(Archived) Praxair Chemax to Increase Transfill Production of Silane in Toufen, Taiwan

DANBURY, CT, September 10, 2006 — Praxair Chemax Semiconductor Materials Co. Ltd., a joint venture between Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) and China Petrochemical Development Corp., announced that it will double the transfill production of silane in their Toufen, Taiwan facility.

The increase in capacity is the result of the growing demand for silane in the production of TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display) technology as well as at 300mm semiconductor wafer fabs in the region.

"This expansion will allow us to meet the new requirements of our key customers and provide Praxair Chemax with the capability to maintain our leading position in this product. We are committed to providing world-class silane supply in all areas – capacity, safety, quality and delivery equipment," said Joyce Chen, president of Praxair Chemax Semiconductor Materials Co., Ltd.

Praxair also supports the Taiwan region with an operations center located near the Tainan Science Park, which offers technical support as well as just-in-time delivery of such products as silane, ammonia, phosphine, arsine, and nitrogen trifluoride.

Praxair Chemax Semiconductor Materials Co., Ltd. (Praxair Chemax) is a joint venture between Praxair, Inc. and China Petrochemical Development Corp. Praxair Chemax offers a complete gas, chemical and delivery system solution to semiconductor manufacturers and is headquartered in Jubei, Taiwan, adjacent to Hsinchu Science Park, with a transfill center and warehouse in Toufen and its operations center in Tainan. Providing customers with high-purity gases and safe, reliable specialty gases and gas delivery systems, Praxair Chemax is continuing to expand its product and services portfolio, which includes a 6.5 grade ammonia, a high-flow bulk ammonia system, sputtering targets and spare parts and consumables management. The offering provides the semiconductor industry an integrated source for process gases, materials supply and related equipment.  www.praxair.com/semiconductor.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2005 sales of $7.7 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty 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.