(December 2007) — Our Asia Packaged Gases (PG) team recently chose a unique venue for the successful launch of its Linx™ welding gases range in Malaysia—Montfort Boys Town.

Established in 1959, Montfort Boys Town is a non-governmental full boarding vocational training institution for underprivileged youths. The institution specializes in equipping young people with practical industrial skills such as welding, motor mechanics, carpentry, graphic design, printing, machinery and computer maintenance. This training equips the boys and girls of Montfort to find meaningful and good-paying jobs in the nation’s workforce after graduation.

The PG team decided to hold the event at Montfort because of its long-standing partnership with the institution and its unique combination of facilities. The institution has excellent seminar facilities that can accommodate more than 100 delegates, coupled with a large, safe and well-equipped welding workshop. The venue was therefore uniquely suited for the Linx welding gases launch. This is the first time Air Products has held a commercial event like this at a charitable venue in Malaysia.

The event was meaningful for both Air Products and Montfort. Approximately 85 percent of the institution’s funding comes from public donation, and the launch event provided Montfort an opportunity to meet potential individual and corporate sponsors after the seminar.

Air Products has been a sponsor to Montfort since 2002. The company has helped the institution in many ways, particularly in relation to the institution’s welding and cutting facility. Throughout these five years of sponsorship, we have helped the institution fabricate their own gas manifold system, provided safety and welding technology training, and also contributed welding gases to the welding training facility. Air Products and its employees also have made cash donations to Montfort and regularly sponsored gas and manpower for balloon sales during the institution’s annual fund-raising Open House Carnival.