Bechtel and Linde Partner for New Ethylene Projects

Collaboration Focuses on North American Market

SAN FRANCISCO – Bechtel Corporation and Linde AG announced today they will work together to expand and build ethylene cracker plants in North America. The combination of Bechtel’s unmatched engineering, procurement, and direct-hire construction (EPC) capabilities and Linde’s proven ethylene technology provides customers a complete EPC/Technology provider.

The alliance builds on the companies’ previous work together at the Borouge petrochemicals complex in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Together, they performed engineering, procurement, construction, and start-up for the ethylene plant, off-site facilities, and utilities at the complex, which was successfully completed on schedule in February 2002.

“With the growth in shale gas production in North America, ethylene producers are planning new grass-roots projects and major expansions, and they need a world-class team to deliver them. The agreement between Bechtel and Linde creates that team,” said Jack Futcher, president of Bechtel’s Oil, Gas & Chemicals unit. “Linde’s record of success makes the company a strong partner for Bechtel. We are thrilled to be working with them again.”

“Linde is excited about the renewed collaboration with Bechtel in North America which couples the best ethylene technology with the most experienced direct-hire EPC company in North America. Together we shall offer the most competitive ethylene solutions to the North American petrochemical industry,” said Dr. Aldo Belloni, member of the Executive Board of Linde AG.

The Bechtel-Linde team will serve the North American market from Bechtel’s offices in Houston, Texas. A global industry leader, Bechtel has built ethylene facilities in China, India, and the UAE in the last 10 years. Linde is a leader in ethylene technology with the highest recent market share in ethane crackers, including the largest ethane cracker in the world.

About Bechtel

Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, procurement, and construction companies in the world. With a legacy spanning more than a century, the reliability of Bechtel’s performance, the enduring quality of its projects, the strength of its ethics, and the seriousness of its commitment to safety and sustainability are evident in everything we do. Today, Bechtel stands apart for its ability to get the job done right–no matter how big, how complex, or how remote. For more information about Bechtel visit www.bechtel.com.

About Linde

The Linde Group is a world-leading gases and engineering company with around 48,700 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. In the 2010 financial year, it achieved sales of EUR 12.868 bn. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards sustainable earnings-based growth and focused 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. Linde is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.


For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com