AGA focusing its operations in the US
AGA FOCUSING ITS OPERATIONS IN THE US AGA is expanding its air gas plant in Bozrah, Connecticut, on the east coast of the U.S. while phasing out operations on the west coast. An agreement has been signed for Messer Griesheim Industries, Inc. to acquire AGA's gas operations in California for a price of USD 30 million. The transaction requires the approval of the US Federal Trade Commission. AGA's operations in California are centered around two air gas plants in Vacaville and Irwindale. The plants were part of an acquisition from Praxair in 1996 comprising a total of five air gas plants - four in the U.S. One of the U.S. plants from that acquisition located in Bozrah, Ct represents AGA's first foothold on the American east coast. The expansion was strengthened in 1997 through the acquisition of Wesco Gases Inc., the largest independent gas and welding distributor in the Boston area. In order to further strengthen its position and meet the rising demand for air gases, AGA has decided to expand its liquid nitrogen capacity at the Bozrah plant. The expansion will increase the total air gas capacity for oxygen, nitrogen and argon from 700 to 1,000 tons per day. It is expected to be completed in early 1999. The investment amounts to USD 8 million. Growth in the region is strong and AGA is now expanding its resources in production and applications to meet its growing customer requirements. Liquid nitrogen is used among other things in the electronics and food products industries. For additional information please contact Leif Svensson, Senior Vice President, Business Area Process Industry, telephone +46 8 731 1650 or Maris Sedlenieks, Vice President Corporate Communications, telephone +46 70 530 6754 (after 11am). Lidingö, March 9, 1998 AGA Aktiebolag (publ) Corporate Communications ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1998/10/28/19981028BIT00100/bit0001.doc