Welding & Gases Today | Q3 2024

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THE TEAM

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

John Ospina jospina@gawda.org

PUBLISHER

Bill Brod billb@gawdamedia.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Steve Guglielmo steveg@gawdamedia.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Natasha Alexis nalexis@gawda.org

Andrea Levy alevy@gawda.org

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Robin Barnes robinb@gawdamedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT, SALES

Tim Hudson timh@gawdamedia.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Hannah Gray hannahg@gawdamedia.com

Lesli Mitchell leslim@gawdamedia.com

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Athena Cossette athenac@gawdamedia.com

THOMPSON

Welding & Gases Today (USPS 22-975) is published quarterly: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, with additional publications in Spring and Summer. • Non-member subscription rate is $195 per year. • GAWDA members (key contacts and branch locations) receive the magazine as part of their dues. • GAWDA members can order additional yearly subscriptions (4 issues) for $40. • Welding & Gases Today is published by Data Key Holdings, LLC on behalf of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association. • Periodicals postage paid at Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and at additional mailing offices (ISSN 1558-5344). • Editorial correspondence should be sent to Editors, c/o editor@gawdamedia.com. Advertising correspondence and materials should be sent to William Brod, Data Key Holdings, LLC, 19 Albany St., Suite 2E Cazenovia, NY 13035; telephone (315) 445-2347, fax (315) 422-1721. • Postmaster: Send address changes to Welding & Gases Today, Gases and Welding Distributors Association, One Oakwood Blvd, Suite 195, Hollywood, FL 33020 • Welding & Gases Today is the official journal of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) and carries news and announcements concerning GAWDA. • It is not responsible for contents or opinions other than association activities. • Contents are copyright ©2024 Data Key Holdings, LLC. • All rights reserved. • Nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. • Questions and comments can be sent via e-mail to Editors, c/o editorial@gawdamedia.com. • Data Key Holdings, LLC reserves the right to print portions of or all of any correspondence mailed to the editors without liability on its part and no such correspondence will be returned. • Visit Welding & Gases Today Online at www.GAWDAmedia. org. Statement of Ownership Publication Title Welding & Gases Today. Publication number 22-975. Filing date 09/2023. Issue frequency quarterly + 2 special issues. # of issues published annually: 6. Subscription price part of member dues. Mailing address of known office of publication and headquarters: One Oakwood Boulevard, Suite 195, Hollywood, FL 33020. Headquarters address same. Publisher: William Brod, Data Key Communications, 9 Albany St., Suite 2E Cazenovia, NY 13035. Editor: John C. Ospina, GAWDA Executive Director, One Oakwood Boulevard, Suite 195, Hollywood, FL 33020. Editor in Chief: Steve Guglielmo Data Key Holdings, LLC, 9 Albany St., Suite 2E Cazenovia, NY 13035. Owner: GAWDA, One Oakwood Boulevard, Suite 195, Hollywood, FL 33020. Average net press run 1803/1875. Outside county paid/requested mail subscriptions 1850/1875. In-county paid/ requested mail subscriptions 0/0. Sales through dealers and carriers 0/0. Requested copies by other mail classes 0/0. Total paid and or requested circulation 1775/1803. Outside county nonrequested copies 0/0. In-county nonrequested copies 0/0. Nonrequested copies distributed through USPS by other classes 0/0. Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail 150/400.

LEADERSHIP I M P A C T

Gary Halter is GAWDA’s 2023-2024 President as well as President of Indiana Oxygen Company. He can be reached at 317-808-4060 or by email at garyhalter@ indianaoxygen.com

HIMPACT Leadership

BY GARY HALTER, GAWDA PRESIDENT

ello GAWDA Members! As I am writing this article, with help from some others, it is July 1st, 2024, and it is hard to believe how fast time goes as you age and turn 60. Days go slow and years go fast…try to enjoy every minute! My mind also takes me to our great country, and even with all of our challenges, how lucky and blessed we are to live in the United States of America. We are now 248 years old. So, as you read this, I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day and enjoyed the day and weekend with your friends and family.

I invite all of you to join Kathy and I in Phoenix for our Annual Convention.

Phoenix, known for its vibrant culture and stunning desert landscapes, and a rich history of innovation and resilience, provides a fitting backdrop for this year's theme: IMPACT Leadership This theme holds particular significance as we gather to explore how these principles can shape and elevate our industry.

Each year, we, as an industry, have different challenges, and this year seems to be no different. Our goal is to address these challenges through multiple GAWDA channels. Our Planning Committee spent a great deal of time thinking about the heart and soul of leadership. This theme was presented during the SMC in San Antonio, TX, and we will dig in to the meaning and other ideas around it during our time together in Phoenix.

Thanks again to the team for their input and collaboration. IMPACT Leadership was developed from the 4 pillars of Teamwork, Chemistry, Humility and Gratitude:

I – Invest in your people (empower). Think about how empowering your team through skills development and mentorship can elevate their dedication and performance.

M – Model (lead by example). Practice what we preach. Leaders who embody integrity set the tone for a trustworthy workplace culture, inspiring others to follow.

P – Purpose (give direction based on company goals and objectives). Clearly defining the organization’s mission and how each team member contributes cultivates a shared sense of purpose and alignment.

A – Attention (listen, really listen to others). Imagine the impact of genuinely listening to your team’s ideas and concerns—how it fosters collaboration and a supportive team environment.

C – Communicate (inform others). When there is a void in communication, negativity will fill the void. Regular, open communication builds a positive work environment, so our people feel valued and understood.

T – Teamwork and Trust. Trust is the key to effective teamwork.

IMPACT Leadership will be tied to all the Convention sessions.

continued on page 8

LEADERS IN INNOVATION

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View PRESIDENTS

To kick off the General Business Sessions, we have Alex Chausovsky, a highly respected economist who has been a trusted advisor to our association for many years. His deep understanding of our industry and the current economic landscape will be invaluable as we navigate these unprecedented times. His economic update is a session you won’t want to miss.

We are also honored to have Bob VanKirk, a veteran in our industry and the current Vice President of Distributors & Domestic Helium at Messer. With at least 18 years (Bob is getting up there in age) of experience successfully managing the distributor business for Messer in the U.S., his insights on the latest industry trends and future outlook will be incredibly beneficial. His commitment to customer-focused solutions that foster growth and opportunities for both suppliers and distributors is truly inspiring. Bob has a special talent of bringing humor to his presentations while also bragging about his golf game and always beating me.

Lastly, we are excited to welcome Rob Gronkowski, a fourtime Super Bowl Champion tight end and NFL Analyst, and a proud University of Arizona graduate. His record-breaking

career was built on hard work, teamwork and trust. We look forward to hearing more about his experience and insight as a legendary athlete.

Some of you may have noticed a few changes in the Convention schedule. We made these adjustments to give members additional flexibility to attend our event and FABTECH. We understand the value of attending both events. We appreciate your support and understanding and want you to have the opportunity to enjoy the networking opportunities that come from the GAWDA Annual Convention while also gaining more insight into new technologies at the FABTECH Convention in Orlando, Florida.

I am sure many of you are looking forward to and excited about the Olympics in Paris from July 26th through August 11th USA…USA…USA!

I look forward to seeing some of you at the remaining GAWDA Regional Events, and I look forward to welcoming you all to Phoenix for what promises to be a content-rich and inspiring Convention. Let’s seize this opportunity to learn, grow, and lead together. Enjoy the rest of your summer. Peace!

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GAWDA At Work for You

This has been an exciting year for GAWDA so far.

John Ospina is GAWDA’s executive director. He can be reached at GAWDA Headquarters in Hollywood, FL, via telephone at 844-251-3219 or via email at jospina@gawda.org.

EXPANDED PROGRAM OFFERINGS

We’ve hosted six regional meetings, dozens of virtual and in-person programs including ten safety webinars, two in-person Professional Compliance Seminars, a 16 week GAWDA MBA program, four UID-year-round events covering various business topics, a peer-to-peer networking webinar hosted by the Young Professionals Committee with more scheduled to follow, and the co-branded GAWDA/CGA Young and emerging Professionals summit.

We’ve also introduced several new Member Benefits this year.

The Free 2024 Compensation Dashboard which spotlights the Top 5 coveted positions within the industry in the top 12 major markets. The program also allows members to get additional reports on other positions in additional markets at a reasonable price. The program is hosted by Alex Chausovsky from the Bundy Group, LLC.

The New ACE Driver Training program

GAWDA has partnered with the National Propane Gas Association to provide training and testing for the CDL Class A/B and the Hazmat endorsement. This program can save members thousands of dollars in the cost of training and certifying new drivers. Members typically pay from $4,000 up to $12,000 to put their drivers through these programs. Our program runs between $240 and $740.

The New Cerity Partners Retirement Consulting Services will provide guidance and assistance to all GAWDA members that have a small retirement plan (<$3m assets) or no current plan in place to evaluate and participate in a Pooled

Employer Plan (PEP). This plan will provide economies of scale to all adopting members to minimize cost, liability and administrative burden to the member company.

For more information on all our programs please visit our website at www.gawda.org or reach out to one of our staff members.

This year’s Annual Convention at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona is gearing up to be another big event.

At the time this article was written in early July, registration numbers were already over 700 registrants. This was second only to the Annual Convention in Hawaii.

We have a great speaker line up with Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics & Consulting at Bundy Group speaking on the economy, our industry speaker, Bob VanKirk, Vice President, Distributors & Domestic Helium, Messer, and our keynote, Rob Gronkowski, Four-Time Super Bowl Champion Tight End and NFL Analyst.

Our networking 360 program continues to get strong support from both Distributor and Supplier attendees, followed by the Contact Booth Program.

The Pickleball Event - sponsored by the Women of Gases and Welding & Young Professionals is sure to be a lot of fun for pickleball enthusiasts of all levels. The event can host up to 136 players, ranging from beginners to advanced levels. You can also sign up as a spectator and enjoy lunch while cheering on fellow attendees.

I want to thank our members for their overwhelming support for this meeting. I look forward to seeing all of you at this year’s Annual Convention. As always, thank you for your continued support of our industry and association.

TRUST US WITH YOUR LEGACY

Our industry is changing daily. Owners are constantly being barraged with solicitations to sell their companies—businesses that they, their families, and their trusted employees have grown through their considerable efforts over the years. When faced with this choice, the decision they make affects their family legacy and, to a large extent, the future of their people.

Traditionally, there were very few options for owners facing this choice, no matter the size of their business—either sell to a major gas supplier or to a financial entity such as private equity. At AWG, you have a new choice. AWG is a well-funded industry peer that is committed to an independent future, one that will carefully protect the legacy of your business and your teams.

We understand these decisions happen on your schedule—not ours. Should the time come, we would appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about AWG and share the many testimonials of those who have chosen AWG.

AMERICAN WELDING & GAS, INC.

Steve Guglielmo is GAWDA Media’s Editor-in-Chief. He has more than a decade of experience working with industrial associations. He can be reached at steveg@gawdamedia.com.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working with GAWDA Media for five years now! One of the things that I love about working in this job is how closely I am able to work with the GAWDA members. And that’s especially true of the GAWDA Board Members and the President of the Association.

This year, I have worked very closely with Gary Halter. I had the amazing honor of serving on Gary’s Annual Convention Planning Committee for the Phoenix Convention, which was the first time I got to serve on a Planning Committee and see how the proverbial sausage got made. I also got to work with Gary from the time he was planning his inaugural address in Hawaii, through his presentation in San Antonio at the SMC, and now for Phoenix at the SMC. And one of the through-lines for all three of those has been about IMPACT Leadership. You also all got to see Gary’s affinity for sports and quotes through his various video presentations that were shown in Hawaii and San Antonio.

One of the constant phrases that kept coming up from when we first started discussing the intersection of sports and leadership, and one that you will certainly hear more about as we get closer to the Annual Convention in Phoenix is the term “Patriot Way.” It’s a phrase that got popular during the New England Patriots’ unprecedented run of success from 2001-2019, when the Patriots won 6 Super Bowls, 9 AFC Championships, and 17 AFC East Division titles. It’s a phrase that refers to the team’s culture, attention to detail, and teamfirst attitude that allowed the team to continue

to dominate in an era where the Salary Cap and other competitive balance forces were designed to promote parity around the league.

Now, those who know me, know I am a Patriots fan. So, obviously, I bought into the Patriots mystique and the talk of “Patriots Way” with gusto. Having Tom Brady and this year’s Annual Convention keynote speaker Rob Gronkowski certainly contributes as much as any cultural forces at play. But there have been a lot of great players in the NFL. There haven’t been many 20 year runs like the Patriots had.

And with this being the Milestone issue of Welding & Gases Today, it made me think about the GAWDA Way. Lots of distributors have great products. Not many last 25, 50, 75, or 100 years. So, what is it about GAWDA members that allow them to continually reach these milestones? To reach the second, third and fourth generations of family members when historically we know that family businesses crumble from generation to generation? Call it culture. Call it the secret sauce. Call it the GAWDA way. Whatever it is, our members have consistently seemed to figure out the way to keep on succeeding where so many businesses fall short. And I’m incredibly proud to be part of an industry and an association where we can say that.

So, congratulations to all of the GAWDA members who are celebrating this year. And I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you in Phoenix. We can all do a celebratory Gronk spike on the 19th hole together!

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Life After PRESIDENCY

Chip Valentine

Life After the Presidency

TThough I am long “retired,” I still have wonderful ties to the guys with whom I grew up in the industry. My best friends are mainly GAWDA folks from around the country.

his is a new column where former NWSA and GAWDA presidents reflect on their time as President of the association and also let readers know what they have been up to since their time as President. Thank you to Chip Valentine for being our firstever contributor to the “Life After the Presidency” Column.

I was fortunate enough to be the President of NWSA (now GAWDA) in 199798. This was a time of substantial industry consolidation with Airgas, Praxair, and others buying up many of the independent distributors. Our company was a “regional consolidator” and, in fact, was born as a merger of two independents in the same market area. I, personally, was very involved in the M&A side of our business and felt that this was one of the best ways to grow our business.

I was very involved with several of our “sister” organizations during the time I was in office, as we attempted to have an enhanced relationship with organizations with whom we shared a mutual interest. I was on the Board of the Compressed Gas Association and served on the CGA/FDA Executive Council. The industry was working with the FDA to help make their rules and regulations regarding medical gases realistic, safe, and clear to the providers and consumers. I was proud of the way the industry and the government worked

together to accomplish this goal, which I feel our industry still benefits from, even all these years later.

Back in the “old days,” when I was President, the time commitment to serve in the chairs of our Association was even greater than it is today. Instead of one Spring Management Conference, as we have today, there were six zones, and each zone had its own conference each year. We had Regional Meetings, as we still do today, and, of course, the Annual Convention. When you add in attendance at our sister organizations meetings (e.g. CGA, AWS, FABTECH, NAWD, Chamber of Commerce, and others), it was truly a full-time job. Thankfully, our Association leadership has realized that our officers still have businesses to run and have lessened the travel and meeting schedule somewhat. It is still quite a commitment to serve our Association in a leadership role and I know we are all grateful for those who choose to expend so much time and effort for the good of us all.

I retired in 2003, but didn’t stay “retired” for long. I was asked to speak at several regional meetings, to buyer’s groups, etc. about the consolidation of our industry and how to value these businesses in a sale. People started asking me to help them in the sale of their businesses, either to an outside party or in transferring the business to the “next generation.” I’ve been doing that now

for 21 years. So, though I am old as the hills, I am still involved in our industry.

Our industry continues to consolidate. Private Equity players have picked up on the many positive aspects of our industry. Many independents are very acquisition oriented and want to expand their footprint. The bigger public companies in the industry are still wanting to grow by acquisition. So, there is no shortage of ready, willing, and able buyers out there and because of this “competition” for a shrinking number of targets, the value of our businesses has continued to grow.

Though I am long “retired,” I still have wonderful ties to the guys with whom I grew up in the industry. My best friends are mainly GAWDA folks from around the country. I go on golf trips several times a year with a few of

the Past Presidents of the association.

I am on the Board of Indiana Oxygen Company, whose Chairman, Wally, is a Past President and whose President is the current GAWDA President. So, I certainly keep up with what is happening in our industry.

We are all so very fortunate to have

had the opportunity to be involved with such a wonderful organization as GAWDA. It not only will help you in the day-to-day operation of your business, but you will positively make friends with people who have common interests, and these friendships will last a lifetime. I am a living example!

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CONSULTANTS

GAWDA Consultants Break Down Flurry of Legislation and Proposed Rulemaking

What GAWDA members need to know to remain compliant.

BY TOM BADSTUBNER, MARILYN DEMPSEY, MICHAEL DODD, RICK SCHWEITZER, AND STEVE GUGLIELMO

The GAWDA Consultant Program is a GAWDA member benefit that is included as part of your member dues to the association. It is consistently rated as one of the most valuable member benefits that GAWDA provides. Between the four of them GAWDA’s consultants bring more than 150 years of industry-specific experience to the association.

In June, the GAWDA Consultants hosted a three-day compliance workshop in Minnesota that was also simulcast via webinar. In addition to that workshop, Summer is Regional Meeting season, and the Consultants are mainstays at GAWDA’s Regional Meetings, providing members with timely updates on all of the important regulatory and compliance topics in the industry.

Since the Q2 issue, there has also been a flurry of proposed regulatory rulemaking and some important legislation that could impact GAWDA members. As always, GAWDA’s consultants deftly explain what it will mean for GAWDA members.

Thank you to Tom Badstubner, GAWDA’s FDA and Medical Gases Consultant, Marilyn Dempsey, DHS, EPA and OSHA Consultant, Mike Dodd, DOT Consultant, and Rick Schweitzer, Government Affairs and Human Resources Consultant, for lending their time and expertise to discuss these important topics. The following is a lightly edited transcript of that conversation.

WELDING & GASES TODAY: You hosted the Summer Compliance Seminar, which I want to discuss, but if we could start with some information that Rick recently sent over for the GAWDA Connection. Rick, there were two proposed rules that came out recently. The first was the DEA proposed rule to reschedule marijuana as a schedule 3 controlled substance, and the other was the PHMSA proposing an increase to HAZMAT registration fees. Can you explain what's going on with those proposals and what they would mean if they were to come to pass?

RICK SCHWEITZER: The first item is a proposed reclassification of marijuana from schedule 1 to schedule 3 in the list of controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration has proposed downgrading marijuana from schedule 1 to schedule 3. Schedule 1 means there is no currently accepted medical use for the substance. In recent years, it's become clear that marijuana does have some recognized medical uses. And it's also legalized now for medical purposes and/or recreational purposes in 33 states, as well as the District of Columbia. The DEA wants to recognize that by placing it in a more appropriate class. This would not decriminalize marijuana. Its use would still be illegal under federal law, although it would incur a much lower penalty.

The big question here is what effect it might have, if any, on truck drivers and DOT testing regulations that apply to com-

GAWDA CONSULTANTS

mercial motor vehicle drivers. Initially, I thought there would be no impact on that, because the FMCSA has said that, regardless of what the states do, as long as marijuana is illegal under federal law, they are going to continue to have their drug and alcohol testing regulations apply to marijuana as well.

But, there's a recent letter sent by the American Trucking Associations to the Attorney General and to the Secretary of DOT, as well as the Secretary of Health & Human Services, indicating that there might be a problem with this reclassification, because under current health and human services standards you're only authorized to test for schedule 1 & schedule 2 substances. So, I'm not sure how this is going to play out legally. It might require some variation in DOT or health & human services rules to get this coordinated. My expectation is that there will still be testing for marijuana under DOT rules. I do not see this as a way of revising that or withdrawing that requirement.

WGT: No matter what the end result ends up being, we're still a long way away from it, correct?

RICK: The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on May 21, and comments are due by July 22. DEA will have to consider those comments and come up with a final rule, which probably won't be issued until sometime next year, most likely.

On the HAZMAT fees, this is the DOT requirement for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials. Every July 1st, you have to renew your registration and pay your fees. The fees go to funding state and local emergency responders. So, it’s a good use of the money. Congress, a couple of years ago increased the amount of money that can be collected under this program from $28 million to $46 million. So, the fees are intended to go up to collect the additional revenue authorized. For small businesses they would go up from $250 to $375 a year. For large businesses they would go up from $2,575 to $3,000 per year. There is a statutory cap that keeps the fees at $3,000 for all registrants as a max.

GAWDA worked with a coalition of shippers and carriers of hazardous materials to keep the small business fees at a reasonable rate. We wanted to make sure they didn't exceed $500. We succeeded, because the proposal has only gone up from

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Roundtable GAWDA CONSULTANTS

$250 to $375. A small business, for purposes of this fee, is 175 employees or less. That's for NAICS code 424690, which is what most distributors use. That's the category for other chemicals and allied products merchant wholesalers. That's the code that would go into the Small Business Administration's Classification for a Small Business.

MIKE DODD: That's a help because didn’t it used to be 100 employees?

