George Fischer Announces Distribution Agreement with Valex Corporation

George Fischer Inc. and Valex Corp. have reached an agreement in which Valex will become a North American distributor for George Fischer Piping Systems. Both companies specialize in ultra high purity piping solutions for the semiconductor and pharmaceutical/biotech industries.

Under the agreement, which became effective January 1, 2002, Valex offers exclusively George Fischer plastic piping systems and components throughout its North American distribution system. Along with Valex stainless steel tubing and fittings, all George Fischer products are offered at Valex distribution sites and integrated into Valex customer-specific logistics programs. George Fischer products will also be available through the Valex e-Store in the first quarter of 2002.

Christof Blumer, president and CEO of George Fischer, Inc., stated that the partnership will "… create an opportunity to provide a single source and additional logistic solutions for customers of both plastic and stainless piping components."

George Fischer Inc. is a wholly owned American subsidiary of Georg Fischer Ltd., Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and serves as the sales facility for George Fischer's high purity and industrial products in the Americas. George Fischer is active in the development of corrosion-resistant and ultra-pure piping systems and components.

Valex Corp., a subsidiary of Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., is a manufacturer and distributor of electropolished stainless steel tubing, fittings, and valves used in the construction and maintenance of semiconductor manufacturing plants and related industries.