(Archived) Praxair Electronics Receives Supplier of The Year Award From Altis

DANBURY, Conn. – July 7, 2004 — Praxair Electronics, a division of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX), has been named the 2004 Supplier of the Year by Altis Semiconductor, a leading European-based company, specializing in advanced logic technology used in mobile phones, computers and other advanced devices. Praxair MRC, the depositions materials business within Praxair Electronics, received this award for the supply of sputtering targets used for manufacturing interconnects and barrier layers of semiconductor wafers.

"Praxair MRC has been selected as the 2004 Supplier of the Year based on its European team’s demonstrated excellence in the areas of product quality, commitment to continuous improvement, on-time delivery, price and service," explained Mr. Rodriguez Bruno, purchasing director of Altis. "The interaction of Praxair's team in the development of technical solutions allowed us to shorten cycle times from prototype to market-ready device components. This is critical to Altis' success and is a key component in the selection of this award," added Bruno.

For more than five years, Altis' facility in Corbeil-Essonnes, France, has been a customer of Praxair Electronics. Praxair's facilities in Orangeburg, N.Y., and Toulouse, France, provide technology and lower cost-of-ownership solutions to meet Altis' expectations. "Supplier awards are highly competitive, so we are pleased that Altis has chosen to honor us," said Mark Gruninger, vice president, Praxair Electronics. "The award comes from a leading European chip maker, highlighting the strength and reach of Praxair Electronics' global supply chain."

About Altis Semiconductor
Altis Semiconductor, a joint venture between Infineon Technologies and IBM Microelectronics Division, was created in July 1999. Altis Semiconductor is located in Corbeil-Essonnes, France, and directly employs 2,200 people. The company operates a semiconductor-technology campus hosting an additional 1,000 people from major semiconductor industry-related companies. Its leading-edge technology offering includes advanced logic components down to 0.13 micron with copper interconnects, eDRAM, mixed-signal and eFlash components. With an investment portfolio of one billion Euros since 1999, Altis is delivering key devices for industry leaders in the PC, telecom and consumer business market segments. More information on Altis is available on the Internet at: www.altissemiconductor.com.

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 consumables; on-site services; chamber components including electrostatic chucks; and spare parts logistics services. In 2003, 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 2003 sales of $5.6 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.