RICK: I think so. I looked it up today and it said 175.

MIKE: That's great. That will knock a whole bunch of people out of the "big" fee.

RICK: That's for NAICS 424690.

WGT:. So that’s two pieces of proposed regulatory changes. Rick, we had a good conversation a few weeks ago about some other regulatory things. The overtime exemption and the non-compete clause that we had already discussed. Are there any other regulatory or compliance things that have appreciably changed or that GAWDA members need to be aware of that have come across your desks or through your agencies since we spoke for the Q2 magazine?

RICK: The only other thing that I would bring up would be the OSHA Walk Around Rule, which is a final rule that allows non-employee representatives, including union organizers or union representatives or even plaintiff’s lawyers to accompany an OSHA inspector and company employees when the OSHA inspector is inspecting a business. It’s called the “Walk Around Rule.” This extends the worker representatives who are able to accompany the OSHA inspector. This has now been challenged in court by NAWD and the Chamber of Commerce and many other business groups claiming that there's not sufficient Congressional authorization for this kind of expansion of the OSHA authority. As it is right now, it is a final rule and scheduled to go into effect, but it is being challenged in court.

WGT: Marilyn, when we spoke for Q2 you talked about the Walk Around Rule. From your perspective, what could it mean for GAWDA members?

MARILYN DEMPSEY: So, for those GAWDA members that are union shops, this means that your shop steward, who's your employee can call up the union hall and have someone come do a walk around with the OSHA inspector. That person may not necessarily know your business, they may not necessarily have the best interest of your business at heart, and

they might speak about things that are not applicable to the inspection.

When you do a walk around you see a lot of things. You, as the company, want to keep the inspector narrowly focused on the scope of their inspection. Someone from the outside may draw attention to something that is outside of the scope and expand the inspection. Or the complainant, whether a disgruntled ex-employee or an employee filing an anonymous complaint, may have contacted a lawyer and that lawyer can now come in as part of this Walk Around.

RICK: Even if you're a non-union shop, my understanding is that the rule allows union organizers to accompany the OSHA inspector during the inspection as well.

WGT: You hosted the 2024 Summer GAWDA Professional Compliance Webinar and Seminar from June 4-6, 2024, at Chart Industries in New Prague, Minnesota. For those that missed the Summer Compliance Seminar, you’ll be hosting the next live Seminar in October. Can you discuss some of the things you’ll be covering during that meeting?

MIKE: The DOT Day will be training on high pressure cylinders, carbon dioxide cylinders, and liquid containers filling. There will be special emphasis on the prefill inspections and there will be lots of great pictures.

TOM BADSTUBNER: The FDA day (Tuesday, October 22, 2024) will be covering the new medical gas regulations. These new rules are mostly in 21 CFR Part 123 Current Good Manufacturing Practices, but there are significant changes to the labeling regulations (21 CFR 201) and the Postmarket Safety Reports (21 CFR 314).

MARILYN: I'll be covering what is in a Compliance Program and required trainings. Along with that, on May 20th, there was a new rule on the Hazard Communication Standard, which has some things that are going to impact our industry. There are three things that are happening.

First, OSHA has changed some definitions and classifications, including adding another category into the flammable classification. According to this new alignment with GHS revision 7, two common products: acetylene and propane, will now require “extremely flammable” on the label and the SDS will require additional precautionary information.

Second, OSHA has redefined “Bulk shipment” as, “any hazardous chemical transported where the mode of transportation (vehicle) comprises the immediate container (i.e. contained in tanker truck, rail car, or intermodal container).”

They also state that, “labels for bulk shipments may be on the

GAWDA CONSULTANTS

immediate container (e.g. bulk tanker) or they may be sent with the shipping papers or electronic means so that the information may be printed out and available to the receiving company. However, there must be a written agreement with the customer to receive labels electronically.”

The third thing was on labels as well. GAWDA and CGA wrote a letter of recommendation letter that the “release by date” be an option for the manufacturer and OSHA agreed. That's a really good thing for us.

TOM: That would be a problem for us, because we reuse our labels. We would be required to change labels.

RICK: So that’s a win.

MARILYN: The other thing I'm going to touch on during the seminar, which has been part of the Lessons Learned from the GAWDA Safety Committee, is that there have been a couple of very significant fires at our members’ locations and how a company’s compliance program can mitigate the risk of fire.

WGT: Is there anything FDA or DOT wise in terms of time sensitive things that members need to be cognizant of?

MIKE: From a DOT standpoint, the HAZMAT registration, depending on what yearly cycle they are on, the registration was due on June 30th. So, if they haven't done the renewal, then this is just a reminder to do so.

RICK: The proposal that we talked about would not go into effect this year because it's a proposal. That would be next year at the very earliest.

WGT: These proposals, when they call for comments, if GAWDA members want to get involved is that something that they should be funneling to you?

RICK: Yes. They can comment themselves, or they can submit comments to me, and I can incorporate them into GAWDA comments that we will submit to the record, which we do on a number of rulemakings. We will probably be making a comment on the HAZMAT rule through this coalition I men-

tioned, which is about 45 trade associations that represent companies that either ship or carry hazardous materials.

TOM: We've noticed a couple recent audits that were a little more rigorous than they have been in the last couple years. GAWDA members are best served by paying attention to the basics of medical gas CGMP. For example, be sure all your logs are being properly filled out, your calibrations are up to date, your trainings are up to date, etc. The small and simple things that we do are also easy to forget and can result in violations.

We had an inspection where the inspector asked the GAWDA member for a clearly unsafe practice to be done, and actually insisted on it. It had to do with putting Clorox on cylinder valves. They wanted every single valve to be wiped with Clorox. It was a food application. This inspector didn't know anything about our industry but knew a lot about the food industry. They felt that those valves needed to be sanitized with every use. It took a few times going back and forth before they backed off on this unsafe position. If the inspector asks for something unusual or unsafe, please reach out and we'll help you fight it.

Twice each year we're required by FDA regulations to review our drug product listings, which is basically a list of all of the different cylinder styles that we have and all of the medical gases that we are filling. One of the times is June, the other is December. If a member has not yet done their Drug Product Listing review, they should do it. It's not hard to do, you simply review the listing and make sure it is still accurate; if it is, no action is required. If it isn't accurate, let whoever is taking care of your FDA submissions know and update the FDA record.

WGT: Marilyn, now that we're getting into the hot part of the year, is OSHA still focusing on the heat standards?

MARILYN: OSHA has the national emphasis program for heat illness prevention. There are states that require companies to have a written heat illness prevention plan. GAWDA members should check their state requirements, particularly the western states: WA, OR, CA.

WGT: Has GAWDA put anything out that they can easily refer to?

MARILYN: I’ve written about Heat Illness Prevention in the GAWDA Safety Organizer. NOAA and NIOSH have information online and OSHA has some great training for this on their website.

Lessons Learned: Property Fire

GAWDA members share their experiences in their own words

BY MARILYN R. DEMPSEY, GAWDA DHS/EPA/OSHA CONSULTANT

Marilyn R. Dempsey, Safety Dragons Workplace Consultants, LLC

940-999-8466

marilyn@safetydragons. com.

One evening, a small campfire at a homeless camp in a vacant lot near a gas distributor facility began to spread to dried grass in the area. Unable to contain the fire, it quickly spread and began to approach the fence line of the distributor property. The fire was able to reach some combustible materials inside the fence but was eventually extinguished by the responding fire department before it could reach the building, gas cylinders, or other hazardous materials.

Many areas of the country are seeing growing homeless populations in their communities. Unsheltered persons often set up camps in places not meant for human habitation, such as the streets, undeveloped properties, abandoned buildings, parks, or light industrial areas. Persons camped near business properties can create a risk to themselves, the public, and business property. Community leaders were contacted to address this concern. They recommended that businesses take steps to discourage homeless individuals or others from camping near their property as a means to address safety and security concerns.

Lighting: One of the most effective tools for securing your property is lighting. A well-lit property is proven to be a deterrent for criminal activity, homeless encampments and improved overall safety.

Securing Property with Fencing: Securing the perimeter of a property with fencing is a critical part in making a business less attractive to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Provide Setback: Ensure cylinders, equipment, and combustible materials are adequately set back from fences to minimize potential for fires to spread.

Trash Enclosures: Discarded materials are often used to fabricate into dwellings and recycle for cash - your waste system, if not properly enclosed, provides an endless supply.

Vegetation and Landscaping: When landscaping around your business, ensure that you are not providing hiding spots or places to camp or hangout.

Unauthorized or Abandoned Vehicles: Report unauthorized, abandoned or junk vehicles on or near your property.

FACILITY EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (FEAP)

The GAWDA Safety Committee created a Sample Safety Practice for Fire Emergency Preparedness to assist with your company’s Emergency Action Plan. This practice can be found on the GAWDA Website Members-only Section in the Sample Safety Practices Folder.

OSHA REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE EMERGENCY

1. How to report

2. How to respond; including an emergency evacuation route

3. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate;

4. Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation;

5. Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties; and

6. The name or job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan.

GAWDA CONSULTANTS

Fire extinguisher training may be purchased from: JJ Keller, NFPA, or free from OSHA, the Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association or Fire Department videos on youtube.com.

7. Employee alarm system.

8. Training. An employer must designate and train employees to assist in a safe and orderly evacuation of other employees.

9. Review of emergency action plan. An employer must review the emergency action plan with each employee covered by the plan:

I recommend that fire drills should be conducted twice annually: once, announced and the second time unannounced. Remember to have everyone sign a record of training and remind them that in a real fire emergency, they will still need to physically sign a paper acknowledging their safe evacuation, prior to leaving the site.

` Initial job assignment

` Employees responsibilities change under the plan

Alarm equipment and evacuation maps should also be reviewed annually for accuracy.

` When the plan is changed

Fire extinguisher training may be purchased from: JJ Keller, NFPA, or free from OSHA, the Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association or Fire Department videos on youtube.com.

I recommend that fire drills should be conducted twice annually: once, announced and the second time unannounced. Remember to have everyone sign a record of training and remind them that in a real fire emergency, they will still need to physically sign a paper acknowledging their safe evacuation, prior to leaving the site. Alarm equipment and evacuation maps should also be reviewed annually for accuracy.

GASES AND WELDING DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION

One Oakwood Blvd., Suite 195, Hollywood, F L 33020 P(954)367-7728 F(954)367-7790

If you have any questions about this article or other OSHA, EPA, DHS, please contact me.

CGA FOR GAWDA

A Year-Round Commitment

BY PAUL PFLIEGER, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CGA

Paul Pflieger is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), a non-profit trade association representing the industrial, medical, and food gas industries. He assumed this role in July 2022, bringing with him nearly a decade of experience in association communications and public relations.

As we mark National Safety Month this June, it’s an ideal time to emphasize the importance of safety in our daily lives. At the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), we believe that safety should be a constant priority, not just a focus for one month out of the year.

National Safety Month, initiated by the National Safety Council, is dedicated to raising awareness about critical safety issues. At CGA, our mission aligns with this goal as we strive to enhance safety standards in the compressed gas industry. We would like to highlight a couple of key safety points that can have a significant impact on preventing accidents and ensuring a secure environment for everyone.

1. PROPER HANDLING AND STORAGE OF COMPRESSED GASES

Compressed gases are used in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and food and beverage. However, improper handling and storage can lead to severe accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), injuries related to compressed gases often result from the mishandling of cylinders, leaks, and improper storage conditions.

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to:

• Always secure gas cylinders upright to prevent them from tipping over.

• Store cylinders in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and open flames.

• Regularly inspect cylinders and equipment for signs of damage or leaks.

Implementing these practices not only protects workers but also ensures the safe and efficient operation of facilities that rely on compressed gases.

2. EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND AWARENESS

A well-informed workforce is the backbone of any safety program. Training employees to understand the hazards associated with compressed gases and the correct procedures for handling them can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Key training points include:

• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection.

• Steps to take in the event of a gas leak or exposure.

• Emergency response procedures, including evacuation plans and first aid.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regularly reports that comprehensive training programs are proven to reduce workplace accidents. Ensuring that employees are knowledgeable and prepared is a vital step in fostering a culture of safety.

SAFETY EVERY DAY

While National Safety Month is an excellent opportunity to spotlight these issues, the principles of safety should guide our actions every day. By maintaining rigorous safety standards and continuous education, we can prevent accidents and protect lives throughout the year.

The CGA remains committed to promoting safety across the compressed gas industry. For more information on safety practices and resources, visit our website at www.cganet.com.

Remember, safety is not just a priority for June—it’s a year-round commitment. Let’s work together to ensure that every day is a safe day.

August 6, 2024 –August 15, 2024

11:30 AM-1:00 PM ET

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Don’t miss the 5th Annual Young & Emerging Professionals Summit presented by CGA and GAWDA.

Paul Bernier, ASP, is the Safety Products Manager at General Air Service & Supply. He has worked in the welding and gas industry since 1996. Also, Paul is Vice President of Southern Colorado ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals) Chapter.

Paul can be reached at 719-761-7076 or pbernier@generalair.com

O• Falls

• Struck-by

Can You See Me? Making Sense of High Visibility Safety Apparel

BY PAUL BERNIER, ASP

ver the last several years, OSHA has worked to create awareness of the “Fatal 4” to decrease the injuries and deaths caused by the following:

• Electrocution

• Caught in-between

The fatal four account for more than 30% of all workplace fatalities. Approximately 10% of the fatalities are due to flying objects, falling objects, swinging objects, and rolling objects or, more simply put, “struck-by.”

"Struck-by hazards” are the number one cause of non-fatal injuries in the workplace. Struck-by hazards also account for almost 10% of fatalities, which is the second leading cause of worker fatalities. Here is a breakdown of the four types of struck-by hazards

• Falling Objects: Items knocked off scaffolds, crane loads coming loose, or items dropped from above are falling object hazards.

• Flying Objects: Nail gun discharges, thrown debris, flying tips off saw blades, and broken grinding wheels are examples.

• Swinging Objects: Materials and objects that are being lifted (by a crane or otherwise) that could swing.

These first three are responsible for approximately 420 deaths per year.

• Moving or Rolling Objects: Moving vehicles and heavy equipment. Responsible for approximately 385 deaths per year

To prevent struck-by injuries and deaths, OSHA highly recommends high visibility garments be worn in accordance with the ANSI 107-2020 standard. This standard includes several worker categories, such as construction, utility, emergency responders, airport ramp workers, and other offroad workers who are routinely exposed to potential injury hazards from their visibility on the job site. It provides a guideline for selecting the proper high visibility safety apparel (HVSA) such as vests, jackets, rainwear, shirts, and other outer wear to improve the worker visibility during the day, low light conditions, and at night. It also addresses several factors of the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) worn, including the background material (colored fluorescent material of the garment), retroreflective material (material that reflects light), combined performance material (retroreflective material that is also fluorescent in color), and fire resistant (FR) materials.

The ANSI 107 standard breaks these garments into several categories or performance classes for easier selection that works best by known hazard.

PRACTICES Best

• Type O = O ffroad (indoor areas, parking lots, warehouses, factories)

• Type R = Roadway (areas with moving traffic and equipment)

• Type P = Public safety (moving traffic areas, EMS, fire, police only)

Furthermore, ANSI 107 standard breaks down HVSA by class. There are three different classes, and they determine the amount of high visibility material required to keep workers safe, depending on the hazard. Here is a simple explanation of the three different classes:

• Class 1 - ANSI Class 1 garments are designed for environments where the need for high visibility is less critical and the risk for struck-by injuries is less than in other areas. Examples include indoor/warehouse work or people working in an area where vehicles are not traveling more than 25mph and workers are at a safe distance from the traffic hazard. Class 1 has a minimal amount of reflective material and background fabric.

• Minimum requirements:

` Background fabric > 217 square inches

` Reflective material > 155 square inches

` Reflective width > 1 inch

• Class 2 - ANSI Class 2 garments step up the visibility and improve worker safety by adding more reflective material and more background fabric. These garments are intended for areas with greater traffic hazards and higher speeds.

Some jobs that may require class 2 would be crossing guards, airport ground workers, construction workers, and municipalities.

• Minimum requirements:

` Background fabric > 775 square inches

` Reflective material > 201 square inches

` Reflective width > 1.375 inches

• Class 3 - ANSI Class 3 is the highest level of visibility, offering the most reflective and background material and providing the highest levels of visibility. People who work at night require class 3, as well as road construction crews, emergency responders, and utility workers. Those who require class 3 typically work in areas where vehicle speeds may exceed 50mph. It is easy to spot a Class 3 vest because it has sleeves, class 2 vests usually do not.

• Minimum requirements:

` Background fabric > 1240 square inches

` Reflective material > 310 square inches

` Reflective width > 2 inches

The examples shown here are vests, but high visibility garments are also available in winter jackets, rain suits, and FR protective welding jackets. High visibility/reflective pants, gloves, and hard hat stickers are other popular items. High visibility is the best way to prevent injuries from moving traffic, moving objects, and any instance where being seen will prevent being struck. Not only do these items provide an extra level of security, but they are also required in a growing number of industries. Workers need high visibility PPE, and it is important to supply your customers with the right tools for the job.

Ask Your GAWDA BOARD

Ask Your Board of Directors

The purpose of Ask Your Board is to ask common business questions that all GAWDA members might be dealing with and to see how GAWDA’s Board of Directors are dealing with these issues within their own companies. To submit a question for GAWDA’s Board Members to consider, please email steveg@ gawdamedia.com

PRESIDENT GARY HALTER

Indiana Oxygen Company

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We do a lot of things. Some of the things that we have done in the past include:

• Utilizing billboards

• Social Media

• Sending letters to existing customers, as well as to key targets within the area, usually within a 30-mile radius

QUESTION

How do you get your business noticed in your local area? When you enter a new area, what do you do to get your name out there when it may not be a household name already?

• Taking out advertising in local magazines and newspapers announcing our arrival

• Utilizing radio spots on multiple stations in the area, usually a talk radio station and a classic rock station

• Conducting open houses and lunch and learn events with food in both cases

PRESIDENT-ELECT ERIC WOOD

O.E. Meyer Company

Understanding what methods are the most successful in reaching the target demographic can be difficult. Other than good ‘ole pounding the pavement, we utilize a combination of online and off-line strategies.

Our online efforts include local SEO, social media, and online advertising. Off-line efforts include involvement and participation in local vocational and educational institutions, community engagement, and other public relations efforts.

Recently, our largest efforts have been spent promoting all our services and product offerings to those that know our company well and to those who have never heard of us and aren’t familiar with all our capabilities and business units. We’ve learned that even in markets where we have been for more than 100 years, that the public does not know everything we do.

GAWDA BOARD Ask Your

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT ALLISON EARLBECK

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies

There was a point in our history that our entire marketing budget was for ads in the local yellow pages. Times have changed! We understand that, often, the start of the buyer's journey now starts with a simple Google search, so we place focus on making sure we have optimized our website for local SEO. We also participate in local commu-

nity events so that we get a chance to connect with local decision makers and build brand awareness.

FIRST PAST PRESIDENT ROBERT ANDERS

Holston Gases, Inc.

There are more efficient ways to “spread the news” today than there were in the past – posting on social media platforms, SEO focused applications and traditional media press releases, to name a few. But nothing has been as effective

as boots on the ground, cold calling one prospect at a time.

VICE PRESIDENT RAFAEL ARVELO

Equigas, Inc.

Take EQUIGAS, for example. When we launched EQUIGAS in the North American market just seven years ago, everything was a new immense territory. People might assume we've been part of GAWDA for decades, but that isn’t the case. So, I made joining GAWDA a pri-

Ask Your GAWDA BOARD

ority. Since then, we've participated in every regional and national event they've held. At each regional event, we commit the entire week to visiting as many customers as possible. It's a lot of travel, but if you want to get noticed, you need to be present and give your customers 100% attention. My best advice? Get involved in relevant industry associations, volunteer your time, and support their goals. That's how you get noticed!

VICE PRESIDENT BRAD DUNN

CK Supply

At CK Supply, we use several methods to introduce our brand to prospective buyers. Our company runs on EOS Traction, so we review all of our marketing material through the lens of our agreed-upon and published marketing strategy. This includes ensuring that we are consistently speaking to our ideal customer profile, within our target geography, while highlighting at least one of our core differentiators that we know will set us apart from alternatives. Our preferred formats are web, social, and various print, which are budget friendly and low risk. In recent years, we have been very selective about in-person open house style events, due to the amount of work, stress and uncertainty regarding attendance, weather, food, etc. In my opinion, when it comes to ROI, it is much more effective and easier to launch a targeted online campaign towards a small group of key prospects, than cooking burgers on our asphalt parking lot in August for everyone that drives by and sees our banner.

VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HILL

Willard C. Starcher

We advertise consistently on our local radio station and periodically advertise in our local weekly newspaper. I believe that the real value to our company is name recognition, rather than sales generated from advertising. I am always amazed at the number of people who come in the door and tell us that they had no idea we were here. Our company moved to this location around 1952 and it’s a very small town.

