Press Releases & Media Centre

PVS AND AIR PRODUCTS SIGN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT

Monday, 13 February 2006 — Air Products and PVS Chemicals Belgium NV have signed an agreement for the supply of high purity sulphuric acid to the European electronics market.

Simon Earnshaw, General Manager, Air Products Electronics Europe, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with PVS for the supply of high purity sulphuric acid. PVS brings 20 years experience of producing high purity sulphuric acid for the semiconductor industry together with a new state of the art facility, located in Belgium. It will provide cost effective supply chain solutions for both bulk and packaged materials.”

Simon added: “Air Products’ experience in handling and delivering products and services to the microelectronics industry combined with PVS’s technical ability to produce high purity sulphuric acid will support customers’ requirements in terms of quality, packaging solutions, delivery and cost of ownership.”

PVS, building on its 20 years experience of high pure sulphuric acid in the United States, has begun production of ultra-pure sulphuric acid at its site in Gent, Belgium. The Belgian location is well positioned to serve customers throughout continental Europe.  The new plant is supported by a new clean room laboratory which enables a full service offering. The plant has the production capacity to meet a significant portion of the growing market demand.

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

About PVS Chemicals
PVS Chemicals is a privately held chemical manufacturer and distributor based in Detroit, Michigan. PVS meets the needs of industrial and specialty customers with operations in Europe, Southeast Asia and the United States. Founded in 1945, PVS serves a broad range of industries including food processing, pharmaceuticals, electronics, water treatment and fuel refining. PVS is a leading marketer of sulphuric acid, sulphur-based specialty chemicals, hydrochloric acid, iron chloride and chemical recycling. The company is proud of its long term steady growth through partnering with suppliers and customers.

For further information
Anna White, Air Products, Corporate communications
Tel: 01932 249847