety." said Eugene Ngai, director of Emergency Response and Disposal Technology at Air Products Asia, and the seminar's chairman. "Safety and reliability are the core tenets of our supply commitment to customers. Silane has unique properties that are critical to understand. We are very pleased to have chaired this seminar during which those attending could learn and share experiences on silane safety. We also thank all those involved for their active participation to enhance the strong working relationships to achieve silane safety."

The seminar was jointly organized by Asia Industrial Gases Association (AIGA), Taiwan's Council of Labor Affairs Executive Yuan, Industry Development Bureau in Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan High Pressure Gas Industrial Association. A number of other safety organizations such as SEMI, Compressed Gas Association, Industrial Technology Research Institute (IRTS) and Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA) and ERIC supported the event. This type of partnership among regulators, industry groups, customers and Air Products is important to the process of achieving the desired safe operational targets.

The day following the seminar, Air Products also hosted an internal event with more than 100 key customers and employees in Asia to further explore the techniques of silane handling and supply. Industry experts from Europe, North America and Asia spoke at the event and shared their valuable experience.

In May, Air Products conducted two days of silane release testing in Kaoshiung, Taiwan together with Kaoshiung First University, to better understand the behavior of silane under different conditions. A three-day silane safety training course was also conducted at the request of Taiwan's Tainan Science Industry Park (TSIP) authorities with 140 participants.

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 US$8.1 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and more than 20,000 employees around the globe.

For more information, visit www.airproducts.com or www.airproducts.com.cn.

Air Products to Build New NF3 Production Facility in Asia

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced it will construct a nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) plant in Ulsan, Korea to support the fast growing Asian semiconductor and liquid crystal display (LCD) markets. The new production facility will be operated by Air Products Korea Electronics and will be constructed at the company’s existing specialty gas site in Ulsan. The first phase of the new plant will produce in excess of 500 metric tons per year and will be completed in late 2007. Upon completion, Air Products’ global NF₃ capacity will be more than 2,500 metric tons per year.

This will be the company’s second Electronic Specialty Material (ESM) investment at Ulsan after recently bringing on-stream an ultra-high purity ammonia plant in 2005. This facility complements other Korean ESM facilities in Shiwha, Banwol, Cheonan and Pyeongtaek.

NF₃ is used as a chamber cleaning gas in the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays and other electronic devices. When compared with competing products, NF₃ offers customers significant reductions in emissions, throughput increases of up to 30 percent, longer chamber life and faster clean rates. NF₃ is also stable and non-flammable, making it a safe gas to transport, store and deliver to customers around the world.

“This new manufacturing facility is part of a multi-year investment strategy to build on our leading specialty materials position and enhance our ability to serve our semiconductor and TFT-LCD customers anywhere in the world,” said Mike Hilton, vice president and general manager, Electronics and Performance Materials at Air Products.

In addition, Air Products bulk supply capabilities for NF₃ will be further enhanced for the delivery of product to large volume flat panel and 300mm silicon semiconductor fabrication plants. Air Products is the largest and most experienced supplier of Bulk Specialty Gas Systems (BSGS) and ISO modules, which serve to safely and efficiently transport NF₃ to locations throughout the world. The company currently has over 300 electronics BSGS and 300 total ISO modules in service. Air Products’ latest BSGS innovation features pipelines that supply NF₃ directly to multiple semiconductor and flat panel display fabs from a single location, allowing for further savings while improving safety, quality and reliability.

Air Products has safely manufactured and distributed NF₃ for over a quarter century from its ESM manufacturing facility in Hometown, Pa. The company will continue to operate its three existing NF₃ plants at that location ensuring reliable global NF3 supply through the operation of multiple independent plants that continue to be optimized. Air Products has built a solid global infrastructure to facilitate the movement of NF₃ and other specialty products through strategically placed transfills in Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Belgium and distribution centers near customer locations.

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.

Leadership Changes in Air Products' Electronics Business

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products' (NYSE:APD) Electronics business has recently announced a number of leadership changes, as well as a strategic decision to locate its leadership in Asia, the fastest growing region for the electronics industry. As part of its emphasis on Asia, Air Products' Electronics business is also boosting its research and development (R&D) presence in Asia with expanded R&D centers in Taiwan and Korea.

Michael F. Hilton, currently vice president, Electronics, has been appointed vice president and general manager, Electronics and Performance Materials, and will lead the combined organizations from the company's Allentown headquarters.

Corning F. Painter has been appointed vice president and general manager, Global Electronics Division, effective October 1. He will replace Gerald G. Ermentrout who is retiring after 31 years with Air Products. Painter, currently regional vice president, Asia Electronics, will head the division from Taiwan.

