(Archived) Praxair Cryomag Services Signs Three-year Agreement with Hitachi

DANBURY, Conn., December 1, 2003 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) today announced a three-year service contract extension with Hitachi Medical Systems America. The contract agreement covers installation follow-up services for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems from Hitachi.

"The Hitachi MRI installation contract extension is continued validation that the MRI marketplace is recognizing and accepting Praxair Cryomag Services’ success of operating a true magnet service business under the umbrella of a major cryogen supplier," said Jim Confer, Hitachi vice president, service. "Hitachi has worked with the Cryomag Services team for several years and the merger of Cryomag with Praxair further strengthens that relationship. Relying on Cryomag and now Praxair Cryomag Services for our system installations has greatly decreased start-up cycle time, allowing our MRI customers to begin providing service to their customers much sooner than before."

"Praxair Cryomag Services is pleased to continue its relationship with Hitachi Medical Systems America by providing installation services for over 150 of their market leading MRI systems during the contract period," concluded Joe Cappello, vice president, helium and rare gases and Praxair Service, Inc.

Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. (HMSA) markets advanced diagnostic medical imaging products to meet a variety of healthcare needs and has more than 1,300 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems installed throughout the United States. HMSA first established a leadership position in the medical industry with Open MRI systems and has expanded their modality offerings to include, positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound and optical topography.

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.