Linde and Erdemir Group to Build New Air Separation Plant

Gebze, 26 February 2016: German industrial gas and engineering company Linde and Turkish steel producer Erdemir Group signed a letter of intent to establish a new air separation unit (ASU) in Iskenderun.

The facility, planned to commence operations in less than 20 months, will be the highest-capacity air separation unit operated by a gas producer in Turkey.

Through this facility, which will mark Erdemir Group's first international business partnership in its 50-year history as Turkey's first and largest flat steel producer, Isdemir will receive 1,700 tonnes/day of oxygen and nitrogen supply.

"Demonstrating How We Create Added Value for Our Customers"

Regarding this agreement, Linde Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wolfgang Büchele stated, "We are very pleased about this partnership with Erdemir Group, the leader in Turkey's steel sector. By realizing this investment, we continue to invest in growing Turkey and demonstrate how we create added value for our customers." Erdemir Group Board Chairman Ali Pandır: "Our vision of becoming a world-class company drives us to pursue excellence in everything we do. Excellence encompasses not only minimum cost but also maximum reliability and efficiency. We believe that by working together with leading companies in the sector such as Linde, we will move closer to this vision." The air separation unit, to be produced with state-of-the-art technology, will be designed and constructed by Linde's Engineering Division. Furthermore, through this agreement, Linde will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of Isdemir's existing industrial gas production facilities.