"Asia is our largest and fastest growing region for electronics, and it makes sense for the business leader to be situated there," said Hilton. "This move is consistent with Air Products' pledge to be more focused on higher growth and represents our commitment to Asia."

With this appointment, Air Products' global leaders of Electronic Specialty Materials, Fab Business Development, and the division as a whole will all be based in Asia. "It is important to be close to our customers, who should see an increase in the speed of our decision making as a result," said Painter.

Ermentrout, who will retire in January, spent the last 15 years in Electronics contributing to the business' development into an important growth platform for Air Products. Ermentrout was named general manager, Electronics in 1992 and elevated to vice president and general manager in 1996.

Biographies and downloadable photos are available at www.airproducts.com/pressroom/biographies/executivebiographies.htm.

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 Highlights Its Comprehensive Offerings to Global Electronics Industry

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

SEMICON West 2006 is the stage for Air Products' (NYSE:APD) extensive offerings to the global electronics industry that will be featured from July 11-13 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif. The leader in supplying specialty gases, facility materials, and gas and chemical delivery equipment and services to the global electronics industry, Air Products continues to meet the growing needs of its customers by providing:

Expertise in fluorine chemistry, which provides safe and cost-effective solutions to customers' dielectric etch and chamber cleaning needs;
Emerging materials, including breakthrough products for making porous low-k dielectric materials by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition; and
Equipment offerings focused on the delivery of high-purity chemicals and gases to fabs around the world.

Air Products is the world's largest manufacturer of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), an environmentally-friendly specialty gas that reduces chamber cleaning cycle times while boosting the throughput of users. Air Products also supplies Sifrentm* 46 (C4F6) and other gases, such as C5F8, for use in critical dimension dielectric etch applications. The company is able to offer the highest purity C4F6 product commercially available thanks to its patented purification process.

Air Products is able to deliver many specialty gases through its GASGUARD® bulk specialty gas systems, which offers lower cost, improved quality, greater consistency, and higher safety and reliability than typical cylinder delivery. The bulk delivery of specialty gases increases quality and consistency through a reduction in container changes which reduces the possibility of contamination. Less frequent container hook-ups also minimize personnel exposure and risk of product release. In today's larger fabs and TFT facilities, BSGS technology enables reliable flow of materials to customers' tools.

The company also recently added PDEMS™ interlayer dielectric (ILD) precursor to its product portfolio. PDEMS ILD Precursor is a breakthrough product for making a porous low-k dielectric material by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). It is also the leading candidate under evaluation as a 45nm solution by both device and major equipment manufacturers.

The organosilicate structure of the film is created using the company's patented DEMS™ ILD Precursor, which is referred to as a "structure former." Pores are imparted to the film by employing hydrocarbon-based precursor as a "porogen" that co-deposits during the growth of film. One unique feature of the PDEMS ILD process is the tunability of the dielectric constant from 2.7 to below 2.0 by optimizing the chemical formulation and process conditions. This attribute eliminates the need for making process chemistry changes at each technology node. PDEMS ILD meets material property requirements for successful integration at 45nm geometries and beyond.

Air Products' Electronics Division equipment business is experiencing another year with strong results. Thanks to continued strong demand for MP3 players and other memory-related devices, the company's CHEMGUARD™ automated chemical delivery system business is enjoying a record year, with sales already surpassing last year's totals.

"This is the fifth year in a row that we have won more than 50% of the new fab business in bulk gases and equipment," says Joe Stockunas, general manager for Air Products Electronics Equipment business.

Air Products recently signed an exclusive agreement with South Korea-based Hanyang ENG Co., Ltd. (HYE) to provide North American sales and service support for HYE's bulk chemical blending and distribution equipment used in the electronics industry. Air Products will be the direct sales agent for HYE in North America. All equipment will be designed and manufactured by HYE in Korea.

The new relationship with Hanyang Engineering significantly enhances Air Products' gas and chemicals equipment offering and complements the company's CHEMGUARD line. While the CHEMGUARD products focus on specialty chemical delivery for the electronics industry, the HYE equipment targets bulk chemicals blending and delivery. In addition, HYE products are primarily constructed of polymers while the CHEMGUARD line is stainless steel, giving Air Products expertise in both areas.

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.

*Sifren is a registered trademark of Ausimont SpA.

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

Air Products Signs Two Major Gas Contracts with Leading Semiconductor and Flat Panel Manufacturers in Asia

Tue, 09 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that its subsidiary in Taiwan, Air Products San Fu Gas Co. Ltd., has signed major contracts with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) to serve their facilities located in Tainan Science Industrial Park (TSIP), one of the largest technology parks in the world. Air Products San Fu will supply nitrogen and bulk gases to both manufacturers, and build an air separation unit (ASU) in the park to support existing and growing customer demand.

