Air Products completes expansion of its China Technology Centre

Fast growing Asian markets drive expansion

Air Products (NYSE: APD) has embarked on a major expansion of its China Technology Centre in Shanghai to support the fast-growing businesses in Asia. The expanded center will further complement Air Products' regional technology centres in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

The expansion, built on space adjoining the current facility, has a high bay,which is equipped with two high-pressure polyurethane machines and accessory tools for both rigid and flexible applications that supplement the existing shoe sole capability. Two spray booths, aqueous and non- aqueous, will be used for spray coating development. The new space also features a general-purpose lab with additional fume hoods, expanded chemicals storage areas and associated office space to provide new application and product development, technical services, process R&D and in-region analytical to support all businesses including gases, performance materials and electronics.

The expansion of the China Technology Centre will enable Air Products to enhance its capabilities and material solution offerings, and bring support closer to its key customers in Asia, particularly in sectors such as polyurethane, coatings, inks, adhesives, civil engineering, personal care,cleaning, mining, oil field and other industries. These markets are growing at over 10 percent a year, and growth is expected to accelerate as China continues to develop as a global manufacturing centre.

“This latest step in strengthening our technology capabilities will support our fast-growing businesses in China and across the Asia region, ”said Wilbur Mok, Air Products' Asia President. “Our new investment in China will bring us closer to our customers throughout the region, and increase the speed by which we create innovative solutions and value-added offerings that address the specific requirements of local markets.”

Bobby Chen, Air Products' Asia Technology Director, said the expansion in Shanghai underscores Air Products' commitment to driving growth through innovation. “Our Asian Technology Centres are fully integrated into our global technology network,” he said. “They complement and support one another, with each centre having specific market focus in serving customers by leveraging the company's strength in material and surface sciences,analytical technology, application and engineering excellence.”

The company has also recently upgraded its electronics technology capabilities in Korea and Taiwan, and performance materials technology capabilities in Japan. The electronics and performance materials business is one of Air Products' four global business divisions.