Outside of our immediate territory, it can be a little more difficult. We only have one location, so our best way to attract attention is with the signage on our trucks and vans. When out of the local area, we are probably calling on an existing customer who has moved to a new location. A referral from an existing customer is very important.

VICE PRESIDENT NICOLE KISSLER

Norco

Larry Kissler was a huge proponent of Serving our Communities. We do that through our great people, providing great solutions, and then working to

give back. In moving into two new markets last year, we made sure we had the right people in place to support the work being done and executing with solid processes and the right systems in place. It takes time to evaluate how things are going, but we are in it for the long haul, so we take the time to work to establish strong relationships.

VICE PRESIDENT SCOTT RUMMANS

Linde, Inc.

Linde uses a variety of tools to create excitement around its presence in existing and new geographies. Historically, Linde has leveraged its teams’ relationships in local markets, radio ads, print flyers and other types of marketing and promotional materials to create brand awareness. More recently, Linde has started to incorporate a digital addition to that strategy in the form of social media posts and paid internet ads to drive traffic to an increasingly tech savvy set of customers. The most important action to take in any geography we operate is to build a strong reputation of great people, products and service, and your customers will help you grow by recommending you to other businesses in the community.

Committee Corner

As part of its continued push to help GAWDA members get the most out of their membership dues in the association and stay on the front lines of emerging industry trends and hot-button issues, GAWDA has several volunteer committees devoted to specific areas of the industry. The volunteer committees include Government Affairs, Industry Partnering, Insurance & Benefits, Member Services, Safety, Technology, Women of Gases and Welding and Young Professionals. This feature in Welding & Gases Today will update readers on the latest news and events from each committee. We thank all the committee chairs for their help and input as well as their service to the association and its members.

If you are interested in enhancing your GAWDA experience and joining a committee, visit gawda.org/about/committees to fill out a GAWDA volunteer form today.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Co-Chair Chuck Beal, American Welding & Gas

Co-Chair Rick Schweitzer,

GAWDA Legal Counsel

The GAWDA Government Affairs Committee met in-person during the GAWDA Spring Management Conference in San Antonio and will meet in-person again during the Annual Convention in Phoenix. The Government Affairs Committee continues to work on its primary priorities:

1. The Food and Drug Administration issued a long-awaited final rule on medical gases on June 18, 2024. The new requirements go into effect on December 18, 2025, except for annual reports. The final rule includes regulatory changes for product labeling, Current Good Manufacturing Practices, product certification, and post-marketing safety reporting. The rule is mostly favorable for industry. Some remaining areas of concern include:

` Requirements for a supervisor on fill logs;

` Pictograms on cylinders;

` Annual reports;

` New Drug Application number on COAs; and

` Label specimens on fill logs. CGA’s Medical Gas Committee will provide additional advice on how to handle these issues. It is unlikely that a petition for reconsideration to the FDA will be necessary. Through Tom Badstubner, GAWDA has already provided general compliance information to members on the new final rule and will provide additional and more specific

Corner COMMITTEE

information for members in the coming months.

2. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has a number of unclear requirements for distributors of medical gases and their customers including registration and documentation of transactions. The fines for noncompliance in Florida are substantially higher than in all other states. Tom Badstubner and a working group of GAWDA members held a videoconference meeting with the DBPR Commissioner Walter Copeland to clarify what is actually required under the regulations and how to comply. The group submitted a follow up letter to the DBPR Commissioner to set out the issues and points that were agreed upon during the meeting. Mr. Copeland subsequently left the Department, and the task force is now following up with Michael Metz, one of the DBRP medical gas inspectors. But it appears that the Florida inspections are now more reasonable, and the issues might have been dealt with internally.

3. There is a dire shortage of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) currently provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Suppliers of gas standards use these SRMs to comply with the Clean Air Act and other air quality regulations. Due to inadequate staffing levels, the Gas Metrology Group at the NIST cannot keep up with the demand for these reference materials. In fact, 79% of the required gas standards are currently out of stock, and the only other sources to acquire reference materials are overseas. GAWDA members have drafted letters requesting congressional assistance and are coordinating a campaign to educate members of Congress on the need for these SRM

calibration gases to support compliance with their EPA air discharge permits.

4.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of DOT has indicated it would consider applications for special permits to use electronic shipping papers instead of paper documents to accompany hazmat shipments by highway transportation. A number of GAWDA members are interested in participating as parties to such a special permit once it is granted by the agency. A member company has been identified to serve as the initial applicant. A task force meeting has been scheduled to develop an application and discuss the scope of the request.

5. The Federal Trade Commission adopted a final rule to ban new non-compete agreements for all workers as of September 4, 2024. The rule will also ban enforcement of existing non-compete agreements in effect on September 4 for all workers except senior executives. The rule has been challenged in two lawsuits in federal court in Texas.

6. The FTC also issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking in November 2022 to address certain deceptive or unfair acts or practices relating to fees that are attached to the purchase of goods or services. On October 11, 2023, the Commission announced that it was publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking to promulgate a rule on unfair or deceptive fees, which would prohibit misrepresenting the total costs of goods and services by omitting mandatory fees from advertised prices and misrepresenting the nature and purpose of fees. The ANPRM noted the FTC was concerned about “junk fees” (no added value) and “hidden fees” (not disclosed to the consumer).

7. The Department of Labor has issued a final rule to revise Fair Labor Standards Act exemptions from minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees. The final rule will raise the standard salary level exemption to $844 per week (equivalent to $43,888 per year). As of January 1, 2025, the exemption threshold will be raised to $1,128 per week (equivalent to $58,656 per year). The Department also added an automatic updating mechanism to adjust these earnings thresholds every three years beginning in July 2027.

8. The Department of Transportation’s latest List of Significant Rulemakings indicates the following expected target dates for rulemakings:

` Speed Limiting Devices. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to issue a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in mid-2024. This will replace a 2016 proposed rule issued by FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The new SNPRM will consider whether motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, that are equipped with an electronic engine control unit capable of governing the maximum speed be required to limit the CMV to a speed to be determined by the rulemaking and to maintain that setting for the service life of the vehicle.

` Motor Carrier Safety Fitness Procedures. In an August

2023 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FMCSA sought information on how it might use data and resources more effectively to identify unfit motor carriers and to remove them from operating CMVs. FMCSA asked for information about the use of available safety data, including inspection data, in determining carrier fitness to operate; possible changes to the current three-tier safety fitness rating structure; and the list of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that it uses in its safety fitness rating methodology. The agency is now planning to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in June 2025 and has scheduled three listening sessions to get public input.

` Automatic Emergency Braking Systems. FMCSA and NHTSA plan to issue a Final Rule to require and/or standardize equipment performance for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems on heavy trucks. The rulemaking will establish performance standards and motor carrier maintenance requirements for AEB systems on heavy trucks and accompanying test procedures for measuring the performance of the AEB systems in NHTSA compliance testing. NHTSA and FMCSA have engaged in a national outreach, educational, and awareness campaign, and data collection analysis which included training materials for fleets, drivers, and maintenance personnel related

to AEB technology.

` Hazardous Materials Modal Safety Advancements. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration plans to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in May 2024 to adopt a number of modal specific amendments intended to enhance the safe transportation of hazardous materials. PHMSA has consulted with FMCSA, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the United States Coast Guard to propose amendments identified during departmental review and from industry petitions for rulemaking.

Corner COMMITTEE

INDUSTRY PARTNERING COMMITTEE

Co-Chair Justin Johnson, Keen Compressed Gas

Co-Chair Terry Scanlan, Messer

Co-Chair Dan Kipka, Oxygen Service Company

Co-Chair Liz Letke, The Horton Group

The Industry Partnering Committee debuted the first-ever GAWDA Best in Show Award during the Spring Management Conference in San Antonio. Members of the IPC, along with GAWDA Headquarters staff evaluated exhibitors of the Contact Booth Program on a variety of Best Practices to determine a top 3 for this year’s inaugural award, which were recognized on the final day of the show. The Top Three were: 3) Equigas 2) Uniweld 1) Exocor.

• In addition to its work on the Best in Show Award, the IPC continues to promote the AWS/WEMCO Excellence in Welding Award. Terry Scanlan appeared on the June 1 episode of GAWDA TV along with WEMCO’s Adrian Bustillo, AWISCO’s Lloyd Robinson, and Hypertherm’s David

Scan to learn more about the AWS/WEMCO Excellence in Welding Award.

Taylor to educate GAWDA Members about the Excellence in Welding Award and promote the nomination process for this year’s awards.

• During this year’s Annual Convention in Phoenix, the Networking 360 will return for the third time, as participation looks to continue to be strong with a goal of 50 distributor companies and 100 suppliers. A webinar will be scheduled for September to assist participants with preparation ahead of the event.

INSURANCE AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE

The Insurance and Benefits Committee, renamed from the Insurance Trustees Committee last year, met in-person during the 2023 GAWDA SMC in San Antonio. The Insurance and Benefits Committee has seen increased participation in 2024, going from 29 groups to 44 groups in the program since the Annual Convention, including groups

adding additional services. All told, GAWDA members have saved approximately $120,000 by utilizing benefits offered through GAWDA.

The Insurance and Benefits Committee continues to market the program through GAWDA and GAWDA Media, as well as through the Horton Group.

Co-Chair Liz Letke went on GAWDA TV earlier this year to discuss the changes to the program. That interview can be seen by scanning the QR code.

MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE

Co-Chair Ben Black, Butler Gas Products

The GAWDA Member Services Committee met in person at the Spring Management Conference in San Antonio. The Committee debuted its “What’s on Your Playlist” campaign at the SMC to great fanfare, as the artwork was displayed on the tables during the Newcomers and President’s Welcome Reception and music from the playlist was played during the breaks of each session throughout the SMC. Thank you to the entire MSC and everybody who participated, and especially to Hillary (Tapley) Tiernan for designing the posters that were displayed.

The MSC continues its work through its two subcommittees. The committees’ major activities include:

Engagement – Co-Chaired by Colleen Kohler and Peter Kaduc

• During the Contact Booth Program, Colleen Kohler interviewed several GAWDA members for segments to be aired on GAWDA TV. This continues a campaign that began in Philadelphia and Hawaii. We hope to continue this campaign in Phoenix

• Continued efforts to post using GAWDA’s LinkedIn page, which now has more than 600 members

• Focused on developing supplier success stories using GAWDA consultants

Co-Chair John Tapley, Chart Industries

• Focused on non-GAWDA companies who are part of other buying groups and associations (AIWD, IBDEA and IWDC).

• Will focus on reengaging the subcommittee with monthly meetings

• Subcommittee will be utilized for member renewal outreach

Lead Generation – Chaired by Jay Spielvogel

Corner COMMITTEE

Co-Chair Jim Herring, SafTCart

Co-Chair Bill Woods, American Welding & Gas

SAFETY COMMITTEE

The Safety Committee met in-person during the 2024 Spring Management Conference in San Antonio. The Committee also held its annual Appreciation Dinner during the SMC. The Committee will also meet in-person during the Annual Convention in Phoenix.

Outside of the in-person conferences, the committee continues to meet on the second Tuesday of each month, discussing pertinent safety topics that GAWDA members’ encounter.

The committee continues to add posters/pictograms to each of the published Sample Safety Practices and the new Lessons Learned segment is gaining traction, including being published in each new issue of Welding & Gases Today, in addition to the monthly Safey

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

The Technology Committee was officially launched during the 2024 Spring Management Conference in San Antonion. John Vrana and Hector Villarreal were tasked with chairing the brand-new committee, which will focus on bringing these 21st century challenges facing GAWDA members into the limelight.

The committee will also be tasked with putting together educational sessions for the 2025 Educational Tracks in Dallas for the Spring Management Conference.

Organizers. The four subcommittees continue to make attention grabbing content that will tell a story that relates to GAWDA members.

The goal of the committee is to heighten safety awareness to protect our GAWDA members, community, and to ensure everyone goes home in the same condition in which they reported to work.

To see the inaugural class of Technology Committee members, visit GAWDA.org or check out the 2024 GAWDA Membership Directory. If you are interested in joining the committee, visit gawda.org/about/committees to fill out a GAWDA volunteer form today.

Co-Chair John Vrana, Red Ball Oxygen

Co-Chair Hector Villarreal, Weldcoa

WOMEN OF GASES AND WELDING COMMITTEE

During the 2024 Spring Management Conference, the Women of Gases and Welding Committee met in-person to bid farewell to Sue Reiter, who announced her retirement from not only the committee, but from Air Products. Thank you to Sue for everything you did for WGW and for the industry.

Also during the SMC, the WGW hosted its annual Meet & Greet Program ahead of the Newcomers Reception. More than 40 women attended. The Meet & Greet continues to be a great way to kick off the annual meetings, providing a forum for women to connect before the conference begins, exchange business cards and contact information, build relationships and learn more about the committee and how to get involved.

The WGW Educational Grant Program officially kicked off on June 1st. The Application process is open from June 1st through August 1st. The Selection Com-

Co-Chair Andy Riordan, American Welding & Gas

Co-Chair Edward Leon, Cryogenic Industrial Solutions

mittee will then spend from August 2nd through September 1st reviewing applications to select this year’s winners. Winners of this year’s scholarship will get to attend the University of Innovative Distribution in Indianapolis next year. It is a wonderful opportunity and previous winners have raved about their experiences and highly encouraged fellow members and women in the industry to apply for the opportunity to attend. Winners of this year’s scholarship will be announced during the Annual Convention in Phoenix.

facilities and we have secured access to all 17 courts.

• This event will be open to any skill level of player, from Pickleball enthusiasts to first timers

Also during the Annual Convention in Phoenix, the WGW will team-up with the Young Professionals Committee to host a Pickleball Tournament on-site at the JW Marriott hotel. The JW Marriot Desert Ridge has world-class pickleball

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE

Since the Second Quarter Issue of Welding & Gases Today, the YP Committee helped sponsor the pickleball tournament and hosted a networking cocktail hour at the inaugural Southeast Regional Meeting. The committee continues to look for ways to get involved at other Regional Meetings as well, with an ultimate goal of having representation at each Regional Meeting, eventually.

The Committee also hosted two separate events during the Spring Management Conference: a lunch-and-learn with GAWDA President Gary Halter, which was incredibly well-attended and received, and a “Legends of the Industry” Scavenger Hunt, which saw the Young Professionals team-up with super-hero cape clad legends of the industry to scour San Antonio. The event, as always, was a

• The event will be open to men and women of all ages

• A beginner, 101-level clinic will be provided

• These events sell out quickly so sign up now that registration is open.

riot and was received with great fanfare. The YP Committee will team up with the WGW Committee during the Annual Convention to host a Pickleball Tournament at the JW Marriott’s worldclass pickleball facility. Registration for that event is open now.

The Committee continues to actively post on its devoted LinkedIn page (GAWDA Young Professionals), which now boasts 486 followers. In June, the committee held its first ever Peer-to-Peer Networking Program, designed to help bridge the gap between young and established members of the organization. The committee will be hosting these virtual meetings bi-monthly, with the next meeting scheduled for August. Feedback for the event was excellent and we look forward to continuing to grow.

GAWDA continues to raise the bar each and every year, as the 2024 Spring Management Conference in San Antonio, Texas, set yet another new attendance record. This year's SMC saw a record 808 attendees who gathered for a whirlwind weekend from April 1921st. With a theme of "Leading with Purpose, Serving with Heart," gratitude, culture and service were the names of the game. Those "soft skills" which Main Stage Presenter Adrian Gostick rebranded as "Power Skills" combined with the weekend's musical theme had vibes at an all-time high. The SMC was the perfect kickoff to the 2024 GAWDA meeting schedule and we look forward to celebrating IMPACT Leadership throughout the summer, culminating in the Annual Convention in October in Phoenix, Arizona.

2024 SMC Attendance

BY

THE NUMBERS

another SMC record for overall attendance

Distributor attendees

Exhibitors

Convention Begins with Board and Committee Meetings

Before the “official” kickoff of the SMC, GAWDA’s Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Regional Meeting chairs met on Friday, April 19th. The group discussed the rest of the 2024 year agenda, as well as the goals that were achieved in 2023 on behalf of the full GAWDA membership.

Following a combined meeting of the Board and Committee Chairs, each committee met with its members to discuss the goals and progress that have been made this year. The Government Affairs & Safety Committee, Industry Partnering Committee, Insurance & Benefits Committee, and Member Services Committees all met from 12:00 - 2:00. The YP Committee also met before moving to their Lunch & Learn Event, while the Women of Gases & Welding Committee met before hosting its own networking event.

6200 Savoy Drive, #868

Houston TX 77036

P: (713) 779-8882

F: (713) 774-1763

www.btic-america.com

Also announced during the 2024 SMC was the formation of the association’s brand-new Technology Committee, which will be co-chaired by Weldcoa’s Hector Villarreal and Red Ball Oxygen’s John Vrana.

Young Professionals Host Lunch & Learn Event, Followed by Intense Scavenger Hunt, While WGW Hosts Meet & Greet

The YP Committee hosted a Lunch and Learn event from 12:30 - 1:30 in Lonestar A. The Young Professionals invited GAWDA President Gary Halter to speak to the more than 70 participants about bridging the gap between different generations of employees, not only within GAWDA, but also within our member companies. Gary’s presentation was, of course, chock full of great Gary-isms as he related how his career has progressed and how much he has gleaned from his mentors along the way.

Following the insightful presentation, the Young Professionals hosted what has become an annual event at the SMC, its Scavenger Hunt. This year’s Hunt featured a twist, as the Young Professionals invited Legends of the Industry, complete with superhero capes, to participate with the teams throughout the hotel and River Walk.

Following its Committee Meeting, the WGW Committee hosted its bi-annual networking Meet & Greet before the Newcomers Reception. The Meet & Greet allows GAWDA’s women attendees to meet like-minded professionals before the conference officially kicks off. This year’s Meet & Greet had more than 40 women registered! It was the perfect way to get acclimated to the SMC before the Newcomers and Welcome Reception.

The WGW also toasted the retirement of its co-chair Sue Reiter. Sue, thank you so much for your time and effort in spearheading WGW’s committee. We wish you well in your retirement!.

A Little Bit Country, a LOT Rock N’ Roll

Following an amazing day of committee meetings, meet and greets, scavenger hunts, and everybody getting acquainted with everything that San Antonio has to offer, GAWDA got down to what GAWDA does best, with a rockin party.

First, more than 75 newcomers joined GAWDA committee chairs and past presidents for the Newcomers Reception. Each year, the Newcomers Reception is a great opportunity for the first-time attendees of the show to get to know seasoned GAWDA veterans before the President’s Welcome Reception. It’s an opportunity to form relationships in a more intimate setting before going off to the party with the entire attendance.

Following a short walk to the world-famous Espee, GAWDA’s SMC kicked off in style. With Texas BBQ, amazing music and dancing, karaoke, and drinks delivered right to people’s hands via donkey, the President’s Welcome Reception had something for everyone. And despite his shy and reserved nature, GAWDA President Gary Halter, clad in knickers and a school jacket like Angus Young, got up on stage with the band to lead the assembled crowd in a rousing rendition of Wanted Dead or Alive. It was pure GAWDA and the picture-perfect kick off to this year’s SMC.

Saturday Kicks Off with Non-Stop Education

GAWDA Main Stage veteran Dirk Beveridge kicked off the educational portion of the SMC with a presentation about company culture. Dirk has traversed the United States over the past three summers, meeting with distributor companies who make up the “backbone of America.” And he was able to share lessons learned from the high-performing cultures of these companies practicing the “noble art of distribution.”

Following Dirk’s presentation, GAWDA First Vice President Allison Earlbeck introduced ECI Software Solutions’ Dave Bent and Dr. Jonathan Bein, an author and AI Solutions Speaker who spoke about the important and hot-button issue of Artificial Intelligence. He discussed ways that Artificial Intelligence is capable of changing the business landscape as well as how companies can utilize it to become more efficient and effective.

As has become tradition since the Nashville SMC, this year saw the return of the Educational Sessions. Following the morning’s two mainstage presenta -

tions, attendees had the option to attend two of six Educational Sessions. First, attendees had the option to attend presentations on Mega Gas Trends with Scott Rummans and Jeff Holyoak; Leadership with Dave Lambert; or Employee Retention with Ryan Craven.

In the second set of sessions, attendees got to choose between sessions on AI & Cybersecurity with Allison Earlbeck, Tony Hopkins, and Aaron Turner; Building an Effective Compensation Strategy with Alex Chausovsky; and “Kickin Gas,” an interactive presentation from Bryan Keen and Justin Johnson.

Return of WorldFamous Contact Booth Program

The afternoon concluded with the best networking event of the year in the Gases and Welding industry, the Contact Booth Program. This year’s event featured 136 Exhibitors and more than 500 attendees who got to peruse the latest and greatest technology and new products in the gases and welding industry..