Air Products San Fu will serve TSMC Fab 14 phase two expansion and CMO Fab 7. TSMC Fab 14 is TSMC's second 12-inch wafer fab specializing in advanced 90- and 65-nm process technologies. CMO Fab 7 is a Generation 7.5 TFT-LCD manufacturing facility.

"The new contracts further solidify our long-term partnership with TSMC and CMO, as well as our leading supply position in TSIP," said Corning Painter, vice president of Asia Electronics and North Asia. "These contracts are the direct result of the investments we have made in expanding our global infrastructure and local supply over the years to better serve our customers in Asia. It is part of our long-term strategy and has positioned us so that we can quickly respond to growing customer demand and in turn grow along with our customers."

Air Products San Fu has established a leading supply position in TSIP. Its customers in the park include: TSMC, Fab6 and Fab 14Phase One; United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), Fab12A; and CMO, Fab 3, Fab 4 and the newly-signed Fab 5 and Fab 7. Air Products San Fu serves its customers by large ultra-high purity (UHP) bulk gas production facilities and a pipeline with a total capacity exceeding 60,000 Nm3/Hr. Its main plant, with the world's largest UHP nitrogen generator, supplies the pipeline at 50,000 Nm3/Hr. This plant also produces UHP liquid nitrogen and UHP liquid oxygen for other semiconductor customers.

Air Products is a leading supplier to the global Electronics industry. Worldwide, its Electronics business generates $1.3 billion in sales. Its portfolio consists of integrated service offerings and products including bulk gases, specialty materials and leading-edge equipment. The company has solid infrastructure in Asia to support the growing TFT-LCD and semiconductor markets.

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 more than 20,000 employees around the globe.

Air Products SanFu is a leading producer of industrial gases in Taiwan, supplying atmospheric gases, electronics specialty gases, chemicals and related equipment for many industries. Air Products San Fu is one of "The Top 200 Companies" in Taiwan and is the first gas company in Taiwan awarded ISO9002 and ISO14000 certifications.

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 Completes Construction, Brings On-Stream New Uhp Ammonia Distillation Plant In Korea

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that it has completed construction on a new ultra-high purity (UHP) ammonia distillation plant in Ulsan, Korea. The new plant, which is now on-stream, will service the Asian and global electronics industry and will be operated by Air Products subsidiary Korea Industrial Gases (KIG). Air Products will continue to produce UHP ammonia at its Morrisville, Pa. and Hometown, Pa. facilities in the Unites States.

"The opening of our UHP ammonia distillation plant in Korea, our first in Asia, reinforces Air Products' position as the global leader in UHP ammonia manufacture and supply," said Mike Hilton, vice president, Electronics Business, Air Products. "As purity and volume requirements continue to rise for UHP ammonia, this technologically-advanced facility will allow us to better serve customers in this region and throughout the world."

UHP ammonia is an electronic specialty gas crucial in the manufacture of flat panel displays such as Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Displays (TFT-LCD), integrated circuits and Light Emitting Diodes (LED), which are used in applications such as cell phones and automotive lighting and are displacing conventional lighting alternatives based on their ability to operate at reduced power, lower temperatures and with extended lifetimes.

Air Products will manufacture two grades of ammonia at its new facility in Korea—VLSI Ammonia (99.999% purity), which is used to produce flat panel display and integrated circuits, and the company's White AmmoniaTM (99.99999% purity), the purest line of ammonia available today and a critical component in the production of LEDs.

Air Products' UHP ammonia distillation plant in Korea enhances the company's supply chain by leveraging its industry-leading purification technology and Bulk Specialty Gas System (BSGS) offering, a service that includes proprietary bulk ISO module packaging. Air Products' plant in Korea is equipped with the most comprehensive fleet of ISO units in the industry and the capability to supply bulk quantities of UHP Ammonia in a variety of containers, increasing customer service throughout the region.

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 Announces Price Increase For Electronics Chemicals

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products will assess a price increase on select electronic chemicals and gases effective September 1, 2005, which will help offset costs associated with recent manufacturing and storage facility upgrades.

These changes are part of an ongoing effort by Air Products to improve the overall safety and reliable supply of its electronics products and services. An increase of $40 per container will be imposed.

