LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa.(March 1, 2006) – Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that it will assess a 15 percent charge for non-standard products in its Electronic Specialty Materials (ESM) portfolio. Additionally, the company will assess a percentage price increase, ranging from 4 to 15 percent, on select ESM products such as WF6, HCL, N2O and NH3 due to substantial increases in raw material and other costs. While Air Products consistently works to manage these costs, actionsare sometimes required to sustain an ongoing and reliable supply of ESM products. Both the charge and the percentage price increase will be effective April 1, 2006, or as contract terms permit.
The 15 percent charge for non-standard ESM products results from Air Products' drive towards product standardization. The company currently offers more than 2,000 unique offerings in its ESM portfolio from a base of 90 gases and chemicals. In order to better manage supply chain costs, Air Products will work with customers to adopt standard ESM products, which will not be subject to the 15 percent charge.
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