Shareholder's Guide 2022

In 2021, Air Liquide signed new contracts with a key Taiwanese electronics player. Can you tell us more?

Air Liquide’s global presence and its unique product portfolio make it an attractive partner to electronics leaders around the world. We are proud to have signed new contracts with a key Taiwanese customer who is taking its geographical expansion up a notch. This customer will be opening a new manufacturing site in Arizona, U.S., with a monthly capacity of 20,000 wafers⁽¹⁾, and we will be supplying ultra-high purity hydrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide to this facility. We are also in talks with them to partner on further expansion in Taiwan Island and Japan.

How does Air Liquide make the difference from its competitors in the electronics sector?

When it comes to overseas expansion, semiconductor manufacturers want to partner with suppliers they know and trust. We have been supporting this customer and most of the key electronics players for years. They are reassured by our international presence and ability to provide a single customer interface anywhere in the world. Additionally, our product portfolio is simply the most comprehensive on the market, from ultra-pure carrier gases to novel advanced materials.

There is currently strong demand for semiconductors, but an uncertain outlook in areas such as supply chains and international trade. Which challenges is Air Liquide facing as it supports customers expansion?

Sustaining the rapid growth of the industry is not easy. Our expertise and proximity with our customers around the world promote optimal responsiveness and strict quality control. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we didn’t have a single supply chain interruption. Our locations in key electronics hubs like Japan and China also allow us to secure the most cutting-edge solutions for our customers and to support them in their relocation and expansion plans.