The increase is part of a continuing industry initiative, coordinated by the American Chemistry Council, to improve security at chemical facilities. As part of that campaign, Air Products also completed a Security Vulnerability Assessment for all of its electronics manufacturing facilities—a survey that resulted in continuing upgrades for computer monitoring systems, truck design and logistics, and additional plant security measures.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in food, 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 $7.4 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and nearly 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 Goes Further At Semicon Europa

Tue, 12 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0400

This week during Semicon Europa, Munich, Germany, Air Products is presenting its innovative approach to both its product portfolio and customer partnerships. The last couple of years have seen Air Products expand the breadth of its product portfolio to become even more of a leading 'one stop shop' gases, chemicals, equipment and services provider throughout the word.

Air Products' capabilities displayed at Semicon include its portfolio of products and services from the integration of the Electronics Chemicals Division acquired from Ashland and the Schumacher range of specialty chemicals in Europe. It also features capabilities from its electronics dedicated technical centres, of which the latest addition is the Dresden centre in Germany. The range of services offered at these centres now includes equipment refurbishment, tool maintenance and spares supply.

Air Products is also demonstrating its high purity gases and chemicals offerings, developed to meet the requirements of the next technology generation of the electronics industry.

Air Products' white ammonia, a new ultra-high purity ammonia, is the first commercially-available product to achieve lower than one part per billion of moisture without the need for additional downstream purification.
Megabit III grade arsine addresses the more stringent background doping requirements of more challenging MOCVD process conditions. eGAS™ Arsine generation technology is targeted towards the ion implant market.
High purity germane and germane mixes have also been supplied from Air Products' Hometown production facility since 2003, to a growing number of IC manufacturers.
Air Products also recently launched two new products as part of the ACT ® family of strippers: ACT™ AS-65 and EZStrip™ 520, suitable for wet bench, spray tool and single-wafer tool applications.
Air Products Lo-K and Hi-K ranges are augmented by an agreement with Dow Corning for the supply of ZTOMCATS™, Z2DM™ and Z4MS™ and an alliance with Akzo Nobel for TMAl (trimethyl aluminium).

Air Products is also showcasing its range of equipment.

Air Products' MegaBIP® HCl technology uses a patented method of removing impurities and keeping hydrogen chloride purity consistent as the gas is withdrawn through a self-contained purifier built into a cylinder. Last year, Air Products BIP® technology was awarded, among other distinctions, the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation 2004.

Air Products is also featuring the ATCS Plus, a new addition to its Absolute ™ Temperature Control System, to the Electronics Specialty Chemicals market. It provides reliable and stable temperature control of Air Products' Schumacher line of liquid source chemicals. It provides expanded temperature control ranging from 10-120° C.

Air Products' Gasguard® gas delivery systems, including its gas cabinets, valve manifold boxes and bulk specialty gas delivery systems, is also on the stand. The systems deliver safe, reliable, consistent and flexible performance to the electronics industry. Also featured is the Chemguard® 100 automated chemical delivery system, a dual reservoir cabinet, which allows customisation to fabs' changing requirements. The Chemguard® technology maintains chemical purity, guarantees safety of fab personnel and ensures 100% process uptime by supplying continuous chemical flow to the process tool.

Information on all these products and the in-depth knowledge of the Air Products representatives can be accessed at the stand.

'At Air Products, we pride ourselves on our customer partnerships. We're always looking for new ways to improve the product range we offer and the way we do business with customers; whether it's customer service, our supply chain, technical solutions or safety' said Simon Earnshaw, General Manager Electronics Europe.

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 $7.4 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and nearly 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

Air Products Plans New UHP Ammonia Distillation Facility in Asia

Fri, 17 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products today announced its plans to construct an ultra-high purity (UHP) Ammonia distillation plant in Ulsan, Korea to serve the market in Asia. The state-of-the-art plant and transfill station will be operated by Korea Industrial Gases, or KIG, an Air Products subsidiary.

Air Products will continue to manufacture UHP Ammonia at its Morrisville and Hometown, Pennsylvania locations. This new third location—Air Products’ first in Asia—is being built to meet growing customer demand, and will reinforce Air Products’ position as the leading UHP Ammonia supplier to the global Electronics industry. Air Products is also the largest supplier of UHP Ammonia to the U.S. Electronics market.

UHP Ammonia is an electronic specialty gas integral to such markets as Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Displays (TFT-LCD), integrated circuits and Light Emitting Diodes (LED). Each of these markets is evolving, driven by substantial growth in production facilities throughout Asia. Industry estimates have TFT-LCD technology—a part of the flat panel display industry—continuing to grow by more than 30 percent, while the LED market is growing by more than 10 percent, each per year over the near term.

