Apr 17, 2002 Oevel, Belgium
Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) announced today that its subsidiary, Praxair N.V., has broken ground in Oevel, Belgium, for what will be one of the most technologically advanced filling centers for the semiconductor industry.
The facility will supply ultra-high purity semiconductor process gases to Praxair Semiconductor Materials' customers throughout Europe. With state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology processes, the fully automated facility will enable Praxair to drain, prepare, fill, and test cylinders, drums and trailers/ISO skids. The automated filling modules have the ability to handle bulk packages during all steps of the process. The filling center will have improved safety and quality features that benefit Praxair customers, employees and the local community. To support its ISO 14001 certifications, the facility will also house new environmental systems that include individual product scrubbers to remove any potentially hazardous gas by-products.
"Our ability to prepare and treat both cylinders and bulk containers with the same high-caliber process will allow us to provide next generation products to our customers," stated Frank Crespo, vice president of Praxair Semiconductor Materials. "The Oevel facility will become an industry leader in the supply of high purity products required for semiconductor manufacturers. The investment in this filling center demonstrates Praxair's long term commitment to the electronics industry in Europe."
About Praxair Semiconductor Materials
Praxair Semiconductor Materials is continuing to expand its product and services portfolio, which includes a 6.5 grade ammonia, a high flow bulk ammonia system, sputtering targets and spare parts and consumables management. Offering the semiconductor industry an integrated source for process gases, materials supply and related equipment and services, Praxair Semiconductor Materials has designed, built and managed advanced gas systems in Asia, Europe and North America. http://www.praxair.com/semiconductor.
About Praxair, Inc.
Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2001 sales of $5.1 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at http://www.praxair.com.
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