|
100 years operation in Japan for
Air Liquide and its affiliate Japan Air Gases (May, 29, 2007)
|
In 1907 Air Liquide pioneered oxygen-manufacturing business in Japan by installing
the first air separation unit (ASU) in Sakurajima, Osaka, to supply the
shipbuilding industry. In 2007, Air Liquide is among the top 3 major Industrial
and Medical Gases Companies in Japan, with over 2500 employees operating
in 3 main entities:
- Japan Air Gases which was established by integrating the industrial and medical gas business
of Air Liquide Japan and Osaka Sanso Kogyo in 2003. Japan Air Gases is
a 100% affiliate of Air Liquide since March 1st 2007.
- Air Liquide Engineering Japan based in Harima in charge of engineering and construction of ASUs
- Air Liquide Laboratories based in Tsukuba in charge of R&D.
To celebrate this 100 years anniversary and thank its very important customers and long-term partners, Air Liquide and Japan Air Gases hosted on the 19th of April, 2007, an exceptional gala event at Roppongi Academy Hills in Tokyo. More than 130 guests participated representing many leading companies in Japan from all sectors of industry such as electronics, automotive, steel and metallurgy, chemicals, foods, shipbuilding, glass, as well as long-term key partners, academic and medical institutions.
On that occasion, the story of the development of Air Liquide in Japan as well as Osaka Sanso Kogyo and how both companies played important roles in the development of some major innovations with the support of their customers in Japan, was retraced for the benefits of the guests.
Prior to this event, a special awarding ceremony was conducted to thank customers and partners who have fostered business relations with Air Liquide or Japan Air Gases for very long term sometimes up to 100 years. During this ceremony, twenty one customers and partners were awarded a special plaque decorated with the replica of copper-made air liquefaction tray of early days.
Jean-Pierre DUPRIEU, Senior Vice-President Asia Pacific and member of Air Liquide Group Executive Committee, commented on the occasion of this event: “The pioneering spirit, with which Air Liquide started operations in Japan 100 years ago and then continuously developed by bringing innovation to its customers, has played a key role in our successful development in Japan. Now that Japan Air Gases has become a 100% affiliate of Air Liquide and with the support of our Engineering and Research centers in Japan, we believe we have the very solid foundations to accelerate our development in Japan for the future as well leverage this position for our development in Asia.
Guy SALZGEBER, President& CEO of Japan Air Gases delivered the speech at the party: “The story of past 100 years is certainly a great one and it has created solid foundations for us in Japan. It is our long term commitment to industrial customers and healthcare services in Japan to bring them all that the world of gases can do for them, particularly in supporting their efforts towards the protection of the environment.”
Air Liquide Group and Japan Air Gases plan to host in October 2007 other events to celebrate this memorial year with the participation of Benoît POTIER, Chairman and CEO of Air Liquide Group. Details will be communicated later.
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
Present in 72 countries, with nearly 37,000 employees, Air Liquide is a world leader in industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies, helping to protect life and enabling our customers to manufacture many indispensable everyday products.
Japan Air Gases Ltd. was established in January 2003, integrating industrial and medical gas business of Air Liquide Japan Ltd. (operation started in 1907) and Osaka Sanso Kogyo Ltd. (established 1934). Japan Air Gases is a 100% Air Liquide Group company. |
Contact:
Shun Toyoyama, Communication Dept., Japan Air Gases Ltd. TEL：03-3536-2642
|
|
|
