Air Liquide Sets up in Turkey


Turkey is currently undergoing very dynamic development; the Turkish economy saw growth of more than 10% in the first half of 2010. High technology and energy sectors have seen accelerated growth for a number of years.

In this context, Air Liquide is investing in a liquid oxygen and nitrogen production
unit, with a production capacity of 200 tonnes per day, and in a cylinder conditioning
unit. The total investment for the production installations and the supply chain for
this project amounts to around 35 million.

These new production facilities, installed in the Ankara region, will be used to supply
this region as well as the Central Anatolia market, an industrial basin with strong growth where numerous leading-edge industries are located.

Air Liquide has also signed an agreement with the University of ODTÜ (Technological University of the Middle East) for its photovoltaic research laboratory (GÜNAM). Air Liquide supplies the University with specialty and ultra pure gases as well as specialty gas distribution systems for the production of solar cells.

Augustin de Roubin, Vice-President Southern and Eastern Europe, and member of the Executive Committee, commented: "The decision to invest in this first production plant in Turkey demonstrates our commitment to this strong-growth economy. We would like to thank the Turkish authorities and the development agency "Invest in Turkey" for their support in this project. Developing economies are a growth driver for the Air Liquide Group."

Air Liquide is the world leader in gases for industry, health and the environment, and is present in over 75 countries with 42,300 employees. Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and rare gases have been at the core of Air Liquide's activities since its creation in 1902. Using these molecules, Air Liquide continuously reinvents its business, anticipating the needs of current and future markets. The Group innovates to enable progress, to achieve dynamic growth and a consistent performance.

Innovative technologies that curb polluting emissions, lower industry's energy use, recover and reuse natural resources or develop the energies of tomorrow, such as hydrogen, biofuels or photovoltaic energy... Oxygen for hospitals, homecare, fighting nosocomial infections...Air Liquide combines many products and technologies to develop valuable applications and services not only for its customers but also for society.

A partner for the long term, Air Liquide relies on employee commitment, customer trust and shareholder support to pursue its vision of sustainable, competitive growth. The diversity of Air Liquide's teams, businesses, markets and geographic presence provides a solid and sustainable base for its development and strengthens its ability to push back its own limits, conquer new territories and build its future.

Air Liquide explores the best that air can offer to preserve life, staying true to its sustainable development approach. In 2009, the Group's revenues amounted to 12 billion, of which almost 80% were generated outside France. Air Liquide is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (compartment A) and is a member of the CAC 40 and Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 indexes.

Contacts:

Corporate Communications

Corinne Estrade-Bordry

+ 33 (0)1 40 62 51 31

Garance Bertrand

+ 33 (0)1 40 62 59 62

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