On August 31, a working meeting between Yves Zimmermann, Executive Director of Air Products Russian representative office, and Yuri Kazakov, Acting Rector of KNRTU, took place.

Currently, the Company (the Russian representative office of the world-famous brand Air Products) together with Soyuzkhimpromproect Design Institute is implementing a joint project in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The project concerns constructing and equipping a plant for air separation and release of unique gases. According to the Director of the Institute - Pavel Kochnev, the work is to be completed this year, and there is a new contract for further cooperation. In addition, Air Products also consider the possibility of a future contract on maintenance services (operation and maintenance of gas distribution units).

Yves Zimmermann stated that Air Products, being one of the world's leading companies in the production of gases and air separation units, is highly interested in establishing partnerships in Russia. He also expressed his contentment for having such partnerships among which is KNRTU and the Design Institute. He said, "We want to start a mutually beneficial dialogue, not only in the field of Design, Engineering, Operation, but also in Advanced Training, Personnel Management, and this is directly related to the University, science and education, and in this area we are ready to cooperate with KNRTU".

In turn, Yuri Kazakov noted that KNRTU is ready to support all cooperation with Air Products which, in his opinion, has promising prospects. He said, "This is important for the University as a whole, for the students and the Design Institute, so we are ready to move on to discussing the details of our cooperation".

In the near future, Soyuzkhimpromproect and Air Products will sign a framework agreement on the implementation of design works and other types of services. During the meeting, further steps to develop the partnership were discussed, in particular, proposals for establishing a joint service center for air separation units and new projects in the field of personnel training. Mr. Zimmerman expressed the intention to conduct a series of practice-oriented classes on Chemical Engineering with students and professors of KNRTU. He also noted that the company and the University have great opportunities for cooperation: “This is a beautiful city and a beautiful republic, your University has all the resources, and I see no limit to our partnership”.

For reference

Air Products (NYSE:APD) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial gases and has been operating on the market for almost 80 years. The main activity of the Company is the production of atmospheric and process gases and related equipment for various industries, including oil refining and petrochemicals, metallurgy, electronic industry, food and beverage production. Air Products is also a leading global supplier of liquefied natural gas processing technologies and related equipment. The company develops, designs, builds, owns and manages some of the world's largest industrial gas projects, including gasification that sustainably convert natural resources into SYN gas to generate electricity, fuels and HVA chemicals.