BOC and Viridian Glass extend partnership for another decade

Gases and engineering company BOC and Viridian Glass, a division of CSR Building Products, today completed an extension to their long-term partnership after the companies signed a new 10-year supply agreement that will secure the ongoing compressed air, hydrogen and nitrogen gas requirements of Viridian’s Dandenong site, the only float glass manufacturing facility in Australia.

As part of the new agreement, BOC’s nitrogen generator plant in Dandenong, which is connected to Viridian’s site through a pipeline, has received a significant upgrade with capacity increasing by 20 percent to directly support Viridian’s growing production needs.

Hugh Jones, Tonnage Account Manager said BOC is pleased to be supporting Viridian to implement innovative supply solutions that will help keep its manufacturing operations competitive in the global glass manufacturing market.

“BOC and Viridian have worked together in Dandenong for more than 40 years, serving the production demands of the float glass industry in Australia since 1974. This new agreement strengthens our partnership and shows the confidence that both our companies have in the local manufacture of float glass which relies heavily on the reliable supply of nitrogen gas.”

Warren Seal, Viridian’s Supply Chain General Manager said securing long-term supply agreements for its hydrogen and nitrogen gas requirements is critical for Viridian to meet growing demand from the construction market.

“Securing long-term supply arrangements is a key step to improve the efficiency and productivity of our Dandenong facility.  This is a world class site providing enhanced customer service through specialised architectural glass products, shorter lead times relative to imports and extensive product warranties which it can support as the only float glass manufacturer in the region.”

As part of the agreement, BOC will also supply hydrogen from its Altona site and air supplied through an onsite compressor which is vital for the heating and cooling of glass production.

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About BOC:  BOC is a member of The Linde Group which supplies compressed and bulk gases, chemicals and equipment around the globe. The company develops safe, sustainable and innovative solutions for customers in many specialty sectors, heavy industry and medical environments. For more than a century the company's gases and expertise have contributed to advances in industry and everyday life, including steelmaking, refining, chemical processing, environmental protection, wastewater treatment, welding and cutting, food processing and distribution, glass production, electronics and health care. For further information, see www.boc-limited.com.au

About Linde:In the 2014 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 17.047 bn (USD 17.9 bn), making it the largest gases and engineering company in the world with approximately 65,591 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development. For more information, see The Linde Group web site at www.linde.com.

About CSR Limited:CSR Limited is a leading building products company in Australia and New Zealand which manufactures and supplies products including Gyprock™ plasterboard, Bradford™ insulation, Cemintel™ fibre cement, Monier™ roof tiles andViridian™ glass in addition to joint ventures including Boral CSR Bricks and Rondo roll formed steel products.  CSR is also a joint venture participant in the Tomago aluminium smelter, located near Newcastle, NSW www.csr.com.au