Brossard, Quebec, April 14, 2026 – CHARBONE CORPORATION (TSXV: CH; OTCQB: CHHYF; FSE: K47) (“CHARBONE” or the “Company”), a North American producer and distributor specializing in clean Ultra High Purity (“UHP”) hydrogen and strategic industrial gases, today announced the rollout of its comprehensive 2026-2030 strategic plan, marking a pivotal step in its evolution towards an integrated, global industrial gas group.
Building on a solid foundation in decarbonized UHP hydrogen, CHARBONE is embarking on a structured and coherent evolution of its model, aiming to expand its positioning to include UHP gases, specialty gases, and, in North America, UHP industrial atmospheric gases, to strengthen recurring revenue and operational efficiency.
A Clear Vision: Become a premium mid-tier player
CHARBONE is well positioned in a unique strategic space: more agile than the majors, more complementary to regional distributors, and strongly differentiated by quality, metrology, and traceability. The Company aims to meet the critical needs of high-growth industries, including:
- semiconductors;
- artificial intelligence and data centers;
- advanced pharmaceuticals;
- aerospace and defense technologies.
These markets demand impeccable quality, speed of execution, and security of supply; pillars at the heart of CHARBONE’s DNA.
A Two-Pillar Strategy in North America
Growth will be based on a structured hybrid approach:
- Pillar A – UHP & Specialty (High Margins): UHP Hydrogen (HyChem UHP™), Helium, Electronic Gases, and Specialty Gases.
- Pillar B – Industrial and Atmospheric Gases (Recurring): Oxygen, Nitrogen, UHP Argon, CO2, and Industrial Blends, to build a stable revenue base and optimize logistics.
This combination increases commercial depth, customer loyalty, and financial resilience. Charbone intends to strengthen its presence in the Northeast and Pacific technology corridor of the US.
A Disciplined Operating Model: Regional Hubs and an Asset-Smart Approach
CHARBONE’s priority is to continue the development and commissioning of the various phases of the SorelTracy plant. This is our anchor and the foundation of our expansion into the North American market. CHARBONE’s plan includes the deployment of 6 to 8 regional hubs in North America and internationally, enabling:
- a reduction in time-to-market;
- standardization of operations;
- stronger customer relationships;
- optimized logistics costs.
This hub-and-spoke model is a key lever for supporting growth while maintaining rigorous capital discipline in advance of additional industrial gases production capacity.
Targeted International Expansion: Europe and Asia-Pacific
CHARBONE plans to accelerate its global development with:
- Germany: strategic UHP platform in Europe;
- Malaysia: Asian hub for semiconductors and electronics.
Expansion will be guided by an asset-light approach, focused on partnerships and structuring contracts.
“At CHARBONE, we are not changing direction, we are expanding it with discipline. We started with one molecule: clean UHP hydrogen. Today, we are building an integrated platform of high-value industrial gases, tailored to the critical needs of the industries of the future. Our ambition is clear: to become an internationally recognized player known for quality, reliability, and speed of execution. We want to be a strategic partner for our customers, not just a supplier. CHARBONE is moving forward with a pragmatic, structured, and results-oriented approach – combining innovation, operational excellence, and financial discipline. The future of industrial gases is being shaped now and CHARBONE is ready,” said Dave B. Gagnon, CHARBONE’s Chairman and CEO.
Momentum Public Relations Inc. Appointment
CHARBONE has retained the services of Momentum Public Relations Inc. (“Momentum”) for services related to its investor and media relations strategies. These services will be primarily provided by Mr. Maxence Gagné-Godbout, who acts at arm’s length from the Company. Under the agreement, Momentum will receive fees of $10,000 per month. The six-month agreement is valid until May 15, 2026. No other compensation is payable under this engagement. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval.
About CHARBONE CORPORATION
CHARBONE is a vertically integrated industrial gases company focused on developing and operating a network of supply hubs for the production, storage, and distribution of Ultra-High Purity (UHP) strategic industrial gases. The Company serves customers across sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and data centers, advanced pharmaceuticals, and aerospace and defense technologies, where UHP gases are critical for high-precision manufacturing processes and operational performance. CHARBONE is advancing a network of clean UHP hydrogen production facilities across North America and selected international markets. The Company’s modular, decentralized, and demand-driven approach, combined with its integrated storage and distribution platform for all UHP gases, supports scalable growth, enhances operational flexibility, and enables more stable and diversified revenue generation. This model allows CHARBONE to efficiently serve mid-tier industrial gas customers with a reliable supply of UHP gases, including hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and any others that are in high-demand gases that are often difficult to source. The Company is committed to supporting the global transition to a lower-carbon economy by providing accessible, decentralized clean hydrogen and specialty gases, while addressing supply gaps for underserved industrial customers and accelerating the shift towards localized clean energy. CHARBONE is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: CH), the OTC Markets (OTCQB: CHHYF), and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: K47).
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). These forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “intends”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, “plans”, “likely”, or similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect the respective expectations, estimates or projections of Charbone’s management regarding future results or events, based on opinions, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by management at the date the statements are made. Although Charbone believes that the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, as unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties related to Charbone’s activities may affect forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, without limitation, those described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s management discussion and analysis for the period ended September 30, 2025, which can be accessed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca; they could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Unless required by applicable securities laws, Charbone does not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.