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AIR PRODUCTS SIGNS EXCLUSIVE GASES CONTRACT
WITH ONE OF WORLD’S LARGEST FLAT PANEL MANUFACTURERS
LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (March 11, 2004) - 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.
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