This year, for the first time, exhibitors competed to win the newly announced “Best in Show” Award presented by GAWDA’s Industry Partnering Committee. The winner was announced on Sunday. Congratulations to Exocor for taking home the first-ever Best in Show Award and congratulations also to Uniweld and Equigas who were also recognized as finalists.

GAWDA Media also had the opportunity to interview several exhibitors during the show. To see those interviews scan the QR code.

presented by IPC

WINNER: EXOCOR

Congratulations to Exocor for winning the first-ever GAWDA Best in Show Award, Presented by the GAWDA Industry Partnering Committee. The Best in Show Award was judged by members of the IPC in tandem with members of GAWDA’s Headquarters team. Each exhibitor was judged based on a variety of Best Practices. The Best in Show Award will be recognized each year during the Spring Management Conference. Exocor was recognized from the stage on the final day of the Conference.

SMC Concludes With Association Announcements and Two Great Mainstage Presenters

The last day of SMC began with GAWDA Announcements including the introduction of the new Technology Committee, the recognition of the inaugural Best in Show Winner and the introduction of the GAWDA Gives Back Recipient for the 2024 Annual Convention in Phoenix, HopeKids.

Then, Gary turned the stage over to GAWDA First Past President Robert Anders to introduce the 2024 GAWDA Scholarship Recipients and Donors. Thank you to all of those companies who made this year’s scholarships possible. Congratulations the winners of this year’s 2024 GAWDA Scholarship:

• Avery Abke

• Kaden Abke

• Kaylynn Brewer

• Anna Hanchette

• Madison Jones

• Dylan Kaduc

• Zackery Kimmel

• Luke Lundquist

• Robert Mathews

• Ty Morrison

• Bryce Olson

• Gregory Phillips

• Madeline Reardon

• Trey Schmelzer

• Ethon Watts

Following that announcement, Robert introduced the morning’s first Main Stage presenters, Dave Lambert and Sharon Szafranski from ITW.

Dave and Sharon took the stage to the tune of “Blue Suede Shoes,” celebrating ITW Miller’s world-famous Blue. Together, the two gave a welding update as well as an ITW Company update before concluding with business and leadership lessons learned over their long and illustrious careers. They reflected on how they both “escaped” accounting to wind up at ITW. They also reiterated the theme of the week that “It’s ALL About the People” and that a company is only as good as the people who make it up. They discussed ITW’s Enterprise Strategy, which will carry the company into the next phase of its history as well as the trends and technology that are most impacting the welding industry, including expanding partnerships and technology. They concluded their presentation with their “Words to Live By” which had more to do with leadership and humility than they did with the nuts and bolts of welding. They really punctuated the presentation with the world debut of Dave Lambert’s cover(ish) music video of the beloved Sounds of Silence, “The Sounds of Selling,” which earned him a thunderous ovation. We’ll have to wait for awards season to see if it earns him a Grammy or possibly even an Oscar.

GAWDA Vice President Albert Castillo took the stage to introduce the final Main Stage presenter of the 2024

SMC, Adrian Gostick. Adrian is a leadership strategy columnist for Forbes and is the author of the New York Times best sellers The Carrot Principle, All In, Leading with Gratitude , and Anxiety at Work . His books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide. Adrian continued the theme of the week, discussing the importance of a strong corporate culture, leadership, and engagement and how high-performing companies can cultivate that engagement. He effortlessly fit right into the GAWDA aesthetic, combining a strong message with levity and humor. He also kept attendees engaged by asking questions and peppering the crowd with stuffed carrots and incorporating upbeat music. He also talked the power skills that drive impactful leadership in today’s day and age

The conference concluded with Gary Halter taking the stage one last time. After thanking Adrian for his wonderful presentation. He concluded the conference with a montage of 2024 championship moments set to the Rocky theme song that had attendees ready to run through the wall. While it was the conclusion of this year’s SMC, it was really the kickoff of the rest of the 2024 schedule, with a full slate of Regional Meetings leading up to the 2024 Annual Convention.

Thank You GAWDA Members

Thank you to the more than 800 GAWDA Members who came together to make this such an unforgettable, record-breaking event. We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s record attendance, and we look forward to our next time getting to gather in person again! If you would like any copies of the pictures from any of the SMC Photo Galleries, email steveg@gawdamedia.com.

LEADERSHIP

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 – MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME RECEPTION

The theme of this year's President's Welcome Reception is, "Welcome to the 19th Hole." All members are encouraged to dress in their favorite golf polo's and embrace the beloved post-golf gathering spot.

The average high temperature in Phoenix in October is 89 degrees. Nighttime low temper atures drop to 65 degrees.

Attire for the Annual Convention is Resort/Business Casual.

Badges: It is necessary for Delegates, Spouse and Children to wear their badges for all GAWDA functions including receptions, business sessions, Networking 360, Contact Booth Program and Gala.

Credit: South Shore Resort (sshr.com)

PRESIDENT'S FAREWELL GALA

This year's President's Farewell Gala is themed "Lawn Legends Gala." All members are encouraged to dress as their favorite legend, whether it's a historical icon, a literary character, or a modern- day hero.

TENTATIVE CONVENTION SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

12:00 PM-5:30 PM Early Badge Pickup

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 202

7:00 AM-6:00 PM Convention Registration

8:00 AM-9:00 AM Executive Committee Meeting

9:00 AM-12:00 PM Board Meeting with Committee & Regional Chairs

12:00 PM-2:00 PM Committee Meetings

12:00 PM-4:00 PM Exhibitor Move-In

2:00 PM-3:00 PM WGW Committee Meeting

4:00 PM-5:00 PM Newcomers Reception

5:00 PM-7:00 PM President’s Welcome Reception

7:00 PM Industry Hospitalities

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024

7:00 AM-1:00 PM Convention Registration

6:00 AM-7:30 AM Exhibitor Move-in

7:00 AM-8:30 AM Breakfast

7:30 AM-9:00 AM Networking 360 Event

9:00 AM-12:00 PM Contact Booth Program

1:00 pM-3:00 PM GAWDA Group Tours & Activities

3:00 PM Industry Hospitalities

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024

7:00 AM-1:00 PM Convention Registration

7:00 AM-8:00 AM Group Breakfast

8:00 AM-12:00 PM Opening General Business Session

BOB VANKIRK ALEX CHAUSOVSKY

1:30 PM-4:00 PM Women of Gases & Welding and Young Professionals Pickleball Event 1:00 PM Industry Hospitalities

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024

7:00 AM-8:00 AM Group Breakfast

8:00 AM-12:00 PM Closing General Business Session ROB GRONKOWSKI

12:00 PM-1:30 PM Past Presidents Luncheon 4:00 PM-8:00 PM President’s Farewell Gala

An American Company 75 Years in the Making

How AWG has grown and evolved for three-quarters of a century

BY STEVE GUGLIELMO

“On behalf of the more than 860 teammates of AWG across 23 states, our thanks to GAWDA for the opportunity to share some of our history, parts of our strategy and our outlook for the future. We have a very strong teammate-focused leadership team and culture. We thought it would provide better insight into our business by letting you hear directly from them. They and their teams are the ones that deliver the results we have come to expect.” - Jason Krieger, AWG President and CEO.

HUMBLE ROOTS

American Welding & Gas is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. Like any company that can trace its roots back three-quarters of a century, its journey to 75 years is long and winding. The company’s story began with two separate companies, which were both, ironically, founded in 1949: Valley Welders Supply, Inc., which was founded in Billings, Montana, and Scott-Gross Company, Inc., which was founded in Lexington, Kentucky.

Valley Welders Supply initially operated out of one location in Billings, before opening a second branch in Sheridan, Wyoming, and then a third branch in Great Falls, Montana, in 1984. After his success opening the Sheridan and Great Falls branches, Ron Adkins became the president in 1993. Ron led the growth of the company through acquisition and green starts to be over 30 locations by 2014. That growth included the company’s growth into the bulk propane market.

MASSIVE GROWTH

In 2014, a watershed event in the company’s history took place, when American Welding & Gas, Inc. (the company had rebranded in 2008), acquired Scott-Gross Company, Inc., exponentially increasing its footprint to 67 locations. The newly integrated company rebranded itself as AWG Gases and continued to acquire other independent distributors including:

• Norton Welding Supply (2016, Georgia)

• CO2Air (2017, Georgia)

• Compressed Gas Solutions (2018, Florida)

• Continental Welding (Indiana, 2020)

Scott-Gross was started by Bob Gross and Woodrow Scott, both World War II veterans, as Bourbon Implement Company. The company began selling tractors and farm equipment, but quickly shifted its focus to gases and welding supplies and changed its name.

• F&M Mafco (Ohio, 2022)

Since 2018, AWG has focused on the rapidly expanding Texas markets, with acquisitions in Houston (2020, Bestway Gases), Beaumont (2023, Coastal Welding Supply) and San Antonio (2024, Speed Industrial Gases). AWG’s purchase of Coastal Welding from the Mazoch family dramatically expanded the AWG reach, adding 14 locations along the Gulf Coast stretching from Sulphur, LA to Corpus Christi, TX.

Chuck Mazoch, former owner of Coastal and current Vice President of AWG says, “On May 1, 2023, Coastal Welding Supply joined AWG. Our choice of direction has been a smooth and solid transition. AWG has provided our family and associates with a great future while maintaining the core values of the Mazoch family legacy. By combining our strengths, we have been able to continue to grow the business and expand into exciting new markets. We look forward to our future.”

Since 2014, AWG has closed thirteen acquisitions while also staffing and funding eight green field locations. During this ten-year period, AWG has more than tripled its yearly revenue and earnings. More importantly, the company has added new teammates who have strong connections to the many local areas it now services.

“AWG prides itself on its long history of successfully closing acquisitions that benefit all those involved. We look for solid independent organizations that value both their employees and customers,” Sean Bennett, Vice-President and CFO says. “AWG offers the independent distributor an alternative that preserves their legacy while also valuing the distributor’s employees who helped build their investment.”

AWG’s CEO, Jason Krieger, reflected, “Our growth through acquisitions remains highly strategic and only starts and ends where we find partners that have similar cultures and a sincere

Member Profile GAWDA DISTRIBUTOR

HISTORY OF AWG

1980

Second Store Opening

WY

focus on their people. Throughout the history of our industry’s consolidation, there have been only a couple of options for owners and their families. AWG is a strong example that, big or small, there is a peer option, one that genuinely protects the legacy and people.”

CULTURE

The safety of its teammates, customers and the communities where it operates is AWG’s number one goal. This year, the company is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Though it has experienced exponential growth, AWG still operates on the core tenets it was founded on. AWG is an independent family and management owned company that has the resources to provide the services offered by the “majors” while maintaining the flexibility and service it has always offered in its many small locations.

“We have an experienced team of cryogenic technicians who can install, service and supply all types of bulk gases in AWG-owned tankers, tube trailers and bulk gas containers,” the company says. “AWG’s close relationships with a number of gas manufacturers gives AWG the flexibility to supply gases in a growing number of geographies across the U.S. Our Coastal Welding Supply and Tier 5 Labs specialty gas plants are known for their accuracy and speed in filling spec gas orders. Our CO2Air division gives AWG the ability to source carbon dioxide from a number of suppliers across the Southeast. AWG’s Silvertip Propane division is the largest independent propane distributor in Montana and Wyoming. AWG has also expanded

its ability to design, install and support automation and robotics since 2020. We continue to do all of this while still maintaining our ability to supply all types of traditional welding, construction and safety supplies from our 106 locations in 23 states.”

In recognition of its 75th anniversary, AWG has created special anniversary branding, sharing its history with its customers and employees and inviting its teammates to help share their ideas on what makes AWG special.

Part of what makes AWG special is its culture. The leadership teams across the U.S. came together, in more than 10 meetings, to create the strategy that will guide leadership across the business. The teams were asked to describe the “What, Why, and How” to lead across the business.

“Spending time with each leadership team across the business offered an invaluable insight for the Senior Leadership team,” says Vanjia Thomas, Vice President of Human Resources. “We were able to take the feedback we received during the meetings and build a comprehensive map to grow our business and, in turn, grow our teammates for AWG’s long-term success.”

During the leadership strategy sessions, AWG also invited customers to assist the company in better understanding what makes a supplier “best in class.” The customers met with some of AWG’s customer facing teammates and gave feedback on their expectations of its service and the teammates were able to ask clarifying questions to be able to offer the best customer service possible.

“We see our Leadership Strategy and Customer Service Best Practices as great additions to our culture within AWG and we

Scott-Gross Company, Inc. founded in 1949

GAWDA DISTRIBUTOR

HISTORY OF AWG CONT.

2005

Thoroughbred

Forms Thoroughbred Industrial Cylinder Exchange

2007 Acquisition Acquires American Welding Supplies

1992

Acquisition

Acquires Northern Welding (Wisconsin)

2006

Acquisition

2011 Acquisition

Acquires Midwest Welding Supply (Illinois)

2014 Acquisition

Acquires Scott-Gross Company, Inc. increasing to 67 branches (7 stores in Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa)

Acquires Silvertip Gas and Supply (Butte, MT)

Opens scratch starts in Springfield, MO and Whitney, TX. Acquires Vinita Welding Supply in Oklahoma.

AWG spins out of General Parts, Inc. & acquires Inweld Corp. (Indiana)

Tier 5 Invests in Tier 5 Labs, LLC

Opens branches in SC & acquires Norton Welding Supply (Augusta, GA)

2018 Acquisition

Acquires Compressed Gas Solutions (Orlando, FL) 77th branch 2017

Acquisition Acquires CO2 Air, Inc (Cumming, GA)

2020

Acquisition Acquires Continental Welding (Indiana) & Best Way (Texas)

2023

Acquisition

Coastal Welding Supply (Beaumont, TX)

believe they will help us to continue to grow as a family-oriented team,” says Krieger. “Developing our teammates has been a core value for AWG for some time. We have a focus on building careers of the women in AWG. We have actively promoted our internal Women’s committee through different types of training through GAWDA and other training and development opportunities within the business. We have also supported GAWDA’s Women in Gases & Welding committee, including by seeding the WGW Annual Scholarship initiative with a $30,000 donation over its first three years so that women of GAWDA would have the opportunity to attend the University of Innovative Distribution.”

ENSURING CONTINUED GROWTH

AWG is not content to sit on its laurels. It knows that to continue to be a market leader it must continue to innovate. Productivity and continuous improvement are integral parts of AWG’s culture. Not just in operations but in sales, as well. The company focuses on three main objectives to drive productivity. First, the company makes it easier for teammates to do their jobs. Second, the company makes it easier for customers to do business with AWG. And finally, the company works to positively impact the bottom line and quality of its earnings.

“What truly drives our productivity focused operations is our people. Our teammates lead and sponsor initiatives daily. They drive local initiatives and share them globally to accomplish our

Acquisition

Acquires Sexton Welding Supply (Alabama) 2021

2022

Acquisition Acquires F&M Mafco (Ohio)

Acquisition

Speed Industrial Gases (San Antonio, TX) 2024

goals of making things better,” says Denver Ockerman, AWG’s Vice President of Operations.

Today, AWG has 860 teammates who work at one of the more than 106 different locations across 23 states. The company’s geography stretches from Montana to Florida, and it continues to grow. AWG continues to invest in technologies that improve the customer and vendor experiences with AWG from ordering product, deliveries, and processing/paying invoices. The company will soon be launching a new website and ecommerce platform that will showcase all of these attributes as an additional option for customers.

In summary, Jason Krieger says, “We have a robust longterm plan for AWG. We could not achieve these results without all of our teammates, our more than 70,000 customers, and the support of our suppliers and industry groups like GAWDA.”

GAWDA Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

Congratulations to all GAWDA Members celebrating anniversaries in 2024

BY STEVE GUGLIELMO

The past several years have represented a dramatic shift in the gases and welding industry. We’ve seen the industry get leaner, as M&A activity continues to shrink the industry, while the internet, and the rise of AI and other technology makes the entire world smaller and more connected. But, in a larger sense, the fundamentals of the business remain the same. This industry remains a relationship business. While the X’s and O’s may look different today than they did 100 years ago, the overall playbook remains very similar. And there’s a reason that GAWDA members continue to persevere year after year, generation after generation. While technology continues to advance, the culture and the infrastructure remain the same. GAWDA members are built on solid bedrock principles, which allow them to continue to thrive, no matter the technology. Congratulations to all those GAWDA members who are celebrating anniversaries in 2024! And if you have a milestone anniversary coming up in 2025 and would like to be featured in this issue next year, please reach out today at steveg@gawdamedia.com.

GAWDA MEMBER

225 YEARS

S – PFERD

PFERD was founded all the way back in 1799 in Germany by Johan Freidrich Ruggeberg. 225 years later, the Ruggeberg family still owns the company. The name PFERD is German for “horse” and PFERD is the workhorse of the industry.

PFERD is the leader in the development, production and distribution of solutions for work on surfaces and material cutting. A true workhorse for your unique working needs, PFERD has nearly 6,000 products to go along with its 225-year history to help understand the application that its customers are working on and help them choose what is best.

Today, PFERD has 1,950 employees worldwide, with more than 20 international distribution companies and plants in the USA, Germany, Spain, South Africa and China. The company continues to be headquartered in Germany.

"A 225-year-old family-owned company, PFERD puts that history to use with an international and long-term focus. You can rely on our longevity, expertise and solution-focused mindset to answer your needs and help you solve your business problems. We keep growing, too. Forty years ago, we expanded our global footprint into North America with PFERD INC., followed by PFERD CANADA, INC. in 2009 and lastly PFERD DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V. in 2022. We recently made a strategic investment, acquiring Silmax SpA, a premier Italian manufacturer of milling and drilling tools for metalworking. This marks a significant milestone for our company, as it demonstrates our dedication to expanding into new product categories and highlights our commitment to success and future growth," the company says.

It concludes, "Synonymous with quality, PFERD products are developed, manufactured and tested to the strictest quality requirements, so you feel confident choosing us for even your most challenging work."

120 YEARS

S – ESAB

In 1904, Oscar Kjellberg invented the world’s first coated electrode in Gothenburg, Sweden, and founded Elektriska Svetsnings Aktiebolaget, now ESAB Corporation. Determined to address inefficient shipbuilding and repair processes, he then patented an electrode coated with non-conductive material, making it possible to join longer pieces of metal without interruption, even overhead — innovations that proved foundational to modern welding.

European shipping companies quickly recognized the value

GAWDA MEMBER

of welding and, despite conflict during World War I, ESAB prospered, expanding to London and Antwerp — two of the largest ports in the world.

In 1920, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping officially approved Kjellberg’s welding method and classified the 16x4-metre, allwelded workshop boat, ESAB IV. The company then delivered the first ESAB® transformer, the KE 225, two years later and, in 1927, received the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences’ gold medal.

By his death in 1931, Kjellberg had established the coated electrode as one of the most important technological developments of the twentieth century, instituting ESAB’s legacy of innovation and leadership.

Over 120 years, ESAB has grown to employ more than 9,000 associates serving 147 countries. The company has developed its portfolio to support welding and fabrication processes including cutting, automation, and robotics. And spurred innovation in gas control equipment for healthcare, research, and specialty manufacturing industries.

Today, ESAB is known for iconic, industry-shifting products and processes, including the award winning, Renegade VOLT™,

D – City Carbonic, LLC

In 1944, Lawrence Amzy Morgan purchased the Brian Battie Company, a soda fountain service company, established in 1909, that distributed carbon dioxide gas and fountain syrup to drug stores, restaurants and taverns. In 1946, Morgan changed the company name to City Carbonic Sales & Service and incorporated the company in 1964.

For the next 53 years, City Carbonic continued to focus on the food service industry, distributing CO2 in high-pressure cylinders across Oklahoma. In the early 1980s, City Carbonic brought a new method of delivery of CO2 to Oklahoma: the mini-bulk system. As the company continued to grow, its footprint expanded beyond Oklahoma to include Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas, all from its central location in Oklahoma City.

ESAB Corporation associates are united across a family of historic and reputed brands — GCE®, Victor, Stoody®, Tweco®, Arcair®, Thermal Dynamics®, Swift-Cut, and Ohio Medical®, among them — and by a unique purpose: Shaping the world we imagine™. Together, they have proven that lasting success requires an unwavering commitment to culture, core values, and colleagues.

115 YEARS

City Carbonic, now in its 115th year, has seen dynamic leadership changes and strategic expansions. Amy Morgan Bruecks assumed the presidency in 2001, ushering in stability and innovative strategies. Recently, the company experienced the loss of Louis A. Morgan, its second-generation president, in 2023, followed by the passing of his wife, Eliz-

abeth, in 2024. Also in 2024, City Carbonic welcomed its fourth generation, Jacob Bruecks, to the partnership team. "Welcoming the next generation to our partnership is not just about continuity, it's about embracing fresh perspectives, fostering innovation, and ensuring our legacy evolves with purpose and passion,” said Morgan Bruecks.

