October 15, 2004 – Following announcement of its equity position in AUECC (Asia Union Electronic Chemical Corp.), BOC Edwards has said that AUECC is moving forward with plans to supply wet process chemicals to the electronics manufacturing industry in China, and has formed an equity joint venture with Shanghai Huayi (Group) Co. 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 ultrahigh-purity process chemicals for the 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.

“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.”

AUECC, formed in 2000, is a JV between The BOC Group (through its BOC Edwards Line of Business) and UPC Technology, part of the Mitac-Synnex Group. AUECC specializes in ultrapure chemicals for the microelectronics industry and is located near the Hsinchu and Tainan science-based parks to support the area’s high-technology industries. AUECC facilities are also located in Beijing, Tienjin and Shanghai, China.