“This investment is just the next chapter in a growing worldwide Electronics infrastructure—one that best serves our customers, no matter where they are in the world,” explained Soo Yon Lee, president, KIG. “By investing in the world’s newest ultra-high purity Ammonia facility now, we’re better positioned to meet the growing flat panel market and LED demands that we see happening in Asia.”

Air Products will manufacture two lines of Ammonia at the new Korea facility: VLSI Ammonia (99.999% purity) is already being used by the integrated circuit and TFT-LCD industries, while its White AmmoniaTM(99.99999% purity) product is a key material in the LED industry. Air Products’ White AmmoniaTMproduct offering is the Electronics industry’s most ultra-pure line of Ammonia available on the market today. Its purity is critical in the production of LEDs, which are displacing conventional lighting alternatives based on their ability to operate at reduced power, at lower temperatures and with extended lifetimes.

LED technology is rapidly being adopted in the global automotive industry and also in traffic signaling, signage and LCD backlighting applications. TFT-LCDs are a key component in the manufacture of flat panel screens in computer monitors, cell phones, personal organizers, televisions and other electronic devices.

The project will enhance Air Products’ supply chain by building on its state-of-the-art purification technology and Bulk Specialty Gas System (BSGS) offering, a service that includes a proprietary bulk ISO module package offering. Air Products’ Korean location will be able to leverage the most comprehensive fleet of ISO units in the industry, while also supplying other bulk quantities of UHP Ammonia in a variety of containers and drums—thereby better serving customers throughout the region.

The Korea plant is scheduled to be on-stream in the last quarter of calendar year 2005 (CY05).

Worldwide, Air Products’ Electronics business generates $1.2 billion in revenue and is the leading supplier to the global Electronics industry. Its portfolio consists of integrated service offerings and products including bulk gases, specialty gases, specialty materials and enabling equipment.

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 $7.4 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and nearly 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 and Air Liquide Sign New Contract with China's Leading Flat Panel Manufacturer

Wed, 10 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) and Air Liquide have signed a long-term contract with Beijing BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co. Ltd. (BOE OT) to supply bulk gases to its newest manufacturing facility in the Beijing Economic Technological Development Area (BDA). BOE is a leading TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display) manufacturer both within and outside China.

Air Products and Air Liquide will form a 50/50 joint venture to build and operate a new air separation unit (ASU) in BDA. Slated to come on-stream in the second half of 2005, this facility will have the capacity to produce 12,000 cubic meters per hour of ultra pure nitrogen for pipeline supply to BOE OT and approximately 430 tons per day of liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon for the merchant market. Furthermore, the joint venture will have the capacity and the right to supply bulk gases via pipeline to other customers in BDA.

The joint venture will invest about US$30 million to build the air separation unit.

"The long-term agreement with BOE OT in Beijing has further strengthened our position as a leading supplier to the flat panel market," said Corning Painter, Air Products' vice president, Asia Electronics. "We are continuing to steadily invest in our Asian infrastructure to meet growing customer demand throughout the region. We're excited about the opportunities in China and look forward to our investment in the Beijing Economic Technological Development Area."

The TFT-LCD market has continued to grow year-over-year at more than a 30 percent rate, outpacing the growth being experienced by the silicon semiconductor industry. TFT-LCDs are commonly used for flat panel screens in televisions, computer monitors, cell phones, personal organizers and other electronic devices. Air Products is a leading supplier to the TFT-LCD and semiconductor markets in Asia, as well as a market leader in supplying specialty and bulk gases to flat panel markets in Korea and Taiwan. Approximately 45 percent of Air Products' Electronics sales are generated in Asia.

Air Products is one of the first foreign industrial gas companies to enter China with a joint venture in 1987 and has established a solid infrastructure in Northern, Southern and Eastern China. The company recently announced an expansion to its existing ASU facility in Guangzhou, making it the largest single production facility of liquefied products in China and one of the largest that Air Products operates worldwide.

With annual revenues of US$1.1 billion including affiliates in Asia, Air Products has over 4,400 employees, and a significant and growing presence in the region with locations in nine countries.

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 $7.4 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and nearly 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 Awarded Grants to Help Finance Hometown Expansion

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Secretary Dennis Yablonsky of the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development and Rep. David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, today awarded Air Products with a package of state grants that will be used to expand its Hometown, Pa. electronics specialty gases facility. Both officials visited Air Products' Hometown facility on Tuesday to present the grants.

Air Products is currently growing its nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) production facility at Hometown—an investment that will increase the facility's capacity by 50 percent by the spring of 2005. The expansion is part of a multi-year investment strategy that will continue to position Air Products as one of the world's largest and most reliable providers of NF₃ and other electronics specialty gases, all of which are used in making semiconductors, flat panel displays and other electronic devices.

