APD Air Products and Chemicals Inc

Air Products Consolidates Its Gas Position in Southern China and Supplies BP Zhuhai PTA Plant With Gases LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Products -- a globally diversified gases and chemicals company -- announced today that the company is supplying hydrogen and nitrogen to BP Zhuhai's PTA (purified terephthalic acid) plant, and hydrogen to the merchant market in Guangdong Province, further consolidating its leading gas position in Southern China. Air Products has built an on-site hydrogen plant utilizing the latest reforming technology with back-up hydrogen storage, an on-site PSA system, and a liquid nitrogen storage and vaporization system for BP Zhuhai's PTA plant. PTA is the preferred raw material used to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used polymer for the production of textiles, bottles, packaging and film products. Government statistics show that China's PTA consumption in 2002 exceeded 6.6 million tons, of which only 30 percent was supplied by domestic production. BP is a global customer of Air Products. The company has built many significant on-site investments to serve BP around the world. This project is an extension of this global supply relationship. "Reliability, quality and ability of supply are the key requirements from BP. Our long-lasting relationship with BP and track record on its PTA facilities at other locations enable us to better understand, offer, and serve their current and future needs in a more efficient and competitive manner," said John Delaney, regional director for the Energy and Process Industries of Air Products Asia. Scott Sherman, vice president of the Energy and Process Industries Division of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., stated, "Our facility in Zhuhai enables us to become a key supplier of industrial gases to the Zhuhai area and to consolidate our leading gas position in Guangdong Province." The Zhuhai Harbour Industrial Zone, where the BP Zhuhai PTA plant and Air Products' facilities are located, is a new area earmarked for modern industrial development. "We are proud to be an investor in the Zhuhai area, and we look forward to more participation by Air Products to help this region grow and prosper," Sherman said. Air Products will also supply hydrogen to the merchant market in Guangdong Province to capitalize on the growing demand in the electronics, lighting, and metals processing markets. 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 http://www.airproducts.com/. Air Products was one of the first foreign industrial gas companies to enter China with a joint venture in 1987. ***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: Jessica Cheng, 852-2863-0585, , or Art George, +1-610-481-1340, ; or Investor Inquiries: Alexander W. Masetti, +1-610-481-7461; e-mail: , all of Air Products Web site: http://www.airproducts.com/

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