April 15, 1999 – Malvern, Pennsylvania – MG Industries is supporting the Tour de Sol alternative fuel automobile marathon race from Waterbury, Connecticut to Lake George, New York, using technology similar to the proven hydrogen-powered fuel cell delivery and storage system it currently provides for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

This state-of-the-art technology provided by MG Industries includes the Hydrogen Storage System for the fuel cell system used in the NJDOT electric automobile entered in the event.

"We're proud to use our resources and our position as a leader in technology and apply it to important tasks like improving the environment by supporting the Tour de Sol," Michael Masha, Vice President of MG Industries GT&S Division, stated. The GT&S Division of MG Industries is responsible for supplying both the hydrogen and supply systems in the car in the showcase event. "We've been working with NJDOT since 1994 to support them in their requirement to use technology that's environment-friendly, and this represents another step in that direction."

The special Storage System, similar to the fuel cell system already being used by NJDOT as a dependable source of energy to power its Variable Message Signs emergency highway display signs, consists of:

• High Pressure Lightweight Composite Cylinders to maximize the hydrogen capacity to cylinder weight ratio;
• A manifold with safety shut off valves and high pressure regulator; and
• The Transfill System that allows the vehicle to be refueled during race week.

In addition, MG Industries will provide a support vehicle during the race with personnel available to ensure that the Hydrogen Supply system operates as designed. The support vehicle will carry enough hydrogen to refuel the car several times during the race week.

MG personnel will accompany the car during the entire week to provide help and assistance for various tasks as required by the rules of the Tour de Sol.

MG has been acting as the Compressed Gas Industry consultant and Partner to Team NJ since the beginning of this project late last year.

MG Industries is a leading industrial gas company operating in the United States and Canada, and supplies industrial and process gases and the technology to use these gases effectively, serving customers through a network of strategically placed production and distribution sites. In addition to specialized gases in cylinders and dewars and its bulk gas liquid sales, MG Industries also builds pipelines and on-site plants for its customers. With 1998 sales in excess of $360 million, MG Industries employs over 1,400 people in the United States and Canada and operates over 70 production plants and facilities.

MG Industries is a member of the Messer Group, one of the largest industrial gas companies worldwide, with more than $1.8 billion in sales. With over 200 companies and over 14,700 employees, the Messer Group operates in 60 countries. Messer provides an extensive resource base from which MG Industries can draw at any time.

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Media contact: Lawrence M. Light, (610) 695-7507
E-mail: Larry_Light@mgind.com.
Web site: www.mgindustries.com