"The Opportunity Grant Program is a key component of Governor Rendell's economic development incentives," said Secretary Yablonsky. "The program was established to create and preserve jobs within the Commonwealth. Today's announcement is an excellent example of our commitment to Pennsylvania companies. Air Products can continue to invest in its most valuable resource—its employees."

"Air Products knows my commitment to keeping and growing quality jobs right here," added Chairman Argall, Hometown's state representative. "In the fight to keep and attract quality employers, we're not just competing, we're winning. This is an international company that can expand anywhere in the world, but continues to expand in Hometown because of our people."

The package consists of two grants totaling $1.8 million earmarked for Air Products' Hometown plant. Hometown employs over 150 workers who are directly associated with the manufacture of NF3. In total, over 5,500 of Air Products' 18,500 worldwide employees work within Pennsylvania. The package includes:

An Opportunity Grant in the amount of $600,000 issued through the Department of Community and Economic Development, and
$1.2 million awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. (Learn more details about each of these grants by visiting www.airproducts.com/pressroom.)

"The Hometown expansion is an investment in our future," explained Art Katsaros, group vice president, Development and Technology. "Governor Rendell, Secretary Yablonsky and Chairman Argall have been very supportive of our efforts there. They understand our Hometown success story—one that has local roots, but whose benefits are measured on a worldwide scale."

NF₃ is used as a chamber cleaning gas during the manufacture of a variety of electronics. When compared with competing products, NF₃ customers benefit from a significant reduction in atmospheric ozone-depletingemissions, throughput increases of up to 30 percent, longer chamber life and faster clean rates. NF₃ is also stable and non-flammable—making it a safer gas to transport, store and deliver to the customers'process tools than other alternative gases.

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.

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

Air Products to Expand its Worldwide NF₃ Capacity

Tue, 27 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products today announced the expansion of its Hometown, Pa. Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) production facility, a move triggered by growth in the global electronics industry. The expansion helps to solidify Air Products' position as the world's leading manufacturer of this high volume electronics specialty material.

NF3 is used as a chamber cleaning gas in the manufacture of semiconductor and flat panel displays. When compared with competing products, NF3 customers benefit from a significant reduction in emissions, throughput increases of up to 30 percent, longer chamber life and faster clean rates. NF3 is also stable and non-flammable, making it a safe gas to transport, store and deliver to the customer's process tools. Air Products is currently a leading supplier of the world's NF3 to the global electronics industry, and the addition to its facility in Hometown will increase its optimized current capacity by nearly 50 percent. The NF3 expansion is slated to be completed and online in spring 2005.

"We've been able to successfully penetrate an evolving industry with a product that is not only safe and environmentally sound, but significant to the manufacturing of electronics worldwide," said Jerry Ermentrout, vice president and general manager, Electronics. "Our customers' demands for NF3 are growing, driven in part by the 300mm integrated circuit fab ramp and flat panel display market expansion. Our Hometown expansion allows us to meet those demands starting now."

In anticipation of the electronics industry recovery, Air Products pre-invested in its Hometown facility to expedite NF3 capacity expansion and to ensure a continued and reliable customer supply. The multi-year investment strategy now positions Air Products to meet the increase in demand for NF3—a product whose volume continued to grow despite the late industry downturn. That, coupled with an estimated 18 percent growth rate in the flat panel and 300mm silicon industries through 2007, means Air Products is aligned to meet upcoming customer demand. The company maintains reliable NF3 supply through multiple independent plants that continue to be optimized, and has built a solid Asian infrastructure to facilitate the movement of NF3 and other specialty products through strategically placed transfills in Taiwan, Korea and Japan.

Air Products has safely manufactured and distributed NF3 for over a quarter century from its Hometown facility. The expansion follows a recent Samsung announcement in which Air Products will supply NF3 to Samsung's newest flat panel display factory located in Tangjung, Korea. The Samsung generation 7 facility is the first of its kind and will require up to four times the amount of NF3 as is used in traditional semiconductor fabs.

Proprietary production technology and the latest advanced optimization research have led to even lower cost of ownership for NF3. Air Products is also the largest and most experienced supplier of Bulk Specialty Gas Systems (BSGS) and ISO containers, which serve to safely and efficiently transport NF3 to locations throughout world. BSGS ensures product line uptimes that exceed 99.995%.

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.

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

Air Products Signs Exclusive Gases Contract With One of World's Largest Flat Panel Manufacturers

Thu, 11 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) announced its Taiwanese joint venture¯San Fu Gas Co.¯has won a long-term agreement with Chi Mei Optoelectronics to supply nitrogen and bulk gases to Chi Mei's newest flat panel manufacturing facility, Fab 4, located in the Tainan Science-based Industrial Park (TSIP). In addition to this agreement, San Fu has also been awarded the supply of bulk specialty gas equipment and installation of specialty gas piping contract for Chi Mei 4.

