Linde Commences Ultra-High Purity Hydrogen Supply for WACKER Polysilicon plant

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Aug. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Linde North America Inc., has successfully commenced supplying ultra-high purity hydrogen and steam to WACKER for its polysilicon plant located in Charleston, Tennessee.  WACKER's state-of-the-art multi-product facility, which recently began operating in Tennessee, can produce 20,000 tons per annum of polysilicon, a basic ingredient in the manufacture of solar panels and semiconductors. Linde's ultra-high purity hydrogen and steam are essential to WACKER's production of polysilicon for these consumer markets.

"Linde remains committed to meeting our customers' needs with a reliable supply of products and solutions, and this represents one more example of our commitment to customers," said Jens Luehring, President of Linde Americas.  "Linde has a long relationship with WACKER, as we have supplied gas products to multiple WACKER operations around the world.  We are very proud to extend our relationship as the supplier of ultra-high purity hydrogen and steam for WACKER's new plant in the U.S." 

Linde is the world's largest manufacturer of hydrogen, covering the entire technology spectrum with plants in a range of sizes.  The latest hydrogen supply agreement with WACKER underscores Linde's focus on investing to meet demand growth in the U.S.

"Linde has invested over $ 25 million towards our hydrogen facilities at WACKER," said Dr. Raghu Menon, Vice President of Onsite Investment Projects for Linde Americas. "Our plant has a unique configuration tailored to support WACKER's hydrogen and product purity requirements. We worked closely with WACKER's team to develop the conceptual designs and optimize operations based on their specific needs.  Linde's team made every effort to ensure seamless collaboration at all stages, from project development to supply commissioning and operations."

The new WACKER plant uses Linde's state-of-the-art Steam Methane Reforming and Pressure-Swing Adsorption technologies to produce the ultra-high purity product as required by WACKER.  Linde also supplies WACKER with steam produced in the reforming process.

"WACKER operates North America's largest and most modern polysilicon plant, supplying highest quality polysilicon to leading solar cell manufacturers around the globe," said David Wilhoit, President & CEO Wacker Chemical Corporation.  "We rely on a stable on-site supply of high purity hydrogen from Linde."

About Linde North America Inc.,

Linde North America Inc., is a member of The Linde Group, a world leading gases and engineering company.  In the 2016 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.9 billion, making it one of the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 60,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide.  The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services.  Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe.  The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

Wacker Chemie AG is a globally operating chemical company headquartered in Munich, Germany.  In the Americas Region, WACKER is represented by Wacker Chemical Corporation, Adrian, MI. With a wide range of specialty products, WACKER supports key markets such as construction, photovoltaics, electronics, pharmaceuticals, health care and household/personal care products. WACKER posted total sales of about € 4.6 billion (2017, excluding Siltronic) and employs approximately 13,500 people at 23 production sites, 19 technical competence centers and 49 sales offices. Committed to sustainable corporate management, WACKER's core operating principles encompass responsible business practices with regards to products and technologies, employees, customers and business partners, society and environment.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com

SOURCE Linde North America

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