BOC Helps Optical Fiber Manufacturers Reduce Helium Consumption.

MURRAY HILL, N.J. -- Optical fiber manufacturers now have another option for reducing their fiber drawing costs thanks to BOC (NYSE: BOX), a leading industry supplier.

BOC's new helium conservation system can help single-mode fiber producers improve operational efficiency by reducing the amount of helium used in the fiber draw process, without affecting fiber quality or throughput. The system is an alternative for fiber manufacturers who do not use enough helium to warrant a full helium recovery and recycle system.

"Fiber producers now have a choice for reducing their manufacturing costs. Helium is the largest consumable gas used to make optical fiber. Reducing helium consumption and expenditures improves manufacturing efficiency and saves manufacturers on the cost of this non-renewable resource," said Glenn Rush, vice president of BOC's fiber optics solutions team.

BOC has just contracted with one of the world's largest fiber manufacturers to place a helium conservation system in the fiber draw operations of their largest and most modern plant. That system is expected to help the manufacturer reduce helium consumption by over 80 per cent.

"An average producer can reduce their helium usage by 40 to 80 per cent, meaning producers can expect a complete payback on the system within one to two years," said Rush.

Manufacturers can either purchase or lease the conservation system, which can immediately reduce their cost to make fiber. BOC also offers manufacturers the option to upgrade to a full recovery and recycle system when the plant's economics make that option more attractive.

"We also offer customers a comprehensive helium management package, from supply to conservation, recovery and recycle. This ensures customers get high quality helium from BOC's unmatched global sourcing and logistics network as well as solid system performance," Rush said.

The BOC fiber optic solutions group uses its extensive knowledge, skills and experience to meet the complex requirements and challenges of optical fiber manufacturers. Since the late 1970s, BOC has been supplying high-purity gases, chemicals, equipment, services and technologies to the optical fiber manufacturing community to help improve product quality and lower ownership costs. Visit BOC at booth number 3149 during the National Fiber Optics Expo and Conference/Optical Fiber Conference March 8-10 at Anaheim, California, Convention Center.

The BOC Group (NYSE:BOX), the worldwide industrial gases, vacuum technologies and distribution services company, serves two million customers in more than 50 countries. It employs more than 43,000 people and compiled annual sales above $8.3 billion in 2004. Further information about The BOC Group may be obtained on the Internet at http://www.boc.com.