San Fu has established a leading supply position in TSIP, one of the world's largest science parks. Other San Fu customers in the park are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation's (TSMC) Fab 6 and Fab 14A, United Microelectronics Corporation's (UMC) Fab 12A, and Chi Mei's Fab 3, to name just a few. Customers are served by large San Fu industrial ultra high purity bulk gas production facilities and pipeline bulk gas distribution network with a total capacity exceeding 60,000 Nm3/hr. The main plant supplying the pipeline at 50,000 Nm3/hr is the world's largest UHP nitrogen generator, and it also co-produces UHP liquid nitrogen and UHP liquid oxygen for supply to semiconductor customers.

"These long-term agreements are a direct result of the significant investments we have made over the years to serve the Asian electronics manufacturing industry,"said Allen Chien, President of San Fu. "Today, those investments have built considerable momentum and are part of a longer-term strategy that has positioned us so that as our customers, like Chi Mei, respond to the growing demands of the semiconductor and flat panel display markets, we can grow right along with them."

Chi Mei Optoelectronics, the fourth largest TFT-LCD manufacturer in the world, has one generation five (G5) Fab (Fab 3) in operation and its Fab 4, currently under construction, will be generation 5.5. San Fu is a major gas supplier to Chi Mei, including pipeline nitrogen and high purity specialty gas products.

"We are pleased to have awarded San Fu Gas to build and supply all of our bulk gas requirements for our latest investment in Fab 4. With the strong partnership we have jointly established over the last four years through our three existing Fabs, we are very sure that San Fu is the best choice for Chi Mei in the overall gas supply and services," added Lin-Yu Chao, procurement director at Chi Mei.

Air Products has a significant and growing presence in Asia with locations in nine Asian countries and over 4,400 employees. It's $1.1 billion in Asian sales, including affiliates, represents nearly 15 percent of the company's total revenues.

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.

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

Air Products Inks Multiple Deals That Boost Presence in Asia

Wed, 11 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD), a leading supplier to the Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) and semiconductor markets in Asia, today announced a number of new investments that will create new capacity and augment existing capabilities for several of its major electronics customers in Korea. Korea Industrial Gases (KIG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Products in Korea, paved the way for the recent investments. Specifically, the company announced that KIG has:

Completed the commissioning of its third nitrogen air separation plant that feeds the Gumi pipeline network in Korea. The pipeline network supplies over 30 customers in the greater Gumi area, some of which uy both pipeline nitrogen and oxygen from KIG. The new plant was added to satisfy the rapidly growing demand of existing flat panel and semiconductor customers¯particularly LG Philips Limited with whom KIG has recently executed a new long-term supply agreement. Gumihas the biggest inland industrial complex mainly for electronics display industry¯also known as 'Display Mecca,' – and is located about 280 km South of Seoul.
Completed the commissioning of a new air separation plant feeding Samsung's Cheonan TFT-LCD flat panel manufacturing complex. This plant is the third unit at Cheonan in a series of large, high purity nitrogen generators serving the growing TFT-LCD flat panel market. KIG is the exclusive nitrogen supplier to the Samsung manufacturing complex in Cheonan, which consists of four large-scale TFT-LCD facilities.
Begun construction of a third air separation plant feeding Samsung's memory fab complex in Gihueng, Korea. This plant, slated for commissioning in two months, will greatly enhance KIG's pipeline supply to Samsung, particularly for the newly commissioned 300mm facility (Fab 12). KIG has been supplying Samsung at this site since 1996.
"These investments, coupled with our recent Samsung Tangjung investment, strengthen our position as a leading supplier to the TFT-LCD markets in Korea," said Mike Hilton, vice president, Electronics Businesses at Air Products. "Our relationships and product portfolio are building considerable momentum that will help us secure new contracts and build new plants to meet the needs of rapidly growing industries," he added.

Air Products has a significant and growing presence in Asia with locations in nine Asian countries, over 4,400 employees and $1.1 billion in Asian sales including affiliates. Air Products' Asian sales represents nearly 15 percent of the company's total revenues.

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.

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

Air Products Wins Major Samsung Contract to Supply Gas and Equipment to Cutting-Edge Flat Panel Display Factory in Korea

Tue, 13 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) announced today that it has been selected to supply nitrogen, oxygen, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), ammonia (NH3), argon, and silane by pipeline to Samsung's newest Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFTLCD) factory located in Tangjung, Korea. Air Products was also selected to supply future requirements for hydrogen and helium to the site.

