UK gases company Air Products PLC has moved further up the global motorsports grid by agreeing an Official Supplier deal with British-based Formula 1 team OrangeArrows, to supply welding, cutting and other gases, initially until the beginning of racing season 2004.

The company is already established as the supplier of welding gases to the sports car manufacturer TVR for its TVR Tuscan Challenge in the UK and was recently selected by CART 500 (the US equivalent of Formula One) to supply a range of gases for its European debut races in Germany and the UK later this year. In the USA, Air Products' parent company has been supplying to a leading NASCAR team for two years.

Air Products will be supplying OrangeArrows with argon for welding of titanium wheel and brake components, bulk nitrogen for inerting in the baking process of carbon fibre composite bodywork parts, as well as cylinder nitrogen for tyre filling.

OrangeArrows' Manufacturing Manager, Ronnie Dean, commented, "This is about more than just the efficient supply of gas. Air Products is already well established as a player in motorsports and they have people who understand our demands at the technical level. Without that understanding a supplier can't give us added-value when we call on it."

Air Products' UK general manager, Graham Taylor, commented, "When it comes to speed and high-performance then it really doesn't get much more demanding than OrangeArrows. You know that you've had to meet very stringent criteria to be selected and that's an accolade in itself."

Air Products will be showcasing its motorsports expertise at the Schweißen und Schneiden welding exhibition in Germany (12-18 September). Visitors to the Air Products stand (Hall 3/booth 3-22) will be able 'test the best' as the company showcases its high performance Maxx™ welding gases and Integra cylinder™. There will also be a prize draw with a top prize of two OrangeArrows Formula One Paddock Club tickets for next year's European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany.

NOTE TO EDITORS:
Air Products PLC is the UK subsidiary of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (www.airproducts.com), 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.

OrangeArrows is an independent team contesting the world's most glamorous, high-tech, big-budget sport: Formula 1 Grand Prix. For detailed information and images relating to the team's cars, drivers, season to date and much more, log onto www.orangearrows.com.