Air Products Strengthens Presence in Middle East with New Abu Dhabi Office

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Jul 19, 2010, 10:26 ET

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi and the creation of a new legal entity, Air Products Gulf Gas LLC, underlining the importance of the Middle East region in its global growth strategy.

Air Products has been serving customers in the Middle East for over 50 years, and already operates a helium and cylinder gases filling and distribution facility, as well as a specialty gases center in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The company has offices in Doha, Qatar and Dubai; works closely with the region's petrochemical, gasification and refining industries; and has built, owned and operated air separation units (ASUs) and hydrogen production plants throughout the Middle East. In 2009 the company brought onstream the first "over-the-fence" gas supply in Abu Dhabi at the Emirates float glass plant.

The new Air Products office, which will be located in the city center, will enable the company's packaged (cylinder) gas business to directly offer its range of innovative cylinders, gases and technology to a wider customer base.

Simon Little, general manager, Air Products Middle East, said, "Alongside our existing businesses in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is strategically important for Air Products. In recent years, we have quickly built a leadership position supplying gases, equipment and operations expertise into sectors such as GTL (gas to liquids), LNG (liquefied natural gas) and refining. The opening of the new office to serve Abu Dhabi's cylinder gas customers is an important step in our strategy to continue to grow our packaged gases business in the UAE."

The new legal entity has been formed through a joint venture between Air Products (49%) and The First Abu Dhabi Management Services LLC (51%).

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

SOURCE Air Products