Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) has extended its leadership position in the delivery of bulk electronic specialty gases, with over 100 GASGUARD® Bulk Specialty Gas Supply (BSGS) Delivery Systems now under contract at electronics customer sites worldwide. In addition to these more than 100 systems sold by Air Products, an additional four-dozen BSGS systems have also been manufactured and sold by the company's Korean subsidiary, Hanyang Technology Co., Ltd., and its Japanese electronics industry joint venture partner, Daido Air Products Electronics, Inc.

With the dramatic increase in bulk electronic specialty gas consumption in the fiber optic, flat panel, and LED markets—plus heightened demand from epitaxial wafer manufacturers, 200mm fabs and now, 300mm fabs—Air Products continues to drive new customer-focused innovations in this area. For example, the company is currently developing new control platforms and mechanical upgrades for its latest BSGS systems to mirror those used on its newly designed gas cabinets.

The history of innovation began in 1993, when Air Products pioneered the concept of bulk electronic specialty gas delivery. Since then, the company has continued to improve its state-of-the-art BSGS systems through advancements such as Hastelloy C-22 piping systems for hydrogen chloride piping; solutions for all of the thermo-dynamic challenges from the cylinder source through delivery; liquid delivery systems for ISO modules; and value-added services such as regulatory engineering guidelines and Responsible Care® guidance for process safety management documentation and improved facilitation. Today, Air Products offers a complete portfolio of BSGS systems for all electronic specialty gases that are amenable to bulk supply.

"With over 150 BSGS systems worldwide, we have more experience in the global electronics market than all of our competitors combined," noted Robert W. Ford,

manager of Air Products' BSGS Systems. "These systems have been installed outdoors at customer sites in a variety of climates—from the cold of Minnesota to the heat of Southeast Asia—and their outstanding performance is a reflection of Air Products' knowledge of customer requirements and our ability to deliver exceptional process gas system reliability and safety."

Mr. Ford noted that Air Products expects demand for its BSGS Systems to continue at or above the 40 percent per year growth rate the company has experienced during the last five years.

The company operates more than 80 percent of its BSGS systems for its customers. These arrangements capitalize on Air Products' experience in working at the customer site and have numerous advantages, including allowing fab personnel to concentrate on production and process technology, minimizing the initial capital outlay for the system, and enabling Air Products to maintain full control in operating and maintaining the system.

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (www.airproducts.com) is the world's only combined gases and chemicals company. Founded more than 60 years ago, the business has annual revenues of $5.5 billion and operations in 30 countries. Air Products is a market leader in the global electronics and chemical processing industries, and a longstanding innovator in many industrial markets, including coatings, adhesives and polyurethanes. The company distinguishes itself through its 17,500 employees around the world, who build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion.

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

EDITOR'S NOTE: A photo of a GASGUARD® Bulk Specialty Gas System (BSGS) installation at a customer's semiconductor manufacturing facility is available at Air Products' on-line Press Room: www.airproducts.com/pressroom. From the Press Room homepage, click on "Multimedia Gallery," "Photo Library" and then on "Electronics."