The Samsung LCD factory is the first of its kind in the world and requires large amounts of bulk gases. Air Products will supply world-scale quantities of nitrogen for the first factory alone. As a means for comparison, the Samsung LCD factory will consume anywhere from five to eight times the amount of nitrogen that a typical semiconductor factory (fab) consumes. And, the NF3 requirements for this LCD factory will be equally higher than the amount required at a typical semiconductor fab.

To support the new Samsung project, Air Products is constructing two new plants at the Tangjung site. The first plant will be an A410/L400 Air Separation Unit (ASU) and Liquefier, starting up in late Summer 2004. The second facility, slated for completion in 2005, will be a supplemental plant, identical to Air Products plants already in operation at Samsung's facilities in Gihueng, Korea and in Cheonan, Korea. Air Products has allocated space at the Tangjung site for a planned third plant, to be built at a later time for future factories.

"This contract is a perfect example of our ability to serve the largest electronics customers around the world with their gas and specialty material needs, given our investments in market infrastructure, technology advancements, and product capacity," said Michael Hilton, vice president, Electronics Businesses at Air Products. "We have spent considerable time and effort building our Electronics business in Asia, especially our specialty chemicals business, and those relationships make us a known quantity to our customers. So when those customers are also looking for a gas supplier, they already know the level of excellence they can expect from us. To be involved with such an important customer as Samsung whose new plant will use the latest technology is something we are truly looking forward to," he added.

Air Products Electronics Division has a significant and growing presence in Asia. With locations in nine Asian countries, more than 4,400 employeesand the recently acquired Ashland Electronics Chemicals business, the more than $1 billion Electronics Division represents nearly 15 percent of the company's total revenues.

Samsung is a leader in the industry in market share for large flat panel devices, commonly used for laptop and flat panel desktop PC displays, PDAs, cell phones, and the newest market, liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions.

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.

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

Flat Panel Displays News Releases

Air Products Brings World’s First On-site High-Purity Ammonia Plant Onstream in China to Support Booming LED Market

Air Products and Dow Corning Enter Long-Term Silane Supply Agreement

Air Products Increases Prices for Electronics Offerings

Air Products Signs Second Contract with Samsung Mobile Display to Supply Nitrogen and Other Gases for AMOLED Production

Air Products to Expand Nitrogen Capacity in Korea’s Cheonan City

Air Products Receives Supplier Excellence Award from Texas Instruments

Air Products Signs a Contract to Supply Nitrogen and Oxygen to Samsung Mobile Display in Korea

Air Products Signs Letter of Intent with Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs

Air Products to Build the World’s First On-Site, Large-Scale Specialty Gas Plant

Air Products Signs Contract with Taiwan’s CMO to Supply Flat Panel Market

Air Products Continues to Focus on What Matters Most at SEMICON® Europa 2008

Value

Reliability

Innovation

What Matters Most

Air Products Increases Prices for Electronic Specialty Materials

Air Products Boosts NF3 Capacity in US and Asia

Air Products Focused on What Matters Most at SEMICON® West 2007

Value

Reliability

Innovation

What Matters Most

Air Products Brings New Nitrogen Plant in China On-Stream

Air Products Completes Expansion of Its China Technology Center

Air Products Breaks Ground on New NF3 Production Facility in Korea

Air Products Promotes Silane Gas Safety in First-ever Asian Silane Safety Seminar

Air Products to Build New NF3 Production Facility in Asia

Leadership Changes in Air Products' Electronics Business

Air Products Highlights Its Comprehensive Offerings to Global Electronics Industry

Air Products Signs Two Major Gas Contracts with Leading Semiconductor and Flat Panel Manufacturers in Asia

About Air Products

Air Products Completes Construction, Brings On-Stream New Uhp Ammonia Distillation Plant In Korea

Air Products Announces Price Increase For Electronics Chemicals

Air Products Goes Further At Semicon Europa

About Air Products

Air Products Plans New UHP Ammonia Distillation Facility in Asia

Air Products and Air Liquide Sign New Contract with China's Leading Flat Panel Manufacturer

Air Products Awarded Grants to Help Finance Hometown Expansion

Air Products to Expand its Worldwide NF3 Capacity

Air Products Signs Exclusive Gases Contract With One of World's Largest Flat Panel Manufacturers

Air Products Inks Multiple Deals That Boost Presence in Asia

Air Products Wins Major Samsung Contract to Supply Gas and Equipment to Cutting-Edge Flat Panel Display Factory in Korea

Air Products to Expand its Worldwide NF₃ Capacity