APD Air Products and Chemicals Inc

World's Largest NF3 Producer Expands to Support Customer Demand LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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 http://www.airproducts.com/. NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations. DATASOURCE: Air Products CONTACT: Media Inquiries, Asia, Jessica Cheng, (852)2863-0585, , or US, Robert Brown, +1-610-481-1192, ; or Investor Inquiries, Nelson Squires, +1-610-481- 7461, , all of Air Products Web site: http://www.airproducts.com/

Copyright