Rustler™, Rogue 210 EMP PRO, and Warrior Edge 500 CX, and Victor’s® EDGE™ Regulators.

In June of this year, City Carbonic made a significant move by acquiring the Cylinder Gas Distribution Division of Automatic Fire Control in Oklahoma City. This strategic acquisition not only expanded their operational footprint but also diversified their product mix to include helium. These developments highlight the company's commitment to growth and adaptation in a competitive market environment.

“This acquisition aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional service to our customers. We look forward to building on the strong foundation that Automatic Fire Control has established over the years," said Morgan Bruecks.

And in July, it was announced that City Carbonic had joined Meritus Gas

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Partners. To date, Meritus has operated in Oklahoma through its partner company, Tulsa Gas & Gear, headquartered in Tulsa, OK.

“We are pleased to welcome City Carbonic, their employees, and their customers into the Meritus family,” said Meritus' Chairman, Scott Kaltrider.

“City Carbonic has an excellent reputation in the greater Oklahoma City market, and its growth in CO2 has been exponential. City Carbonic and Tulsa Gas & Gear give Meritus a significant presence in Oklahoma’s two largest and growing markets.”

“We are so excited for the next evolution in our company’s history,” Morgan Bruecks says. “This company has been in my family for the past 80 years and nothing makes me more

CRYOLOR S.A. — AMERICAS

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proud than being able to continue such a rich history in our company and in our industry. This partnership with Meritus represents a significant milestone in City Carbonic’s history, and we are excited to join forces with the Meritus team and its partner company network. Sadly, my parents, Louis and Irene Morgan, are not with us to celebrate this milestone. Both favored exploring this partnership with Meritus, and I know they would be proud to see it consummated. By leveraging Meritus' extensive partner company network and resources, we will strengthen our service offerings and provide new growth opportunities for our employees and customers.”

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WESMOR CRYOGENICS, LLC

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• WesMor Cryogenics, is the sole US distributor for Cryolor products. WesMor stocks bulk tanks in Magnolia Texas from 1,500 gallon to 15,000 gallon These units are available in vertical & horizontal configuration, 250 & 500 Psig MAWP

• WesMor also stocks vertical vacuum jacketed SS inner 6-ton through 50-ton LC02 tanks. The Cryolor bulk LC02 tanks are equipped standard with and internal refrigeration coil for applications that require a refrigeration unit.

• Offers over 100 years of combined service expertise in the cryogenic industry.

• Provides complete rehab and repair services on existing bulk tanks and trailer fleets.

Holds National board “R” stamp, DOT & TC registered for MC & TC 331 & 338 repairs.

• WesMor also stocks vertical vacuum jacketed SS inner 6-ton through 50-ton LC02 tanks. The Cryolor bulk LC02 tanks are equipped standard with and internal refrigeration coil for applications that require a refrigeration unit.

• The Cryolor vacuum insulation systems come with a 5 year warranty.

• The Cryolor vacuum insulation systems come with a 5 year warranty.

WESMOR CRYOGENICS, LLC

• When you purchase a new Cryolor bulk tank you have the WesMor team to rely on for the duration of your ownership. our team has a combined 100 years of service in the Cryogenic industry.

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• WesMor provides rehab and repair work on your existing bulk tanks and or trailer fleets as well.

Contact Joe Walters

jwalters@plugpower.com | 281-802-6418

CRYOLOR S.A. — AMERICAS 9811 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024

• When you purchase a new Cryolor bulk tank you have the WesMor team to rely on for the duration of your ownership. our team has a combined 100 years of service in the Cryogenic industry.

Contact Jay Loomis jay.loomis@cryolor.com | 484-832-0040

• Give us a call today at either contact information below, we will be glad to assist you regarding your new bulk tank needs.

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anniversaries

S – Arcos Industries

105 YEARS

Arcos Industries is celebrating its 105th anniversary in 2024. The company was founded in 1919 as R.D. Thomas and Company. Until 1931, electrodes were imported from Arcos S.A. in Brussels, Belgium. In 1931, the first heavy coated hand-dipped electrodes were manufactured in the U.S.

In 1936, R.D. Thomas and Company merged with the world’s most advanced producer of coated electrodes, Arcos Belgium. Six years later, the company developed the first 307 stainless steel electrode to weld armor plates instead of the then scarce and expensive stainless 310. In the pinch of war time shortages, this was a real advantage, as the war created demand for repair and building new ships was so great for these electrodes, a new plant had to be acquired and tooled.

The company’s progressive vision and devotion to innovation have been hallmarks of Arcos’ history, from the 1920s through today.

D – Keen Compressed Gas

Keen Compressed Gas is celebrating its 105th anniversary in 2024. The company was founded in Wilmington, Delaware by Stanley Keen as a food and auto parts store. Auto parts grew into oxy-acetylene, which gave way to welding supplies and propane.

More than a century later, the company remains in the Keen family, having grown to 14 locations and 137 employees in 2024. Though the company has grown by leaps and bounds, it remains true to the tenets that Stanley founded the company on 105 years ago.

“Family-oriented is overused, but it is true,” says Bryan Keen, the company’s third-generation president. “Independents have to rely on relationships. That means relationships with customers but mostly with employees. Teach your employees the same values that you have and that will show through to the customers. This industry is a marathon, not

Scan to watch the Arcos Interview at the SMC2024 Contact Booth Program.

Over the past century, Arcos has grown to accommodate the global marketplace, developing markets beyond North America. But it remains true to the same principles that have guided it for the past 105 years.

Welding is an essential factor of progress. For 105 years, Arcos has devoted itself to welding. When new metals or structures are designed, Arcos has stood ready with the welding materials and processes to join them for 105 years. And with the leadership and principles it has in place, it will be there for the next 105 years as well.

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anniversaries

100 YEARS

D - Delille Oxygen Company

When Delille Oxygen Company was founded a century ago, the company sold ice and coal out of the very same Columbus location that it still operates out of 100 years later. Its founder, W.C. Delille, always had a manufacturing spirit and the will to manufacture whatever he could to help his customers. That entrepreneurial spirit lives on in Delille’s employees a century later.

“I believe Delille has always been willing to try to sell or manufacture new products more than the norm and by doing so, we evolve continuously,” says President Josh Weinmann. “That willingness has led us into some niche markets and that has led into further markets we would have never had even known about. That willingness also comes with support from Delille ownership, which also has helped retain employees. I believe as many employees enjoy doing projects they normally wouldn’t have a chance to do at another company, perhaps."

Today, Delille Oxygen Company is owned by the Smith family, and comprises nine branches and 85 employees.

In addition to its willingness to be inventive, Weinmann credits the company’s winning culture for its enduring longevity. The company’s three-pronged culture values a safe, productive and professional ethos at Delille, which allows for its employees to thrive.

The company are also big adapters of technology.

“I think the single biggest change I’ve seen in the past 25 years I’ve been at Delille is the adoption of technology by our entire industry,” Weinmann says. “With robots, lasers and automation that has really kicked in to high gear it’s been a non-stop evolution to keep up with the latest versions of those technologies and we’ve had to continuously train ourselves to understand the latest versions or any new technology in general. Ten years from now, I expect that we will be much more automated in our processes to streamline and, more importantly, add more safety on the manufacturing side. In the welding supplies side,

I see us fully supporting any type of new technology, but also still heavy focused on the standard welding supplies so that we can still provide total service to any customer.”

To celebrate its centennial, Delille has held open house events throughout 2024 with plans to host more throughout the year at its various locations. It also designed a special 100year anniversary logo that it has promoted on its website and social media.

“I am proud to be part of what so many people help build in the last 100 years and really looking forward to see what everyone at Delille builds in the coming years as we strive for our next 100 years.”

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S – JAZ Brush

In 2024, JAZ Brush is celebrating a century of excellence with its continued dedication to quality, service, and innovation. Since its founding in 1924, JAZ has been committed to the manufacturing and marketing of specialized surface treatment solutions. With a century of experience, JAZ has positioned itself as leaders in the surface treatment market, exporting its products to more than 65 countries.

The company began in Spain in 1924, as Domingo Zubiaurre decided to start manufacturing wire brushes, a product he knew well from his trade as a polisher for the local gun industry.

His humble beginnings started in a small garage on Arragueta Street, until the Spanish Civil War, then moved to a different location on Legarre Street. From 1924 to 1957, JAZ’s activity was modest and specialized, dedicating itself exclusively to a single customer.

As the company continued to grow through the 1950s, it was forced to reinvent itself, following the Ullastres Crisis in Spain in 1957. The company was forced to seek new custom-

ers and markets for its products, and so JAZ experienced growth in business and expanded its workforce and invested in new modern manufacturing equipment.

From that time through the 90s and 2000s, JAZ continued to grow, industrialize and expand. In the 2020s, JAZ began the transition process from being mere manufacturers of wire brushes to becoming surface treatment experts.

"The latest rebranding of our corporate image will help us achieve our goal of being recognized worldwide for our knowledge and wide range of solutions in this field," the company says. "Still today, we maintain our primary objective for continued success and lasting over time by growing in a sustainable way and maintaining a close collaborative team creating value and benefit to our employees, customers and society. Cheers to the next 100 years! We are just scratching the surface!"

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anniversaries

S – Rexarc International

Rexarc International was founded in a garage in 1924 by local inventors Will Swift and Carl Smith as the Sight Feed Generator Company. Swift and Smith saw the opportunity to create a bright future and decided to take a leap of faith.

As the company continued to grow, so too did its product line, with the company expanding the use of the Sight Feed Generator into Floodlights and flare-lights. Little did the company know that these increases in application would make it a prime product that would be called upon for support of the allied efforts in WWII. As is often the case, these boom years were met with a significant downturn for the company as the equipment used for the war effort re-entered the market after it was no longer needed.

To address this, the company developed larger and larger stationary generators for industrial use within the pipelines of manufacturing facilities.

Also seeing a shift in the market towards acetylene distribution and use in cylinders, a team of engineers began applying the knowledge gained from over 20 years of generator innovations into a closed loop, on-demand cylinder filling system, which was smaller, safer, and more efficient for gas producers. Again, revolutionizing a market, the bright future continued, and the company remained committed to developing more efficient systems within Medium Pressure Acetylene Generation Plants.

By the 1960’s, the development team at a newly renamed company, Rexarc, had developed a fully automatic generator that could be operated safely and efficiently, as well as easily support plant expansions as they were needed.

Over the next 50 years and into today, the company designed, produced, and shipped Acetylene Plants of various sizes to over 80 countries that meet the needs of industries and applications in acetylene gas.

In addition to its core business, Rexarc has expanded its fabrication and welding expertise into creating custom

“Our advanced welding capabilities, combined with our vast industry knowledge and talented welding staff enable us meet the complex requirements of ASME pressure vessel fabrication effectively," the company says. "We believe our commitment towards quality has contributed to our reputation as one of the competent ASME code welding service providers in the U.S."

It continues, “We attribute all of our growth and long-term success to our company culture. Our culture is and

ASME coded and non-coded vessels and tanks.

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will remain our top priority. We credit our 100 years of business and success to INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE. We’ve consistently invested in continuous learning and creation to enhance our core products and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

It concludes, “Today, and the future continue to shine brightly at Rexarc as we apply our wisdom, expertise, attitude, creativity, equipment, and processes to support your needs in acetylene plant and vessel production. Rexarc is a global leader in acetylene gas plant production and ASME coded and non-coded vessel and tank production. We are trusted in over 50 countries around the world. Our customers know that we remain committed to safety, innovation and exceptional products. They understand we were here yesterday, we are here today, and we will be here tomorrow.”

85 YEARS

D – Huber Supply Company

A boat’s engine problems laid the unlikely foundation of Huber Supply Company. Elmer Smith was on a boat trip on Lake Erie one weekend when his boat developed engine trouble. He was stranded at a boat works outside of Port Clinton, Ohio, which wouldn’t be open until the following Monday. However,

Schmidt, who was the son of the owner of the boat shop, worked all day and night to help get Smith’s boat up and running. Elmer was so impressed that he told Nelson that if he was ever in Minneapolis looking for work as a welder to look him up. As fate would have it, Schmidt did just that.

Smith hired Schmidt as a salesperson when Schmidt moved up to Minneapolis. Fate struck again when Schmidt found a room at George Huber’s grand-

Nelson

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anniversaries

mother’s house just blocks away from the Smith Equipment Plant. George and Nelson became quick friends and began to talk of starting their own oxygen-acetylene supply route together.

In the summer of 1939, George and Nelson began securing oxygen and acetylene and lining up customers for a route starting in southern Minnesota.

After a route early in the company’s history, George stopped to fuel his truck and found out the news that Nelson had been killed in a car accident. Nelson was a major supporter of the welding business. He bank-rolled the project and kicked in $25 per week to keep food on the table at George’s house. When George’s folks came to the funeral, George had to borrow money from his dad to keep the new business going. After his first month in business, George had cleared $50. Though he lost a friend and business partner, he was very happy with the business’s success.

Fast-forward 85 years and Huber has continued that legacy of considering the customer as a partner.

"We put the customer first," says Cal Huber, Vice President of Operations at Huber Supply Company. "When we are looking to add new lines or services we ask our customers what they need from us. For example, there was a need from our customers for reliable delivery of propane forklift cylinders. This was a new market for us in 2019 which has grown immensely. We now sell more forklift propane cylinders than any other cylinder. It all came from asking our customers their pain points and trying to find a solution for that pain point."

85 years since fate struck in Lake Erie, Huber Supply now has three locations, including an online website, weldingoutfitter.com, and 29 employees. Says Huber, "Our employees are our biggest asset. Without every team member that

walked through the Huber Supply doors, we wouldn't be where we are today."

The company is also a part of the Absolute Air consortium of businesses.

"That has helped us have consistency and reliability for all of our bulk oxygen, bulk nitrogen, and even bulk argon customers," Huber says.

He concludes, "Huber Supply is a fun and reliable business to work for. We want our employees to have a reason to retire at Huber Supply. We want them to feel the satisfaction of being able to complete their job from start to finish. We promote everyone at Huber Supply Company to offer ideas and suggestions on how we can do things more effi-

ciently and better for the customer. As owners we try to track all of these types of ideas and suggestions down. If we don't go with an idea, we explain why. It creates a strong culture in which people are willing to share ideas and feel they have a voice. Through 85 years and four generations, everyone thinks you have everything figured out. But family business can be tough. My goal is to be able to hand over a successful business to the fifth generation."

With the fundamentals and an 85-year track record in place, Huber Supply is built to be successful for generations to come.

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D – Mississippi Welders Supply Company

Mississippi Welders Supply Company was founded in 1939 in Mondovi, WI, as the Mississippi Welders & Auto Supply Company. The company incorporated in 1959, subsequently dropping the auto supplies and becoming Mississippi Welders Supply Company, Inc in 1971. The company had a network of dedicated driver-salespeople that served customers in southeastern Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northeastern Iowa. With so much territory to cover, the company expanded to include a Winona, Minnesota store in 1966, which today serves as the company headquarters.

In 1973, Don Peterson, Lou Ottosen, and Lloyd Tomten bought the company. Fifty-one years later, the company remains in the Peterson family.

“The needs of our customers have always been our top priority,” says Brad Peterson, MWSCO’s Chairman and Chief Acquisition Officer. “Our culture is one of empathy, caring, understanding and listening. We listen to each other and our customers and build strong relationships within our teams and with our customers. Having a strong culture where we can rely on each other makes our work enjoyable. When you enjoy what you’re doing, customers and team members notice and want to be a part of it.”

You don’t have to go to Mars for a great deal on cylinders! We have inventory ready to launch from mission control center in Harrison, Ohio. Contact Kaplan’s Mission Control Team today.

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anniversaries

85 years since its founding, MWSCO recently added its 12th branch in Appleton, WI, and is nearing 200 employees. But even as it continues to grow larger, it has never lost sight of its original mission.

“Responsiveness and accessibility. These are two of our core values,” says President Troy Elmer. “We remain accessible to our customers and each other which allows us to respond quickly and effectively.”

He continues, “Gone are the days of supplying a customer with a tank of oxygen and acetylene and showing them how it works. Our customers want full-service solutions to their needs. Yes, we can drop off cylinders of gas, but we need to be the technical experts also. We continue to add services to our portfolio. We have a full line of automation products including robotics, laser welding and cutting, plasma tables and co-bots. We supply vending solutions with vendor managed inventory and vending machines. We have a fleet of CO2 microbulk trucks that take care of everything from bars to restaurants, pools and industrial accounts. Our most recent offering is the installation of fire suppression systems in food trucks and trailers.”

Concludes Peterson, “We are constantly looking for the next growth opportunity and we will stay flexible enough to respond quickly when that opportunity presents itself. Although we have not grown through acquisitions that is something we are actively pursuing. We are also looking at how we can be more efficient in everything we do.”

80 YEARS

D – Atlas Supply Company

Atlas Welding Supply Company was originally founded as Temerson & Son in 1944. The Temerson family had a scrap business and found that many of their suppliers needed gases and cutting materials to cut the scrap. Temerson became an Airco distributor and planted the seeds for what would eventually become Atlas Welding Supply Company.

The company officially changed its name in 1978 when the Temersons sold the business to an employee, Jack Englebert. Jack, who approached his largest customer, Cain Steel, run by J.M. Cain, to partner in the transaction, changed the company name to Atlas Welding Supply Company and ran the day-to-day operations of the company until 2008, when he retired.

When J.M. Cain passed away, his equity in the business went into a trust managed by his sons. When Englebert decided to retire and sell the business, J.M.’s son, James Cain, who was working in finance, began negotiating a deal with Bill Visintainer to purchase Atlas.

However, upon hearing Bill’s vision for the company, James decided that rather than sell the company to Bill as a sole owner, he would stay on as a partner with Bill and run Atlas together. The two have run Atlas together since then.

At the end of 2020, Atlas partnered with Gas Innovations

and helped to form Meritus Gas Partners. In the three-and-ahalf years since, the Meritus partnership has grown to 18 partners and its footprint stretches from the Pacific Northwest to the Florida peninsula.

“Atlas still operates independently but enjoys the benefits of access to a vast wealth of industry knowledge we gain from our partners,” says Cain. “Atlas has recently moved our Birmingham location into a facility that is three-times the size of our former location. We will leverage that facility to add more cylinder filling as well as dedicated machine repair and OEM warranty repair.”

As the company celebrates its 80th anniversary, it does so with renewed vigor, secure in a partnership that ensures its future in the industry. Atlas will hold an open house at its brandnew Birmingham facility later this Fall to celebrate.

S – Kemppi Oy

Kemppi Oy was incorporated on May 23rd, 1949, by Martti Kemppi under the name Kemppi Brothers, Inc. The company’s main product was a welding machine. However, with everything in short supply in Finland following World War II, the workshop also manufactured welding carts, concrete and milk carts, soil scoops, fire ladders, and sauna stoves. The company's business idea was simple and functional: Listen to what customers need and make it for them. This is a template that Kemppi Oy has continued to follow to this day.

Demand for Kemppi's products grew rapidly, and the company needed more employees and production space. In 1950, the company bought industrial real estate in Pekanmäki, Lahti and hired its first employee outside of the family in 1951. The company embarked on internationalization early, building a global network as far back as 1955. This proactive approach has facilitated successful product launches, introducing groundbreaking innovations to the welding world, such as inverters and digital devices. Kemppi's history is marked by continuous product development, which has been crucial to its growth and successful market introductions.

Today, Kemppi exports to 70 countries, has subsidiaries in 16 countries and employs more than 800 people.

"At Kemppi, we prioritize business between people. Despite being a high-

75 YEARS

tech company with ambitious targets, we firmly believe in human values. This philosophy fosters long-term employment and a positive work environment where people thrive. Our employees take pride in being part of the Kemppi

family," says Teresa Kemppi-Vasama, Chairman of the Board. "Customer understanding is at the core of our philosophy. Our DNA is defined by boldness and pioneering spirit, driving us fearlessly towards new frontiers."

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anniversaries

D

– Middlesex Gases & Technologies

Middlesex Gases was founded in 1949 by Joseph Martin, Sr. as Middlesex Welding Supply in Everett, MA. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the company remains a family-owned, third-generation supplier of specialty, medical, and industrial gases and a variety of gas systems, including Bulk, MicroBulk, and Cryopreservation.

Joseph, Sr. set the company up as a distributorship of gases used in the welding and cutting processes. In 1964, Joseph, Sr., opened the company’s first fill plant located just outside of Boston. This move expanded the Middlesex capabilities from just a distributorship of gases to also being able to fill nitrogen, oxygen, and argon in both liquid and gaseous forms. This gave Middlesex a competitive advantage and, more importantly, faster product delivery for customers.

