(Archived) Praxair Electronics Opens New Filling Center In Oevel, Belgium

DANBURY, Conn., July 24, 2003 — Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) has opened one of the most technologically advanced cylinder-filling centers for the semiconductor industry in Oevel, Belgium. This 1,200-square meter facility will supply ultra-high purity semiconductor process gases to Praxair Electronics' customers throughout Europe. With state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology processes, the automated facility enables Praxair to drain, prepare, fill and test cylinders. An advanced cylinder cleaning process is used that substantially improves cylinder cleanliness and achieves best-in-class residual moisture levels.

The filling center features new process innovations that provide enhanced safety, quality, consistency of supply and shorter cycle times. To support its ISO 14001 certifications, the facility houses new environmental systems designed to help eliminate potentially hazardous gas byproducts. These safety and quality features benefit Praxair customers, employees and the local community.

"This center allows Praxair to achieve the higher quality standards required for next-generation products in the electronics industry, while improving throughput, reducing inventory and achieving the highest level of safety," said Mark Gruninger, vice president of Praxair Electronics. "This demonstrates Praxair’s long-term commitment to the electronics industry in Europe."

About Praxair Electronics
Praxair Electronics provides the global semiconductor industry with process consumables, including a full line of gases and materials; sputtering targets and CMP slurries; on-site services; chamber components including electrostatic chucks; and spare parts logistics services. In 2002, Praxair’s sales to the global electronics industry were $420 million.  More information on Praxair Electronics is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com/electronics.

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.