(Archived) Praxair to Supply Gases and Equipment to Silfab - First Solar Polysilicon Manufacturing Facility in Italy

DANBURY, CT, February 29, 2008 — Praxair, Inc., a leading supplier of industrial gases, through Rivoira SpA, its regional company in Italy, has been chosen by Silfab SpA as the supplier of gases, gas equipment and gas management services for Silfab’s solar grade polysilicon manufacturing facility in Borgofranco d’Ivrea, Italy.

Rivoira will provide on-site supply of gases as well as gas delivery equipment and management services for the entire project, which will produce 5,000 metric tons of solar grade polysilicon per year. The first phase of manufacturing is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2009, with production of 2,500 metric tons per year.

“Collaboration with partner suppliers is important to our success in providing high quality products to our customers,” said Franco Traverso, Silfab Chairman and Managing Director. “We believe our relationship with Rivoira is a key component to our supply chain.”

As an experienced supplier to the polysilicon and photovoltaic industries, Praxair offers a complete portfolio of process gases, gas handling and distribution systems, services and deposition materials, to help customers operate efficiently and reliably.

About Silfab
Silfab is the first Italian company whose mission is the production of high quality solar grade polysilicon for the photovoltaic market. This material is suitable for the solar cell manufacturers, offering superior quality, at Grade: 9N-, to meet future market requirements.

Silfab SpA was founded in Piemonte by an expert in the renewable energy business, Franco Traverso, who has 25 years experience in the photovoltaic sector. Silfab's partners are leading companies that have a strong interest in the production of solar grade polysilicon.

About Rivoira SpA
Rivoira SpA, a Praxair subsidiary, has actively participated in the development of the Italian industrial gases business over the last 80 years in collaboration with its customers. It produces and markets industrial, high-purity and specialty gases, medical and refrigerant gases. Sales in 2007 were about €190 million.  More information on Rivoira SpA is available on the Internet at www.rivoiragas.com.

About Praxair
Praxair, Inc. is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2007 sales of $9.4 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.