BOC Edwards Announces Major Bulk Gas Investments in Taiwan Electronics Sector.

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- (NYSE:BOX)(LSE:BOC) Building on established relationships in the Asian electronic manufacturing arena, BOC Edwards announced today it is expanding its leadership position in Taiwan by investing in seven gas plant facilities to ensure bulk gas supply to nine new semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturing fabs currently under construction. The gas supply schemes, paving the way for these multiple supply contracts, are being developed as part of a US$75m investment with BOC's long-term joint venture partner, BOC Lienhwa Industrial Gases Company, Ltd (BOCLH).

"Our reputation in the region is unmatched, and has been enhanced by the long-term relationship and support of our local partner, BOC Lienhwa," said Neels Kriek, managing director of materials and services for BOC Edwards. "The proven performance and reliability of BOC Edwards' products, combined with BOC Lienhwa's expertise and local knowledge gives us confidence in our continuing success in Taiwan."

Expansion of gas supply and pipeline network for Hsinchu Science Park 

Through BOCLH, BOC Edwards will reinforce its nitrogen (N2) pipeline infrastructure by building two ultra high-purity N2 gas generator plants to supply the expanding Hsinchu Science Park. This investment will support bulk gas supply contracts won at four new 300 mm semiconductor fabs.

The Hsinchu Science Park accounts for approximately 10 percent of total global output of semiconductor devices, more than 80 percent of wafer foundry capacity, and is home to more than 325 high-tech companies. Many of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers served by BOC Edwards are among the electronics companies already based in the park.

"BOC Lienhwa and BOC Edwards are successfully meeting these customers' needs because, through very close customer collaboration, we are able to anticipate requirements. With proactive investment strategies, we can provide a reliable, yet flexible supply position in an industry that has notoriously fluctuating demand," said John Miao, Chairman of BOC Lienhwa.

New plant at 300 mm wafer fab site in Taichung

BOCLH and BOC Edwards have recently secured an agreement to supply bulk gases to a leading wafer fabrication company in the rapidly developing Taichung Science Park in central Taiwan. BOCLH will supply this new 300 mm facility with a full range of high-purity bulk gases, including installation of an onsite BOC Spectra-N nitrogen generator.

Four new gas plants at FPD sites in Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Tainan

Through BOCLH, BOC Edwards is also investing in four new nitrogen plants that will benefit flat panel display customers in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and the Tainan Science Park.

The first two gas supply facilities will come on stream at the end of 2004. Two more are scheduled to start up in 2005. These facilities will support contracts won with several Generation 4, 5 and 6 flat panel display manufacturers.

Recent gas and chemical equipment installations at Taiwan wafer fabs

BOC Edwards and BOCLH recently secured more than US$ 55m in project and equipment orders from a major foundry and other semiconductor customers in Taiwan. The orders included turnkey expansions, bulk and specialty gas systems installations, and chemical and slurry dispense systems.

It is anticipated that more contracts will be secured in the near future, as BOC Edwards and BOC Lienhwa continue to invest in this key growth region.

Editor Background

BOC Edwards, part of The BOC Group (NYSE:BOX)(LSE:BOC), is a leading supplier of materials, process-enabling subsystems and services to fabs and OEMs involved in the manufacture of microelectronics devices. Serving two million customers in more than 50 countries, The BOC Group is one of the largest and most global of the world's leading gases companies, with annual sales of over GBP 4.3 billion (more than US $7 billion) in 2003. Information on the BOC Group can be accessed by visiting the Group web site, www.boc.com. Specific information on BOC Edwards can be accessed directly on www.bocedwards.com or e-mail: [e-mail].

BOC Lienhwa Industrial Gases Co., Ltd., is jointly owned by Lienhwa Industrial Corp, Taiwan, and the BOC Group, UK. Formed in 1985, the

company has become a leading supplier of gases to virtually every sector of Taiwan industry including electronics, engineering, chemicals, petroleum, marine, aerospace, metallurgical, hospitals, food and beverages. BOC Lienhwa is also a manufacturer and marketer of industrial and specialty gases, gas handling equipment, purification systems, and support services to the semiconductor, electronics, industrial and research markets in Taiwan. As well as satisfying the needs of industrial gas users, BOC Lienhwa provides world-class quality gases and facilities to the semiconductor industry and was the first production facility in Taiwan to be accredited to QS9000.