Today, Middlesex has three fill plants in Everett (the company headquarters), Plainville, and Lowell, four supply stores, state-of-the-art specialty gas and medical CO2 labs, in-house dry ice manufacturing capabilities, and a large fleet of trucks and trailers enabling the company to deliver superior gas products and solutions throughout New England whenever its customers need them.

“At Middlesex, we have always kept a finger on the pulse of ‘what’s next’ in the gas industry,” says company President and CEO Thomas “Tom” Martin, the grandson of Joseph, Sr. “My grandfather was dedicated to constantly investing and expanding as necessary to meet his customers’ gas requirements. We

continue to stay committed to his initial vision, by consistently building on our capabilities and providing innovative gas solutions for the industries and organizations we serve.”

Tom’s brother, Bo, the previous President and CEO of Middlesex, and now Chairman of the Board, explains how the siblings also have worked hard to keep the familial environment at Middlesex even as the company has experienced tremendous growth. He says, “At our core, we are still a family business, with a tight-knit, relationship-focused culture. But we’re not just close internally as a team. Across all areas of the business, from sales and business development to fillers and delivery, we have developed personal and unique friendships with and mutual respect for our customers, vendors, and network partners.”

As the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, it does so with an eye toward the future. Bo says, “We are confidently moving forward with our focus on supporting the gas requirements of biotech and life sciences organizations. Even though our grandfather could not have known we would pivot down this path, thanks to him, we are located in a highly advantageous area to collaborate with our target customers. We have no doubt the thriving life sciences market is here to stay and our whole team looks forward to helping it continue to flourish by supplying the highest quality gas products backed by exceptional customer service.”

GAWDA MEMBER

S – Pat Mooney, Inc.

Pat Mooney, Inc. is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2024. The company began in 1949, when Patrick J. Mooney invested his 31 years of saw and tool experience and established Pat Mooney, Inc. His philosophy was simple: “To be a successful enterprise, provide reliable products and support these products with good people who are well trained. It’s as simple as that.” Three-quarters of a century later, Pat Mooney, Inc. continues to thrive following those original principles.

Pat Mooney Saws has grown and expanded by establishing partnerships with companies from around the globe that produce reliable and innovative products. In addition, Pat Mooney Saws has continually invested in resources and people to support its products.

Today, Pat Mooney Saws continues to be family-owned and operated by the third and fourth-generation lineage of Pat Mooney, operating from its 60,000 sq. ft. facilities in Addison, Illinois, just outside of Chicago.

"A family-owned and operated business since 1949, we work with top builders worldwide to help companies in

D – Strate Welding Supply Co.

North America maximize their sawing performance through innovation, application insight, and technical support," the company says. "For 75 years, we have helped manufacturers of every size find the right sawing solution for their production requirements. Our 60,000 sq ft headquarters includes an American customer service team, machines under power for demonstration and test cutting, spare parts in stock, thousands of

Strate Welding Supply Co., Inc. was founded in 1949 by brothers Russell and Gordon Strate. Both men served their country during World War II and decided to open their own business together after returning home. The company’s original location was in an old gasoline station on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, NY. As the company continued to grow, it was officially incorporated in 1951.

Strate Welding Supply Co., Inc. continued to expand through the 1960s and 1970s, acquiring a second location in Buffalo and opening branches in Olean, NY and Lockport, NY. They also acquired facilities in Jacksonville, FL; Gainesville, FL; and St. Augustine, FL. The 1980s saw five more locations added in Georgia (Waycross, GA; Jesup, GA; Douglas, GA, and Fitzgerald, GA) as well as the acquisition of an Acetylene

saw blades ready to ship, a grinding shop for sharpening saw blades, and welding shop for the manufacture of band saw blades."

It concludes, "Here at Pat Mooney Saws, we’re proud of our 75-year history of growth and innovation. We’re even prouder that we’ve remained true to our roots of providing reliable products with optimal support since our humble beginnings."

Plant and the distribution network of Liquid Carbonic in Western New York.

Today, Strate Welding Supply Co., Inc. continues to look for markets to add and opportunities to grow while serving users in new areas. Offering multiple welding supply stores, a large fleet of vehicles, and some of the highest quality welding supplies and equipment around, Strate continues to strive for excellence, just like it did when the company was founded.

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anniversaries

S – Uniweld Products, Inc.

Uniweld Products, Inc. was founded in 1949 by David S. Pearl, Sr. Prior to serving in the United States Navy during World War II in Fort Lauderdale, FL., David had worked in the Steel Mills in his hometown of Pittsburgh, cutting and refurbishing cutting torch tips in partnership with Mr. Werner. The partnership bought The National Torch Tip Company from Dan Marrow and that was the start of the company. When the war was over, David decided that he didn’t want to go back to shoveling snow, so he decided to relocate to Fort Lauderdale, and he and his business partner opened Universal Cutting and Welding Company, which soon became Uniweld Products, Inc. NNT specialized in all types of tips and Uniweld specialized in equipment for this industry. The partnership became two separate family companies in the late 1970’s.

“We’ve always been a conservative company,” says David’s son and current President David S. Pearl II. “When we started out, the entire facility, from reception to shipping was only 5,000 sq. ft.”

But the company continued to grow internally. Today, Uniweld proudly employs more than 200 employees at its Fort Lauderdale Headquarters and is able to service industries around

S – Thunderbird Metals

Thunderbird Metals South is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024. The company was originally founded as National Impacted Metal Corp. (NIMCOR) and was focused on the manufacture of electrical condenser cans. In 1964, Paul Piper Sr. acquired NIMCOR and renamed the company U.S. Extrusion Impact, Inc. The com-

the world, having offices and warehouse facilities in locations across the globe. But even with that robust growth, the company stays true to its family-owned roots.

“From the beginning, Uniweld has been a family-owned and operated business,” says Pearl. “Developing our culture through the decades has allowed us to instill strong family values into our manufacturing processes. Uniweld was there to support our employees through difficult times and situations. As a result, Uniweld has many employees that have been with the company for more than 40 years.”

One of those difficult times was a devastating fire that the company had in 1999.

“We kept everybody on after that. We paid everybody and we found things for people to do. And we were able to start shipping again within a week of that fire,” says Pearl. “I think that’s a testament to the type of people and culture that we’ve built here.”

And because of that longevity and expertise, Uniweld is nimbly able to react quickly to satisfy its customers quickly and efficiently.

“As a family-owned company, we can react faster to satisfy our customers. We are able to invest in new products and get them tested and marketed rapidly,” Pearl says. “We will continue to meet the needs of our customers as those needs change. In 10 years, we see our company bigger, better, and stronger with the ability to react quicker and more efficiently to our customer needs.”

As the company continues its march towards 100 years, it continues to solidify the traits that have allowed it to thrive for three-quarters of a century. It has redoubled its marketing efforts, including its social media efforts to be closer to its customers, and it continues to be the same strong customer-centric culture that has allowed it to thrive for 75 years.

65 YEARS

pany transitioned from condenser cans to a deeper focus on Military Ordnance; a focus that remains a key part of Thunderbird Metals South to this day. Throughout the 1970s, the company continued to innovate, developing a 30mm aluminum cartridge case process in 1974 and creating the first airbag prototypes for Morton Thiokol in 1976. In the 1980s, they introduced steel compo-

THE LEADER in aluminum gas cylinder supply

Performance under pressure is more than a tagline, it’s our pledge to you. From medical and industrial to fire extinguisher and CO2 cylinders, we have the capacity, capabilities, and experience to meet your supply needs and those of your customers.

Markets served

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nents, including a 25mm cartridge case for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in 1980 and a lightweight 30mm cartridge case for the Apache Helicopter in 1986.

During the 1990s, the company expanded significantly, particularly in airbag component production, with a major facility expansion in 1993. In the late 1990s, impacted airbag components were phased out, requiring the company to find a new product line to fill capacity. In 1999, the plant began producing aluminum compressed gas cylinder, a focus and core competency Thunderbird Metals South maintains to this day.

“Evolution has been a key to our success,” says Thunderbird's CEO, Michael Bolos. “The move from condenser cans to munitions was pivotal in our evolution and carries through to this day as we proudly support our armed forces. We spent two decades focused on airbag components, and when they became obsolete, we were forced to reinvent ourselves; developing a core competency in aluminum compressed gas cylinders. The ability and willingness to pivot and innovate continues to be essential to our success.”

To celebrate its anniversary, Thunderbird Metals South hosted a luncheon for all of its employees. The company holds quarterly town halls and holiday meals. General Manager, Michael McDonald, explains, “These regular gatherings are important to us and what helps make Thunderbird Metals South a community.”

Bolos concludes, “65 years took a community to achieve. Those first workers in 1958 laid the foundation for the 100+ individuals that have made their careers and built their families at Thunderbird Metals South in 2024. We stand on the shoulders of giants and are extremely proud of our history and legacy as a U.S. manufacturer. We look forward to guiding Thunderbird Metals South's innovations and evolution over next 65 years.”

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60 YEARS

D – Leonard’s

Leonard’s was founded in 1964 by Leonard Bugajewski Sr., along with his wife, Irene, and his son, Leonard Bugajewski, Jr. and his wife, Jean Ann. The concept had actually started much earlier, when Leonard Sr. was at Ohio State University. He left to start a bottling plant called Clio-Cola with his roommate. However, the company dissolved in 1940 due to the product label looking and sounding too much like Coca-Cola. So, he returned to OSU and received his degree.

In 1951, after having graduated and served in the Navy, Leonard Sr. joined the Vernors Ginger Ale Company and took over a failing branch in Buffalo, New York. He brought it back to life and was moved to Detroit in 1956 to become National Sales Manager for Vernors. After fighting for funding for their syrup division he decided to resign in 1964.

Leonard’s Syrups was conceived by Leonard Bugajewski Sr. in the fall of 1964 as a Division of Mavis Bottling Operations. It was spun off into Leonard’s Syrups in the spring of 1965 when Leonard Jr. graduated from the University of Michigan. Leonard Sr’s wife, Irene, worked for Hudson’s Department Store (now Macy’s) during the week, and on the weekends she would go to the shop and do the books. Leonard Jr’s wife, Jean Ann, worked during the week doing all of the customer invoicing and collections. Leonard Jr had his degree in Forestry/Chemistry, so stepping into the role of flavor chemist was a great fit. He started manufacturing the soda using flavors from Foote & Jenks. Soon he realized that he wanted a more unique flavor, so he started consulting with the head flavor chemist at Foote and Jenks and a lifelong friendship and consulting partnership was formed, and to this day, Leonard’s still makes their own flavors.

Starting with syrups and custom installation/service of soda and juices, Leonard’s then ventured into high pressure

gas cylinders. Stephen, Leonard Jr’s son, made the decision in the mid-1990’s to invest in Bulk CO2, which made continuous carbonation a possibility for bars and restaurants. Over the years, Leonard’s has branched out into slush, frozen carbonated beverages, draft beer and wine equipment, liquor equipment, draught beer line cleaning, Ice machines, dry ice, blend gas, oxygen and helium.

Today, the company continues to grow and evolve by consistently adding new products and lines of business.

“We keep up with trends and technological advancements,” says Vice President Sherri Iskra. “This year we are rolling out our webstore, where customers can place orders, place service calls, see and print their outstanding invoices, make a payment, send us a message, etc. We are using telemetry more and more on our bulk CO2 cylinders. Customers have an app that they can log into to view their tank, see the pressure of the tank, see how full/empty the tank is, etc. We are constantly thinking of how we can utilize technology to make the customer interface easier and less time consuming for our customers.”

She concludes, “The future of Leonard’s belongs with the younger generation. Two of the six grandchildren in the fourth generation are currently working full-time helping the company grow, and there are four more waiting to succeed and give the service and attention to the family restaurants they serve. The fourth generation is looking forward to expanding and building upon the solid foundation that has been established during the past 60 years. Our customers realize only a family supplier knows how to relate and serve a family business ‘like one of the family.’ We believe that our founder, Leonard Sr, and his grandson Stephen, are smiling down upon us and are proud of our continued advancement in the beverage dispensing industry.”

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S – Weldsale LLC

Weldsale Company is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2024. The company was founded by Joe Cunningham as Welding Wholesale Company, which was shortened to Weldsale Company in 1976.

Joe began his journey with the purchase of 400 used 5 ft. x 5 ft. “bending slabs” as they were known at that time. He came up with the name of “Platen” in the early 1960s to differentiate his design from the many designs made by lone foundries and a few companies selling their brand of tables. Some of those

S – Acme Cryogenics

Acme Cryogenics was founded in 1969 as H&B, a general machine shop serving the manufacturing base in the greater Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. The company changed its name to Acme Screw Machine Products a few years later and began to focus on the industrial gas industry around 1977 when the Compressed Gas Association standardized a Liquid Transfer Fitting that Acme was manufacturing. By then, Rod Fink became the sole owner, and the company continued to grow through acquisitions and organic development of new capabilities. Eventually, the name was changed to Acme Cryogenics to reflect its industry focus.

Acme Cryogenics has grown by continually meeting the expanding needs of its customers and the industrial gas

companies did not bother to emboss their name on their tables. One definition of “platen” is simply a flat plate that exerts or receives pressure.

When Joe sold all 400 of that initial purchase, the phone kept ringing and Joe knew he was onto something. So, he set out to design his own. He incorporated into his design all the best features of the hundreds he had sold. Even today, the design of Weldsale Platens has changed very little since 1976. They remain as thick, robust and nearly indestructible as they were then.

American Industry has been using Weldsale Platens for over 60 years. They are used for many purposes, not just welding. In fact, some companies use Platens simply as heavy-duty metal working benches, with no welding performed. Many companies have been using their platens for decades. Some companies are still unaware of the 100 different clamps and tools available from Weldsale.

But through it all, Weldsale remains the trusted choice for welding solutions, welding platens, welding tools and welding clamps worldwide. “And we are as committed to quality as we were 60 years ago, and we will remain as committed going forward!”

55 YEARS

applications market. This includes adding new products like Cryogenic Vacuum Jacketed Valves, Gas Manifold Control Piping, Vacuum Jacket Piping, UHP Delivery Systems, and Cryogenic Vaporizers, as well as expanding into virtual industries like Aerospace and Hydrogen. The demand for installing and maintaining these products has also offered significant growth opportunities. Acme’s ability to provide technical, problem-solving expertise has been crucial in forming long-term partnerships and winning customer trust. Recently, Acme Cryogenics was acquired by Dover to become part of OPW Clean Energy Solutions, incorporating Rego Products, which has further bolstered its growth, product offering, and market presence. Today, Acme Cryogenics employs 225 people and operates four manufacturing

locations: Allentown, PA; Ball Ground, GA; Lonsdale, MN; and Oxnard, CA. Additionally, it provides Field Services from six regional hubs.

Acme Cryogenics' culture emphasizes technical excellence and long-term customer relationships. The company's ability to provide innovative solutions

Weldsale has been selling Platens all over the Country for the last 60 years. Many of your Customers still have them and use them regularly.

Many of them know about all of the additional Clamps and Tools Weldsale has developed over the years. But many Customers don't. You may be doing them a real service to show them our Catalog. We have about 100 different Clamps and Tools.

Note: We have LOTS of Clamps and Tools to fit the old "generic" style Platens (made, like, 100 years ago) as well as to fit the Acorn Tables and Checkerboard and Stahl Block brands, etc. It may be best to give us a call if your Customers have these "ancient" Platens.

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to underserved segments of the industry has been central to its longevity and success. A strong culture has maintained high standards and fostered a dedicated workforce.

The company’s biggest differentiator has been its long legacy of technical expertise and ability to solve complex customer problems. This has allowed Acme to build solid partnerships and establish a reputation for reliability and innovation in the industrial gas market.

In the next 10 years, Acme Cryogenics plans to continue growing alongside the cryogenics industry and its customers in North America and globally. The company will keep expanding its product offerings and maintaining high standards of quality and service with a great focus on Industrial Gas markets and the fast-paced evolving Hydrogen Economy.

To celebrate its 55th anniversary, Acme Cryogenics will have a celebration luncheon for the company. The company notes, "Acme Cryogenics takes pride in its dedicated workforce, with over 20 staff members having been with the company for more than 20 years. This dedication is highlighted by Dave Edge who recently retired this year with a total of 46 years and Tom Stroble, who has been with the company for 46 years."

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S – Dynabrade, Inc.

Dynabrade began in 1969 with one inspired idea. Walter Welsch, Dynabrade's founder, developed the first Dynafile® Abrasive Belt Tool as a method of improving the task of hand-filing metals and other hard surfaces, while making this process quicker and easier than ever before.

Walter started working for an abrasive manufacturer in 1951, selling coated abrasives. His first sales territory was in Buffalo/Rochester, New York. At that time, Curtis Wright, a prominent aerospace manufacturer, was in Buffalo and was one of the first companies to manufacture jet engine blades. This led to Walter being one of the first people ever to see abrasive belts being run over small, one-inch diameter contact wheels, grinding convex areas on high alloy metals. Until then, splices on abrasive belts could not do that.

Wurlitzer, the world-famous jukebox manufacturer, was also one of Walter’s accounts. While visiting Wurlitzer, Walter witnessed a lady filing square holes in an aluminum casting that was used as a jukebox grill. The idea occurred to him that a portable abrasive belt running over a 5/8" diameter contact wheel could file those holes much faster. That moment was the beginning of the Dynafile® and the true start of Dynabrade, Inc.

Through its continued innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Dynabrade has thrived for 55 years, continuously upgrading the product offered, through extensive research & development based on market needs and new technological advancements in the tool and abrasive industries. Today,

through the continued hard work and determination of its employees, Dynabrade has earned a reputation for excellence and a position of leadership in the innovative design and manufacturing of unique portable pneumatic abrasive power tools, related accessories, and dust collection.

The company now offers more than 1,000 tools for material removal and surface treatment, as well as thousands of abrasives and necessary accessories so that all industries can solve any of their surface treatment needs.

“We are easy-to-do business with and supply these products quickly to customers through a worldwide network of professional distributors. The perfect finish begins and ends with Dynabrade,” says Welding Supply Channel Specialist Alexis McDermott. “Since our founding, Dynabrade has committed to being a U.S. manufacturer. We have grown into a global company with worldwide distribution, having subsidiaries in both Europe and Asia. Our company offers a complete product line of process solutions, including pneumatic abrasive power tools, clean air solutions, industrial vacuums, abrasives and accessories.”

Says McDermott, “In 10 years, I truly believe our sales will be diverse, expanding from primarily tool driven, to having more equalized sales with abrasives and Automation. Automation has the potential to become our strongest growth driver in the next 10 years, along with expansion into more channels, like Welding and Automotive Refinishing.”

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S – Genstar Technologies Company, Inc. (GENTEC)

In 1969, Thomas Kuo saw an opportunity for growth in the area of industrial regulators and cutting equipment. And so, he launched Genstar Technologies Company, Inc.

Over the next 55 years, Genstar Technologies has emerged as a global provider of high-quality pressure regulators, fittings, valves, welding apparatus and various gas control and handling devices.

High quality products, competitive pricing and continual technological innovation have fueled Genstar’s steady growth for more than half a century.

“We strive to continuously improve our product lines while developing innovative products for diverse markets,” the company says. “Our distributors take pride in supplying Genstar's products because they offer users significant value. Products are produced, assembled and tested by an experienced and dedicated work force that is committed to product integrity and excellence. In addition to their high quality, the products

S – Veite Cryogenic Equipment and Service, Inc.

Veite Cryogenic Equipment and Service, Inc. was founded in 1969 by Harry and Jim Veite. The company, formerly known as Cryogenic Equipment and Service, serves the U.S., Mexico and Canada from its 14,000 sq. ft. facility in North Ridgeville, Ohio.

In 1969, distributors would typically lease fill plant equipment from their gas suppliers. Because of this, there was no incentive to upgrade equipment and no competitive element to gas pricing. The Veite brothers demonstrated to distributors how to increase profits by installing modern filling systems and the benefits that came from owning their own equipment rather than leasing it.

That commitment to quality and efficiency has driven the company for more than half a century, as Veite has always operated by the golden rule: to treat employees, customers and suppliers as they would like to be treated.

The Veite family remains heavily involved in the business today, with Jim’s son, Mike Veite, serving as president, and James Harris, Jim’s nephew, serving as vice president. James Harris and Mark Veite, Harry’s son, are head installers and have been designing and installing fill plants for more than 40 years.

Cumulatively, the Veite staff has more than 100 years of experience in the cryogenic and high pressure industrial and medical gas industries.

“The flexibility and knowledge of our staff are our strongest assets,” Jim Veite said upon the company's 50th Anniversary in 2019, shortly before he passed away in August of that year.

are interchangeable with most major brands.”

Says Larry Meyers, Director of Industrial & Medical Sales (Americas), “It’s very important to us to give good customer service. We see ourselves as a major player in the market. We’re not box movers; we try to go above and beyond for our customers. We work hard to build strong relationships and partnerships with our customers. Our president, Tina Kuo, always reminds us that taking care of the customer is priority one. Giving good service and selling a great quality product.”

