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Airgas to Supply Hydrogen to Aviata’s Fuel Cell Customers

(11/4/2002)
November 5, 2002–- Avista Labs, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avista Corp. a leading developer and manufacturer of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells announcement that Airgas, Inc., one of the nation’s largest distributor of industrial, specialty and medical gases, had signed to supply hydrogen fuel to their commercial and industrial fuel cell customers.
Airgas also will provide Avista Labs' customers with services related to fuel supply, including site preparation and installation, monitoring and fuel replenishment, and safety consultation regarding the storage and use of hydrogen fuel. The agreement, extending through 2005, calls for Avista Labs and Airgas to work together to further develop the market for hydrogen-powered fuel cells in the United States.
Airgas' national network includes nearly 800 locations, including 25 facilities currently filling hydrogen cylinders that will be used by Avista Labs fuel cells. The company also provides a complete line of specialty gas equipment.
According to Tom Thoman, vice president-gases for Airgas, "Avista Labs has established a leading position in the fuel cell space by selling commercial products today. Airgas intends to take the lead in hydrogen supply and related services, which we believe will help boost the market acceptance of fuel cells. We see the unique, modular cartridge technology of Avista Labs as the right opportunity to begin this initiative."
Mike Davis, Avista Labs chief executive officer, stated, "Airgas is the largest U.S. distributor of packaged hydrogen fuel. Their products, including monitoring and operational safety equipment and expertise in gas distribution, are key to the development of a larger market for all hydrogen-powered fuel cells. This agreement will ensure that Avista Labs fuel cell customers have access to the best available commercial source for hydrogen. We are very pleased to be working with Airgas, as the leader in their business."