LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa.(September 8, 2004) – Air Products (NYSE:APD) announced today that it has commissioned an Air Separation Unit (ASU) and Liquefier at Samsung Electronics' newest and also the world's most advanced Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) facility in Tangjeong (Tangjung), Korea. To support this project, Air Products will also begin construction on a second ASU facility at the Tangjeong site.
The Samsung Electronics' Tangjeong factory is the first Generation 7 (Gen 7) facility of its kind, and the largest TFT-LCD manufacturing facility in the world. The facility requires large amounts of bulk gases and electronics gases, and will consume from five to eight times the amount of nitrogen that a typical semiconductor fabrication facility (fab)consumes. The same factor applies to NF3requirements. Air Products, being awarded the long term contracts earlier, is supplying the factory with nitrogen, oxygen, argon,nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), ammonia (NH3) and silane (SiH4) through its Bulk Specialty Gases System (BSGS). Future requirements for hydrogen and helium are also being accommodated.
"Samsung Electronics is our long-term customer and partner. We are honored to once again play a role in one of their progressive efforts. The successful commissioning of the Tangjeong ASU and Liquefier at its cutting edge Gen-7 facility is a critical milestone and a key achievement for our global team," said Corning F. Painter, Air Products' Regional Vice President and General Manager, Asia Electronics. "We look forward to our continuing long-term partnership with Samsung Electronics and will continue to meet their growing needs with our solid infrastructure and engineering capabilities."
The second ASU facility that Air Products will construct at Samsung Electronics' Tangjeong site will supplement the current ASU and is tentatively slated for completion in late 2005. Additionally, Air Products has allocated space at the Tangjeong site for a planned third ASU plant, to be built at a later time for future factories.
The TFT-LCD market has continued to grow year-over-year at more than a 30 percent rate, outpacing the growth being experienced by the silicon semiconductor industry. Principally located in Korea and Taiwan, the facilities produce flat panel screens used in television, computer monitors, cell phones and other electronic devices. Air Products is the market's leading supplier of electronic gases.
Air Products has a significant and growing presence in Asia with locations in nine Asian countries and over 4,400 employees. Its $1.1 billion in Asian sales including affiliates represents nearly 15 percent of the company's total revenues. Air Products is a leading supplier to the TFT-LCD and semiconductor markets in Asia.
Samsung Electronics is a leader in the industry in market share for large flat panel devices, commonly used for laptop and flat panel desktop PC displays, PDAs, cell phones, and the newest market, liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions.
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 www.airproducts.com. |
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