As Genstar Technologies embarks on its next 55 years, the beliefs in loyalty, respect and commitment remain as strong as ever. Says Meyers, “Besides being good company values, we think that equates to good business and good growth opportunity for Genstar Technologies.”

“Our customers may work with one technician on a small project, but they know that the entire team is ready to jump on the project, if that’s what it takes to get the job done. We place a lot of confidence and trust in our employees and provide them with extensive training to accommodate the heavy workload.”

Concludes President Mike Veite, "Our entire team is honored to work with GAWDA and continue the family legacy that my father and Uncle started 55 years ago. We look forward to living up to the standard that he set every day and continuing to let our customers experience the Veite Difference each and every day. Thank you to everyone who has made these last 55 years possible, we couldn't have done it without you."

D – Vern Lewis Welding Supply, Inc.

In 1969 Vern Lewis was working as a regional sales rep for Forney Industries. He was sent by Forney to sell to the state of Arizona. However, at the time, Forney was having difficulty securing welding rod, so Vern worked out a deal with Lincoln Electric that allowed Vern and his assistant, Ron Ruch, to sell rod to farmers west of Phoenix, which they did out of the back of Vern’s station wagon. However, around that same time, Forney decided to stop selling direct to consumers, and Vern decided to strike out on his own as a distributor and so Vern Lewis Welding Supply, Inc. was born.

The first Vern Lewis Welding Supply was formed in Avondale, Arizona as a warehouse location, selling Lincoln welding rod and welding equipment to the farmers west of Avondale selling only on the road, with the first retail location opening in 1975. It wasn’t long before there was a demand for oxygen and acetylene from the farmers. And, with that, Vern Lewis had entered the gas business.

Things were going well, and they would only get better when the company brought on John Bone in 1995, who is now the President Vern Lewis. Vern hired his daughter, Stacy Lewis Hayes, in 2004, who is now the CEO. Soon a new management team would arise and take the company to places Vern couldn’t have imagined. This team consisted of, and still does to this day, John Bone, Stacy, the company’s long-term business manager,

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Veronica Bone, and Vern's most veteran employee, Carol, who’s been with Vern since the beginning of the company. With this team in place, Vern Lewis Welding Supply grew from just two stores in the valley to the seven retail locations throughout the state of Arizona today.

Today, Vern Lewis has seven locations, plus a distribution center and 94 employees.

Says Stacy Lewis Hayes, "Ten years from now, we see our Senior Management retired, the company being run by our Middle Management (thus becoming the Senior Management), that management team mentoring the next management team and Vern Lewis Welding Supply continuing to be the premier welding supply of choice in Arizona."

50 YEARS

D – Analgesic Services, Inc.

Analgesic Services, Inc. was founded by Glen Brown in 1974 as one of his many activities in the healthcare industry. The company was later purchased by Jack Watson, who owned and operated the business until 1991, when Ron Andres purchased the company. Andres remains the major shareholder and CEO of ASI to this day.

ASI was presented to Ron as part of a business portfolio with other businesses and some of the purchasing group was uncomfortable with the “liability” that went along with insuring and operating a “compressed gas/hazmat” company. Where others showed apprehension, Ron saw an opportunity. Ron then appointed Steve Shupe, Geary Guy, and Jason Norman as Vice Presidents and, together, they set their sights on building a business founded on relationships. They believed that there was more value in a handshake than any signature in a contract.

“Through four guys and three trucks, they laid the founda-

tion for what principles and values continue to grow the company today,” says Lisa Blackketter, President.

Ron, Steve, Geary and Jason continued to grow the company and growth began to accelerate in 2007.

• In 2007, ASI relocated to its first fill plant in Sacramento

• In 2008, the company acquired the medical business of Central Welder Supply in Gilroy, CA

• In 2014, the company opened a grass roots operation in Phoenix, AZ

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• In 2018, it opened a location in Denver, CO

• In 2019, it acquired Summit Aire, LLC and opened its first industrial gas application

• In 2021, it acquired its first hydrostatic testing and cylinder requalification business in Rancho Cordova, CA

Today, ASI has five locations and more than 55 employees, but it is actively looking to add several new positions before the end of 2024.

“One of our philosophies that drives our growth is that we believe in delivering more than what is expected,” says Blackketter. “We pride ourselves when we get the feedback of ‘going above and beyond,’ because that’s our intention. Our company’s biggest differentiator has long been our focus on medical gas instead of the full scope of the industrial business. This has allowed us to provide clients with superlative services that cater to the specialty and high demands of medical, veterinary and dental professionals. We’re also able to have many rich and

S – Black Stallion (Revco Industries, Inc.)

Black Stallion was founded as Revco Industries, Inc. in 1974 by Mitchell Chu. Mitchell was joined by his brother, C. Edward Chu, shortly after the company was founded. In 2017, Steve Hwang was named President of the company, a title he continues to hold to this day, with Ed Chu moving into a role as CEO and Chairman of the Board. At the time of the transition, Chu said, “Steve has made numerous positive contributions and is a respected leader within the organization. With Steve as president, along with our experienced management team, Revco is ready to face all challenges and changes in our current business environment.”

At the same time, Revco decided to move forward with a name change, transitioning from its historic Revco Industries name to its current Black Stallion name. Black Stallion had been the flagship product line for Revco Industries since the company began in 1974 and had become one of the best-known brands in the entire welding industry, so the decision to move the Black Stallion name front and center was a natural one. When the decision was made, the company said, “The DBA

mutually beneficial relationships with other local independents and support one another in growth efforts or times of challenge and hope to be more support for their medical divisions as well when they purchase their gas wholesale with us.”

As the company celebrates a half-century of growth and success, it looks forward to continuing its forward trajectory.

Concludes Blackketter, “In ten years from now, we envision a team with empowered players and employee longevity in every department. If we are successful, many of our amazing team members will still be with us, in more senior roles, with more locations, training more team members, and be even more rich in the opportunities and relationships that drive our days. We will remain focused and committed to providing the best services at the best rates, by empowering team members with effective training, tools and experience to help them continue to meet their goals.

name leverages the strength of the Black Stallion product line and aligns the company and product brand identities.”

“Users of our gloves, FR garments, and other products know and trust us as Black Stallion,” said Hwang. “We want to leverage the success of Black Stallion through our entire distribution channel and capitalize on the momentum of the brand. We felt it was a good time to make the name change.”

The company says on its website, “At Black Stallion®, being different is business as usual. From our consistent quality to our expertise in marketing support, our goal is to be the best partner we can be. Our honesty will compel you. Our transparency will surprise you. And our creativity will impress you. Give us a chance and we’ll show how passionate we are about being different.”

Black Stallion has grown into the company it is today on the foundation of two key elements: a singular focus on outstanding customer service and a commitment to dynamic product innovation. That vision will help carry Black Stallion as it embarks on its next 50 years.

D – County Welding Equipment

County Welding Equipment was founded in 1974. The company provides a large variety of welding equipment, industrial gases, medical gases, propane, food & beverage, helium, and ultra-high purity. County provides superior services in a friendly atmosphere. Its high-quality products are delivered with excellent customer support – so you can make the most of your time and its equipment! County Welding Equipment's commitment, experience, and expertise in welding have established business relationships with customers that last a lifetime.

For 50 years, County Welding Equipment has been family owned and operated, serving the Broward and southern Palm Beach counties, conveniently located near I-95 and the Florida Turnpike.

“With 50 years of industry experience under our belts, we can answer any questions or inquiries quickly and accurately,” the company says. “As a family-owned and operated company, County Welding Equipment develops strong personal relationships with customers by offering customized service and high-quality products and services. Our team has the experience and knowledge to help you find what you need. We offer competitive prices and exceptional products and services.”

For superior product quality and performance, call on Weldship! We have met virtually every global standard or code, and have the engineering, technical and manufacturing experience to assure you the right size and configuration for your gas product transports and containers. Weldship is now ISO 9001 Certified All of our products are available for lease or purchase. In addition, we provide a complete testing service for required container certification.

Contact us today to keep your product safe, your fleet moving… and your profits rolling!

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D – Conroe Welding Supply Company

Conroe Welding Supply Company was founded by Yvron Simpson in 1974. In 1975, the company was purchased by Marvin Lee. At the time, Conroe had two employees. Marvin continued to grow the company until his nephew, Roy Morton left his position at the Chemetron Corporation as National Sales Manager to come work with his uncle at CWS. As the company continued to grow and thrive, eventually Roy offered to purchase the company from Marvin and continued to grow and cultivate it.

Conroe has been in the Morton family ever since. Today, Roy’s son, Ricky, sonin-law, Bryan, and two grandsons, Jared and Ryan, all work for the company.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for 50 years, however. "In the early 80's when the oil bust hit, times were tough. Conroe Welding Supply had to diversify to survive," says Ryan Morton. "We moved from selling just welding supplies to selling products in different business sectors, like medical and beverage gas. Conroe, being one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., has definitely been a helping factor over the recent years. Our city and the people in it are what make this place so special."

S – Oxylance

Today, Conroe Welding Supply has two locations, along with a sister company, Brazos Valley Welding Supply, which operates in Bryan, Texas. The company has about 45 employees. "Our company culture has always been one of family," Ryan says. "Most of our employees have been with our company for 10 to 20 years. Our employee retention tends to be great and that helps us keep a low turnover cost as well. Safety has also become another important factor we have started to focus on. We strive to make safety part of the culture every day. A big thank you to Vito

Oxylance was founded in 1974 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. Its path to success has been circuitous. Within three years of its founding, one of its founders, Bobby Levinson, parted ways with the organization. In 1981, Levinson invested in a start-up called American Thermex, a competing manufacturer of thermic torches. But after struggling for a few years, the company approached Bob Johnson to purchase the company and eventually right the ship.

However, Johnson wasn’t interested in running American Thermex. So, he approached one of Oxylance’s original employees, David Cowart, who had joined the company in 1976, to run the company.

Galiunas for his help in consulting and making safety a priority for CWS."

He concludes, "Our goal is continued growth. We have just installed a new fill plant in Bryan to take some pressure off of our main fill plant in Conroe, allowing for continued growth at both locations. We are also currently in the process of building a new state-of-the-art facility on a 6-acre tract located here in Conroe. The 38,000 sq. ft. facility will help us to safely provide our customers with a knowledgeable, reliable, and honest source for their gas needs."

“I knew it would be a challenge, but I was confident that I could turn the company around,” says Cowart, who serves as President of Oxylance. And the following year, a unique opportunity presented itself.

“My former employer, Oxylance, had filed for bankruptcy. So, in 1987, American Thermex purchased Oxylance and took on the latter’s name.”

With the acquisition, Cowart recognized the opportunity to greatly improve the company’s efficiencies. The company moved from Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama, before purchasing its current headquarters in 2004. The company also has a distribution facility in Chicago.

“The majority of our growth has been organic,” says Cowart.

“We’ve taken over a few smaller companies over the years to enhance the growth as well. But it has really been organic.”

Today, Oxylance has nearly 50 employees across its three locations. Its mission remains to provide top quality solutions designed specifically for primary metals and demolition industries. “We don’t cut corners,” says Cowart. We’re a forward-thinking company that believes in quality products and excellent service.”

“Two weeks ago, the president of our company was loading a truck on a Saturday,” says Dustin Cowart, Co-President. “It’s not often you hear things like that. But that echoes through our whole company. After hours. Anything that is necessary for our customers. All of us have keys to come up here and do what needs to be done in an emergency.”

That culture is what has allowed Oxylance to survive its turbulent beginning and continue to thrive for 50 years. It has several employees that have worked with the company for more than 30 years.

“I’m getting toward the end of my career,” says David. “I’m leaning on our younger folks within the organization to be bringing new ideas and thought processes to the table so that they can improve not just the business but also the lives of our employees. I’m excited about the future of the company.”

Concludes, Dustin, “A lot of our future will be driven by what our customers want and need. We’re willing to invest in the research and development to try to give our customers the best solutions. So, we look forward to continuing to grow with our customers and in ten years we will be wherever our customers need us and our products to be.”

30 YEARS

S – Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC)

Just over three decades ago, the Independent Welding Distributors Association (I.W.D.A.) formed the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC) and shortly afterward merged with the Key Distribution Group (KDG).

"We had a great starting point to build off of," stated Frank Kasnick, CEO of IWDC. "Over the last 30 years the co-op has grown significantly as Membership's combined sales more than tripled. Since formation, we opened an Indianapolis, Indiana distribution center and added a second distribution center in Reno, Nevada to serve Members out west. We built out a gas program and a branded specialty gas initiative, our PurityPlus® program, launched an online university and expanded our Weldmark® brand, to name a few milestones over the years."

"Like all companies, we must continue to evolve and change with the times. Most recently, our Membership addressed private equity ownership and voted to amend our bylaws to create an Affiliate Membership, allowing companies owned by private

GAWDA MEMBER

anniversaries

S – Association of Independent Welding Distributors (AIWD)

Established in 1999, AIWD is a buying group consisting of independent business owners with over 350 individual store locations within the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. AIWD helps the Independent Gas and Welding Distributor navigate our industry and achieve his/her performance goals by combining buying power and fostering mutually rewarding relationships among its members and with key industry supplier partners.

AIWD Members make all major decisions for the group as a whole, including what fellow members they choose to represent the group’s interest on their Board of Directors. Members also hand-select what vendors are official suppliers to the group. Currently, AIWD proudly purchases from over 100

equity to participate in our co-op. These companies are former independents who value participating in our purchasing and marketing programs and together with our Regular Members, we all benefit. This change was approved in April 2024, and we have signed on five Affiliate Members with more to come."

The IWDC is a cooperative formed in 1994, which leverages the strengths of its independent welding distributor Members across North America. IWDC Member companies collectively represent over $4.2B in sales, serving a wide range of industries. The common denominator is that these industries look to them for industrial, specialty, and medical gases as well as related equipment, welding hardgoods, and consumables. End-use customers served by IWDC Members benefit from having the unparalleled expertise of a local Member distributor who has access to national-scale purchasing and marketing programs. You can learn more about IWDC at www.iwdc.coop.

25 YEARS

welding and gas suppliers, and at every annual convention (held in the Spring), new vendors are invited to present their program to the Members for consideration as a permanent, approved AIWD supplier.

In 2024, the AIWD unveiled its very own line of professional welding products, “WELDSTRIKE.”

Kelly Horton, the Executive Director of AIWD, shared his insights on this game-changing move. "Our organization has always been committed to providing the best value to our members.

By launching WELDSTRIKE, we are empowering our members for sustained growth. Now equipped with an array of products, they can compete more effectively and offer superior solutions to their customers."

AIWD’s key mission is to provide the greatest freedom and value to independently-owned industrial gas/welding supply distributors and CO2 beverage carbonation service companies possible. AIWD: “The power of a buying group where YOU call the shots.”

GAWDA MEMBER

S – Lisam

Michel Hemberg and Thierry Levintoff founded Lisam in 1999 to address challenges in the chemicals and compressed gas industries related to the high cost and complexity of producing compliant regulatory documents required for shipping and using their products. The company developed software to bring efficiency and automation into the creation of compliance documents, primarily Safety Data Sheets and labels, initially focusing on European markets before expanding globally. Lisam then expanded from compliance-related document creation into EHS workplace safety solutions with chemicals management integration. Today, with offices in 20+ countries, Lisam software delivers smart compliance solutions in virtually every commercial market worldwide for both local and global businesses.

"Recognizing the ongoing regulatory changes that continuously imposed new obligations on the industry and often required massive reinvestment, Lisam was an early adopter of software subscription pricing to deliver evolving compliance needs without significant up-front costs," the company says. "As competitors struggled to evolve with the changing regulatory landscape, Lisam has also grown through acquisitions in Europe and North America, providing smart migration solutions and integrat-

ing groups of other client bases into our own software platform. This accelerated the adoption of Lisam's solutions and significantly boosted our market positioning. Through these efforts, Lisam emerged as the leading global provider of smart compliance and practical sustainability solutions."

A quarter century since its founding, Lisam employs 350 people in 22 countries. Ten years from now, the company envisions Lisam to continue to be a globally respected thought leader in risk management solutions that integrate core business processes with smart EHS and practical ESG solutions.

"We envision long-term relationships with customers who count on Lisam to anticipate market needs and adapt to changing regulatory landscapes. Whether now or many years from now, we plan to deliver innovative products with a deep commitment to sustainable growth and community development. We see ourselves as globally ambitious while locally sensitive."

GAWDA MEMBER

anniversaries

S – Northeast Pressure Vessel Testing

Northeast Pressure Vessel Testing was founded in 1999 by Frank H. Finn, Jr. Frank had worked under the direction of his father, Frank H. Finn, Sr. (founder of FIBA Technologies, Inc.) for many years, learning about the industry firsthand from this leading global provider of gas containment equipment and services. In 1993, FIBA was the first to receive a DOT exemption to use ultrasonic testing on cylinders.

Frank Jr. spent many years leading up to the approval working closely with the research and development team on this innovative, new technology. FIBA was the pioneer in developing ultrasonic testing to requalify compressed gas cylinders. Originally, Northeast Pressure Vessel Testing (NEPVT) was used as a model site to showcase the equipment and technology, and to provide customer training which led to a full-fledged business, specializing in ultrasonic testing and other requalification services with compressed gas cylinder maintenance. NEPVT is committed to advancements

S – Ratermann Manufacturing

Ratermann Manufacturing is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024. The company was founded in 1999 by George Ratermann. Like many in the industry, George grew up in the industry, with his father having worked for Union Carbide, specifically selling the Linde Power Supply line.

Later on, George worked summers at Baker’s Welding Supply, painting cylinders and helping to fix torches in the repair facility. So, he was destined to work in the industry from a young age.

In 1999, Ratermann launched Ratermann Manufacturing, Inc., which was followed later by the launch of Rat-

in technology, passing through efficient, precise approved testing methods to its customers.

Recognizing the many advantages that ultrasonic testing could deliver, in 1999, NEPVT was formed to meet a growing need in the region for retesting of compressed gas cylinders using the hydrostatic water jacket testing method and introducing the benefits of using the ultrasonic technology to recertify compressed gas cylinders.

Today, at the Westborough, MA loca-

tion, NEPVT provides cylinder retest and maintenance for the compressed gas industry, both large industry leaders and small privately owned businesses.

Frank Jr.’s experience at FIBA and exposure to the compressed gas industry has shaped his philosophy, which extends throughout the entire NEPVT team, allowing the company to service its customers through attention to detail, appropriate personnel training and meeting customers’ needs.

ermann Cryogenics. The company was founded on the ideals instilled in George through his summers working with his dad and in the shop at Baker’s Welding.

“Our company is based on listening to our customers and doing what our customer needs,” says CEO George Ratermann. “Every single thing we do, all of our processes, are really all geared around a very simple thing. We all have

one objective. We do what we need to do for the customer and understand that that’s the reason we are here.”

Ratermann has become a mainstay within GAWDA, known throughout the industry for its reliability. The company’s tagline is “Reliably Ratermann” for good reason. The company’s website says, “At the core of Ratermann are three principles that guide our work every day: reliable people, reliable solutions, and reliable delivery.”

Concludes Ratermann, “We really enjoy the fact that our customers are long-term customers. Gas distributors are in it for the long term, just like we are. So, my message to those

GAWDA MEMBER

customers would be, ‘Thank you so much for all the support that they have given us.’ They have given us the opportunity to come up with the next new products and opportunities in the industry and to be able to bring step-change and mode-change type products to the industry and that all comes from their support and buying products from us.”

As the company enters its next 25 years, it is well-positioned to continue on its massive growth trajectory. It has a wonderful leadership team in place, it continues to expand, and it has a loyal, satisfied customer base. The sky is the limit.

S – WIKUS Saw Technology, Corp.

In 1999, WIKUS Saw Technology Corp. was founded to mark the beginning of WIKUS Saegenfabrik Gmbh’s presence in the U.S. WIKUS Saw Technology Corp. aims to provide high-quality saw blades and cutting solutions to North American industries.

Over the past quarter century in the U.S., and since its parent company was founded in Germany in 1958, WIKUS has grown through its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service.

“WIKUS is continually investing in research and development,” says Markus Lusch, Chief Financial and Operations Officer. “We have been able to offer cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our strategic partnerships, focus on employee development, and expanding our distribution network have also played critical roles in our growth.”

Today, WIKUS Saw Technology has two center locations across the United States, including its main office in Addison, IL. Globally, WIKUS Saegenfabrik Gmbh has subsidiaries and partners in over 70 countries. WIKUS Saw Technology Corp. employs a dedicated team of professionals whose numbers reflect our commitment to serving our extensive customer base.

In ten years, the company envisions WIKUS Saw Technology Corp. continuing to lead the industry with innovative solutions. “We plan to expand our product offerings, enhance our

digital capabilities, and strengthen our global presence. Our focus will remain on delivering superior quality and service to our customers.”

