(Archived) Praxair and Enercon Announce Agreement for Atmospheric Plasma Market - New Plasma3 - Atmospheric Plasma Treatment System Plays Key Role

DANBURY, Conn., July 9, 2003 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) announced today that it has entered into a marketing agreement with Enercon Industries Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Enercon Industries’ proprietary Plasma3™ system is the world's first atmospheric plasma treatment system for the optimal treatment and functionalizing of web surfaces. The Plasma3 system effectively modifies surfaces of difficult-to-treat films, papers, foams, nonwovens, wovens, fibers, metals and powders. The treatment system utilizes gases (helium, specialty gases, etc.) provided by Praxair, a leading industrial gas supplier in North America.

The new arrangement will expand the market reach of the Plasma3 system and other proprietary technologies into a variety of industrial applications including: cleaned and etched surfaces, lamination/adhesive bonds, and strengthened ink/coating adhesion. The companies also plan to develop new markets based on emerging technologies for plasma surface treatment.

"Praxair and Enercon customers can take advantage of the Plasma3 system’s unique conditioning advantages over other surface treating processes," says Joe Cappello, vice president, Helium and Rare Gases. "Praxair’s extensive worldwide market reach and manufacturing process knowledge coupled with Enercon’s plasma technology and systems will bring significant value to a broad range of customers."

"Enercon and our technology partner, Sigma Technologies International of Tucson, Arizona, are pleased to work with Praxair. This arrangement will not only convey a broader understanding of the potential benefits of Plasma3 system to Praxair customers, but also help to deliver cost-effective surface etching solutions which can accelerate new product developments and build new market opportunities," says Rory Wolf, director of business development for Enercon. The Plasma3 technology is broadly installed in the manufacturing facilities of Fortune 100 companies to small businesses worldwide.

Enercon Industries Corporation is the leading manufacturer of surface treatment systems and is the only company worldwide which produces corona, atmospheric plasma and flame systems. Enercon is the world’s largest manufacturer of induction cap sealing systems, and also produces induction heating systems and power supplies. Since 1973, the company has consistently provided superior services to clients through innovation, diligence and commitment.

Sigma Technologies International, Inc. is a technology company that provides a broad range of products and services. Sigma manufactures innovative turnkey coating and surface treatment systems for conditioning material surfaces, and for producing multi-layer thin film coatings.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2002 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 www.praxair.com.