HUGE cryogenic columns were the main subject of a visit by Rhodri Morgan to Acrefair-based Air Products.
The First Minister was given a tour of the facility which makes cryogenic air separation plants by general manager Laurence O'Donnell.
The huge plants will be shipped to customers in South Korea, Brazil, Zambia and Russia as well as around the UK.
They are designed to cool air down so much that industries are able to separate it into its three main parts, nitrogen, oxygen and argon.
They can then use the separated gases in their industrial processes.
'It was an honour to welcome the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan to Air Products,' said Mr O'Donnell. 'The visit gave the First Minister the opportunity to see first hand the scale of our manufacturing facility in Acrefair.
'He also got to meet some of our 200 highlyskilled local craftsmen who are responsible for the manufacture of some of the most sophisticated industrial plant and equipment for customers worldwide.'
Mr Morgan said: 'Air Products is playing an integral part in the development of the North Wales economy, because of the very high quality of its engineering and manufacturing processes.
'Air Products' ongoing commitment to employing a highly-skilled local workforce is exemplary. And with orders for gas processing plants being sent throughout the globe, industries worldwide can see the high standard of work the people of Wales are delivering.'
