Following the announcement of its equity position in AUECC (Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corporation), BOC Edwards announced today that AUECC is moving forward with plans to supply wet process chemicals to the growing electronics manufacturing industry in China, and has formed an equity joint venture with Shanghai Huayi (Group) Company. The new venture is called Shanghai Huayi Microelectronic Material Co. Ltd.

Through the new UPC Technology-BOC Edwards joint venture, AUECC will use Shanghai as a base to produce, package and distribute a full range of ultra high-purity process chemicals for semiconductor and flat panel display industries.

A new plant, backed by an initial investment that is expected to exceed 170 million RMB (US$20 million) is in the final design phase, with production slated for mid-2005.

“Our customers in China are currently relying on imported high-purity grade process chemicals,” said Neels Kriek, managing director of materials and services for BOC Edwards. “With the completion of this facility, and backed by the experience and reputation of the parent companies, manufacturers can reduce their dependence on imports and rely on local supply. The ultimate goal, of course, is to give our customers in this region a wide range of wet chemical solutions, in both product and service support, allowing them to concentrate on their core business initiatives.”

“It is estimated that by next year over 45,000 tons of high-purity wet chemicals will be needed by process industries in the Shanghai area alone,” said Perry Chuang, Chairman of AUECC. “The new venture means we can deliver reliable, high-quality products in the near term, as well as the resources to underpin local industries’ long-term growth.”