"While all three of the DE Series pumps offer full authority fuel timing and control, they utilize a ''building block'' approach of progressively adding features," said Paganini. "This approach provides engine manufacturers and system integrators the flexibility to define a fuel system that matches the engine''s functional needs. The objective is to meet the more demanding emissions and performance requirements, while minimizing pump complexity and price."We categorized the pump into three offerings starting with the basic model," Paganini continued. "From there, depending upon how the system or engine requirements, you could adapt additional features, individually or in combination, using the building block approach. By starting at the basic pump model, you can demonstrate performance and emission compliance with minimal pump complexity and price. So rather than offering a single, full-featured pump, we''ve taken an approach that allows the OEM designer the flexibility to do his own interfacing, which opens up the possibility of utilizing their own componentry or outsourcing."

To counter declining profits, Air Products will implement a global cost reduction plan to reduce capacity and costs. "First, we have shut down or will divest several underutilized facilities within our gases and chemicals segments," says chairman and CEO John P. Jones. "Second, we are implementing cost reductions to improve productivity, including balancing engineering resources with project activity. And third, we are reducing the number of management positions in the company to streamline our structure. Collectively, these actions will result in the elimination of 461 positions worldwide." The program is aimed at saving $38 million in fiscal 2004.As part of the restructuring, Air Products will shut down two liquid oxygen/liquid does nitrogen plants at undisclosed locations. The company is also actively seeking a buyer for its $65 million to $70 million European methylamines business and is setting up its US methylamines business for divesture, having already closed its methanol and ammonia plant in Pensacola, Fla., notes Bane of America Securities analyst Mark Gulley.

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