Expansion of our industrial merchant capacity

Air Liquide continues to selectively expand production capacity in the U.S. to meet the growing demands of its key industrial markets.

Driven by strong demand in Southern California from the aerospace, defense, food and biotechnology sectors, Air Liquide will increase its production capacity for liquid oxygen and nitrogen by 50% for the Los Angeles market (on stream 2Q ’08) and will open a new carbon dioxide (CO2) facility in Madera, California.

These investments are in addition to other recent investments which will add overall 1,000 tons per day of new liquid oxygen and nitrogen capacity at Salt Lake City (Utah), Ghent (Kentucky), Longview and Freeport (Texas), to be on stream by early 2008. Air Liquide will also expand its production and distribution capabilities of liquid argon by adding 200 tons per day of capacity in 2008.

These investments in production and distribution are driven by the strength of the U.S. economy in certain regions. They will strengthen the reliability and efficiency of Air Liquide’s industrial gas supply to better serve its diverse customer base.

Pierre Dufour, member of the Executive Committee, President and CEO Air Liquide America Holdings,Inc stated: “Air Liquide’s recent investments in certain regions of the U.S. are in line with the company’s growth strategies and driven by the country’s advanced industrial needs. We recognize the breadth and diversity of the industrial markets in the U.S. and are reaffirming our commitment to meet the ever changing needs of our customers.”