To commemorate the company’s 25th anniversary, WIKUS Saw Technology Corp. will hold a customer-focused celebration in September. It will also promote the milestone through its website, email campaigns and through social media platforms.

Concludes Lusch, “Our 25th anniversary is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, the trust of our customers, and the support of our partners. We are grateful for the journey so far and excited about the future. We remain committed to innovation, quality, and excellence in everything we do.”

GAWDA MEMBER

anniversaries

S – Everlast Welders

20 YEARS

Everlast Welders was founded in San Francisco in early 2004 as a family-owned and privately held company with one goal in mind: to be a significant ecommerce player bringing to market inverter-based technology equipment for welding and plasma cutting machines as well as small generators.

“We knew we had to offer state-of-the-art inverter technology, easy to use features, and a great warranty, all at prices everyone could afford,” says Director of Sales Norm Sted, Jr. “This was a time when the Internet was becoming the new shopping location, open 24/7.”

Over the next two decades, Everlast Power Products has evolved into a multi-national company with distributorships in many countries. While the Everlast name isn't as old as some of the biggest names in the welding industry, it took a huge step forward in 2008 toward being competitive in price, product performance, quality, and service when we began to work on the release of the first generation of "Power" series IGBT platform inverter welders and plasma cutters.

Says Sted, “Our company is quickly heading to a new level of digital, microprocessor-controlled welding product. Many of these products have already hit the market with significant interest and a high rate of sales. Our goal is to have our custom-

S – Cryoworks, Inc.

Cryoworks, Inc. was founded in 2009 as the classic ideal of a startup. Founder Tim Mast Sr. was working as a salesperson from his home office in the cryogenic piping industry. His wife, co-founder Donna Mast, was also at home and got to see the product and the industry-first hand.

Tim was helping a customer who was having issues with the products and services that his previous employer was providing. “I got off the phone that day and Donna said to me, ‘Why don’t we do this ourselves?’” says Mast. “So, we started planning it and about a month later we were doing it.”

ers take a detailed look at the full range of products we offer, and make Everlast their next welder, plasma and laser equipment.

We will work every day to earn your business with our technology features, performance, warranty, and customer service.”

He continues, “Everyone at Everlast is very proud to be a part of this company and proud of what we have been able to achieve with the help or our distributors. However, we are even more excited about our future together, with our many partners throughout the welding and cutting industries. We are thankful for, and honor our partnerships with AWS, GAWDA, IWDC and AIWD Members, and I-car as they help us bring more of our technology and service to more customers in the years ahead!”

To learn more, read the full-length story on buyersguide. gawdamedia.com.

15 YEARS

The company began as a reseller, selling piping to customers out of the Masts’ house. A year later, one of the couple’s rental homes became empty and CryoWorks moved its operations next door. Two years later, CryoWorks transitioned from a reseller to manufacturing its own piping. Their company has grown and moved, time and again.

Fifteen years later, Cryoworks has become a major player in the cryogenic piping industry. The company continues to operate on the tenets that the Masts, who have since transitioned out of the day-to-day operations of the company set forth when they started the company in their living room. “Make it Happen, Make it Easy, Make it Fun.” Those tenets

GAWDA MEMBER

have allowed the company to achieve heights that the Masts could only imagine 15 years ago.

In 2024, Cryoworks was acquired by Crane ChemPharma and Energy.

“CryoWorks Inc. is a significant player in the field of vacuum insulated pipe systems, showcasing a steadfast commitment to addressing the challenges within the cryogenics and hydrogen industries," CP&E said in the statement announcing the acquisition. "Their trusted and reliable brand perfectly complements Crane's portfolio of highly engineered products. Stay tuned for groundbreaking advancements!”

S – Tekno Valves North America

Tekno Valves North America (TVNA) was formed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2009 by Jim Guitreau and Greg Leumas. At the time, the company was founded to market Tekno Valves to the Chlorine industry for water and wastewater treatment. However, it became immediately apparent that, in addition to the chlorine marketplace, there was significant opportunity to market a high-quality cylinder valve to the compressed gas industry through both independent and major gas companies.

“Our evolution and growth have been mainly driven by two things,” says Justin Guitreau, Executive Vice President. “Our people, and the passing of the baton to the next generation. TVNA has a group of dedicated team members who collectively buy into the mission of the company, ‘To market a cylinder valve of the highest quality with customer service and expertise that is unrivaled.’ In addition, the next generation has brought energy and new ideas into the business that will help it evolve and grow for years to come.”

TVNA operates on four core values that have allowed it to thrive for 15 years and will drive it forward in the future: unrivaled customer service, prompt delivery, technical expertise, and competitive pricing.

“Through these pillars, we strive every day to be the best partner for our customers,” Guitreau concludes.

GAWDA MEMBER

anniversaries

10 YEARS

S – DDS (Distributor Data Solutions)

In 2014, Dale P. Holt owned a $350 million electrical distributorship called Codale Electrical Supply, Inc. Matt Christensen was the head of IT for Codale, which was one of the first distributors in the industry to launch an e-commerce website.

“After spending nearly a year integrating to our ERP, designing, creating copy and adding products, we launched. Our customers immediately complained that they couldn’t find anything due to the fact that the product information was almost non-existent,” says Christensen, now President of DDS (Distributor Data Solutions). “A small percentage of the products had images, most had poor descriptions, and there were nearly no valuable attributes. There were no sources of ecommerce data back then, so we hired a guy to manually copy and paste product data into Excel and upload them to the website. It took him a year to create 11k products. This seems like a lot, but the problem was that we sold over 300,000 products, and we wanted them all online. This was our ‘ah-ha!’ moment of the importance not only of product data, but that there had to be a better way.”

Holt and Christensen realized that there had to be a better way. The two decided to launch DDS to solve the many ecommerce product data challenges that distributors and manufacturers faced and continue to face today.

“The early years were quite a challenge, as there were not that many distributors who were selling online,” says Christensen. “We initially built our product delivery around our API, thinking that distributors would easily be able to connect, and they wouldn’t have to store terabytes of documents, images and videos, plus the data would always be up to date. We later found that the ecommerce platform providers were unwilling to spend the time and resources to integrate with our API, so we

were forced into exporting our data in all kinds of crazy custom formats. This actually ended up being a key differentiator for us. We now have over 300 unique integrations that feed data into all different types of ERPs, PIMs and E-commerce platforms.”

Today, DDS has expanded into seven industries. The company is headquartered in Salt Lake City and continues to operate with less than 30 employees.

Says Christensen, “We want to continue as the leader in product data in each of the industries that we serve. We don’t want to just be the source of the data, we want to continue making the exchange of the data between manufacturers, distributors, software companies and end users faster and easier. We have recently launched our new platform, Acadia, and are now launching our Acadia AI products to help solve all kinds of data challenges that manufacturers and distributors face, through the use of AI. The future of our company is our new platform. This will give our customers more transparency and control over the data that they need most.”

He concludes, “We greatly appreciate the support of GAWDA and all of friends, partners and customers in the gas & welding industry.”

D – Gulf Gases & Technology

In 2014, brothers Chuck and Mike Wilson started Gulf Gases & Technology as a small specialty gas laboratory. Unfortunately, in 2019, Chuck Wilson passed away from heart complications, leaving Mike Wilson in sole control of the company. But in January of 2021, Clayton Bowman left Praxair after 15 years to partner with Mike in order to help “create a modern, expanding business.”

“We’ve focused on slow, concentrated growth and specialty gas development,” says Bowman, who today serves as President of Gulf Gases & Technology. “Our aim is to remain a regional technical resource for our customers, including independent distributors that like to dabble in specialty gas sales. Our customers have a direct line to the laboratory, meaning there’s no waiting for someone to call back with answers. It’s been a winning strategy for us, so we’ll continue to operate this way.”

Ten years since the company was founded, Gulf Gases now has six employees. And with the way that technology continues to rapidly expand, it’s a safe bet that ten years from now, the company will continue to look different.

“Technology keeps advancing rapidly, and that makes it easy for a company with ample cash to get into the specialty gas manufacturing business. We have to work harder to retain our custom gas blending chemists, luckily we’re happy to do it," says Bowman. "Ten years from now, it's likely we’ll have a new location since we are on-track to outgrow our space in a few years. There are a few markets we are entering soon, so that’s exciting."

He concludes, “We come to work with honest and respectful hearts every day. It’s about family and friends working

together to build each other up. Shout out to all our vendors and organizations that have helped along the way. We are very blessed and excited for what the future holds.”

5 YEARS

D – Industrial Gas Consultants

Rudy De La Fuente founded Industrial Gas Consultants in 2019 as a part time venture to take care of one client. That client, Foro Energy, remains a client to this day.

“Thanks to them, and a whole lot of other people in the industrial gas sector, I continue to enjoy my job and it is not a part time venture anymore,” says De La Fuente. “IGC was really started after the severe freeze Texas a few years back. We were out of power in San Antonio for four days. I had so many calls from people looking for help with industrial gas supply. It really gave me the confi-

dence to move forward with the concept of IGC. I will admit that when I first named this company, I thought I would be doing more consulting. Turns out the clients would prefer for me to take it off their hands and just get the gas to their site. Now clients include industrial gas majors, large regional distributors and large end users.”

De La Fuente credits his large network for IGC’s success over its first five years. He specifically credits God, his wife, Steve Castiglione, and Air Products as “key players.” But, he continues, “Growth has been due to many people

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within my network, those that that know I have helped them in the past and continue to call for added support. In the short history of IGC, I feel the biggest differentiator is the ease of doing business with us. So much red tape exists with the large distributors that makes them slow to respond. IGC can make a decision and propose a solution in a matter of hours and not days.”

The industry trend toward hydrogen and nitrogen has been a major boon for IGC, and one that De La Fuente credits for his company’s early success.

“The industry, in my opinion, hasn’t changed much in the last five years, with the exception of the interest in hydrogen and CO2,” he says. “I noticed this trend happening about three years ago and I started to study the market back then to prepare for the oncoming tsunami we are seeing now. I am glad I was able to see the signs of market change back then because I feel that we are way ahead of most when it comes to hydrogen and carbon capture. Covid enabled me to succeed, because when everyone was focused on oxygen, it opened so many doors on the nitrogen and argon side for us. Since many of the majors were allocating all their resources for oxygen, I was able to flourish on the nitrogen and argon side.”

GAWDA MEMBER

OTHER MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

125 YEARS

` Roentgen USA

120 YEARS

` Federated Insurance

` Hartman Brothers, Inc.

110 YEARS

` The Harris Products Group

105 YEARS

` Earlbeck Gases & Technologies

95 YEARS

` Koehler Welding Supply

` Maine Oxy-Acetylene Supply Company

85 YEARS

` Dale Oxygen, Inc.

80 YEARS

` A-Ox Welding Supply Company, Inc.

` Wagner Welding Supply

` Weiler Abrasives Group

75 YEARS

` Barnes Welding Supply

70 YEARS

` Atlas-Lenco Wholesale

` DuPuy Oxygen & Supply Company

` Humphries Incorporated

` K C Welding Supply, Inc.

` T.J. Nowak Supply Company, Inc.

65 YEARS

` Oxygen Service Company

60 YEARS

` Diversified CPC International

` Dennis Welding Supply

` Electrodos Infra

` John’s Sales & Service, Inc.

55 YEARS

` General Air Service and Supply Company

` Lake Welding Supplies, Inc.

` New Bedford Welding Supply, Inc.

` Red Ball Oxygen

45 YEARS

` B&R Industrial Supply, Inc.

` Buckeye Welding Supply

` Four Corners Welding & Gas Supply

40 YEARS

` Protective Industrial Products

` Trendex Inc.

35 YEARS

` Airco Gases

` Direct Wire and Cable, Inc.

` Three Mules Welding Supply

30 YEARS

` Discount Helium of Dallas

` Independent Welding Supply, LLC

25 YEARS

` Asterisk

` Church Towne Gas & Welding Supply

20 YEARS

` Airtec Gases

15 YEARS

` Alliance Distribution Partners

` Alloy Custom Products

` Cerity Partners

` Global Calibration Gases

` Nozzle Clean

10 YEARS

` Virtair

5 YEARS

` ANOVA

` Premier Cryogenic Services

` Safety Dragons Consulting

` Select Gases

Not All Aluminum is Created Equal

Don’t

let your customers gamble on quality and productivity with cheap filler metal.

There’s a reason that GAWDA distributors are universally considered best-in-class in the gases and welding industry. It’s because they partner with suppliers who can provide not only the highest-quality products, but who have the expertise to make recommendations based on years of experience with other like-minded customers.

In the manufacturing world, the weld is the backbone of quality. And the filler metal is the backbone of the weld. But to the layman, all filler metals are the same. Aluminum is aluminum, right? Wrong. The experts at Hobart® Filler Metals know aluminum. And they know firsthand that not all aluminum filler metal is created equal. While a strong quality aluminum filler metal may not have the least expensive up-front cost in the industry, in the long run, a premium aluminum filler metal will actually be the most cost-effective option.

THE HOBART DIFFERENCE

GAWDA members understand that the cheapest solution is rarely the best solution. By partnering with best-in-class suppliers like Hobart Filler Metals, distributors know that the initial price tag may be higher, but that the overall cost will actually be lower.

“When buyers go to lesser-quality wires based solely on price, they go through more contact tips, have more wire tangles and ultimately have more feeding issues,” says Galen White, Aluminum Products Specialist for Hobart Brothers LLC. “The welders on the floor suffer and are quick to voice their opinion

to upper management to revert back to Hobart.”

Cheaper filler metals can also result in:

• Porosity in welds

• Weak welds

• Aluminum shavings and fines that build up in the wire, blocking the feed and forcing operators to burn through more tips and liners

• Wire that tangles in the drum, leading to more changeover and downtime

Almost immediately, any upfront “savings” will be spent fixing problems caused by the inferior quality of the product.

By and large, customers are loyal to one filler metal brand. They adopt an “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” philosophy. The problem is that when customers decide to cut costs and go with a cut-rate filler metal, they quickly find that it is broken.

End users in high throughput industries like automotive, truck and trailer and shipbuilding are especially good candidates for value selling. Hobart Filler Metals are designed and trusted by a host of high-throughput industries. These products include:

• Hobart® MaxalMig® 4043: A popular aluminum/silicon filler alloy for general-purpose welding applications. It has a low melting temperature, moderate strength, moderate conductivity and excellent corrosion resistance.

• Hobart® MaxalTig® 5356: The most common aluminum/ magnesium alloy for general-purpose welding. It’s typically used in the construction industry, in fabricating

truck trailers and small fishing boats and in cryogenic applications.

• Hobart® MaxalMig® 4943: is formulated to be welded with the same weld procedure specifications as 4043, yet it doesn’t depend on dilution from the base metal to increase the strength of the weld deposit. The chemistry of 4943 delivers the same benefits of 4043, such as a low melting point and cleanliness, while offering strengths close to 5356 as welded and also the ability to post-weld heat treat and age for extreme strength gains.

Hobart's aluminum filler metal plant stands as a testament to innovation and growth. Customers should contact their district sales manager for more information on visiting the center.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

These products have stood the test of time and are trusted time and time again because of their superior quality. Hobart has the right filler metal to tackle any welding challenge with ease and precision. By offering a wide selection of tailored solutions, distributors can position themselves as trusted advisors, capable of providing customized recommendations to meet their customers' specific requirements.

What’s more, each lot of aluminum Hobart Filler Metal undergoes overhead weld testing and radiography for porosity and comes with a certified chemistry. In manufacturing, your product is only as good as your weld. Don’t let your clients risk the integrity of their product and brand with an inferior weld from a bargain filler metal.

As experts in the aluminum filler metal industry, Hobart is continuously at the forefront of innovation. They relentlessly strive to push boundaries and achieve a higher standard of excellence in aluminum filler metal production. Hobart Filler Metals’ unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with their proactive approach to meeting customer demands, underscores their position as industry leaders in the aluminum filler metal space.

And, if you or your customers want to see for yourselves, Hobart Filler Metals invites you to their new, fully renovated Customer Experience Center in Traverse Center, Michigan.

GAWDA members understand that the best end-user relationships are the ones built on trust. The client has to trust that the distributor has their best interests at heart. They trust the distributor to provide expertise and recommendations based on real-world experience. Clients looking solely at the bottom-line price are often not looking for partners. They’re looking for order-takers. But clients who are looking for a distributor who can offer value, quality and support should look no further than a Hobart Filler Metals distributor.

Building lasting customer relationships is essential for long-term growth and sustainability in the welding distribution business. By aligning with a reputable brand like Hobart Filler Metals, distributors can establish themselves as reliable partners committed to delivering excellence. This fosters loyalty and repeat business, driving sustainable growth and profitability over time. GAWDA members have a reputation in the industry as being true partners. And Hobart wants to be part of that partnership.

Hobart aluminum filler metals offer more than just welding solutions — they represent a value-added proposition that can significantly benefit welding distributors and their customers alike. By leveraging the superior quality, tailored solutions, technical support and competitive advantage offered by Hobart, distributors can elevate their business, strengthen customer relationships and drive sales growth in the dynamic and competitive welding market.

Reach out to a Hobart representative today to discuss adding their premium aluminum filler metals to your product portfolio. Your customers and your bottom line will thank you.

Sales & MARKETING

I am a Distributor

BY KEN THOMPSON

As an executive and advisor, Ken Thompson has been dedicated for over 60 years to strengthening manufacturers’ and distributors’ supply chain relationships through the sharing of best practices, managing disruptions, and coordinating visions and implementation of systemic technological change to further solid strategic alliances.

Iam a DISTRIBUTOR . I distribute “stuff!” The only reason I exist is because people who manufacture “stuff,” can’t be on every doorstep, eyeto-eye, nose-to-nose with everyone who might want, need, or use their “stuff.” I am hired to carry the manufacturer’s message.

I earn my spot in the supply chain. I advertise the manufacturer’s stuff. I promote it, explain its features and benefits, install it, train the client’s team in its use, service or repair it, inventory locally all the parts and disposable SKUs necessary to keep it operating and upgrade it as new improvements surface. Not only do I represent the manufacturer’s value to the client, but I carry inventory across the street from the client, carry the receivable, give the manufacturer economic replenishment orders, and pay his bill promptly. And, YES, I develop a relationship with the client, participate in his community, and see his family in Church and on the soccer field. I am the “local face” of the manufacturer.

My role never changes, but the application of my skills that new and changing technologies drive has me facing new challenges that I must learn and perfect every day. I live in the middle of this “supply chain chaos” and understand that the next disruption is right around the corner. We have become “seasoned veterans” of disruption management and accept the next challenge.

Disruption comes in at least two flavors. The first is external. Technology and productivity

improvements that manufacturers develop and clients’ demand.

The second is internal – things we must, as a company, change to keep us sound financially and a viable and valuable partner to both customer and supplier. If we must prioritize our “discomfort” exposures, we will first focus on our unfamiliarity with the rapid rate of change in digital ecommerce relationships. They are sweeping, and impact so many things we always bundled into our “relationship selling” approach. The mouse now resolves so many things we used to discuss face-to-face – or, at least, with a phone call.

Today, these “conversations” are between two ERPs – and we were not prepared for that. Our “out of channel” competitors, industrial supplies distribution companies in many of the MRO and Safety disciplines, are already connected digitally with our clients. They can easily pick our pockets in furnishing a whole spectrum of hard good type SKUs. The competitors announced “go to market strategy” include expanding their respective offerings to include an even deeper dive into our product specialties.

NOT SO FAST! We may be slow, but we are not dumb. Through incredible collaboration between a few of our Program Systems partners, we have API integrated Platforms that connect us with our channel partners’ ERPs. We can now play in those “BIG BOY” games. Not only can we manage “stuff” packaged in cardboard boxes, but we can thoroughly manage our “specialized pack-

aging”; cylinders, tanks, AND the logistics particular to their most efficient utilization, movement, and accountability. Further, our CONTENT affiliate has provided incredible imagery, articulated attributes, animation, and configuration, all syndicated – a research and identification tool that permits users to order the most complicated gases mixtures in confidence.

Our customer base, who, for many years have preferred to use single sources for the blend of gas/cryogenic products with associated hard goods, can expect our digitized version of the relationship to leave nothing unturned in exceptional experiences.

The path to success towards digitized relationships for the independent Gases and Welding Distributor has a proven template. The ownership will have to be unequivocally committed to adjusting to ecommerce technology. They will fund these changes without reservation, and they will find the specialized talent to CHAMPION the process across every touch point in the organization.

Embracing technology that enables full participation in the world of digitized commerce also opens the door to the endless horizons of Artificial Intelligence. While AI will be overwhelm-

ing in so many ways, there is at least one unique opportunity that will benefit both the user and owners of pressurized gases and cryogenic fluids. There is so much DATA already harbored in the ERPs deployed by this industry segment, driven by telemetry, that asset accountability, logistics, conformance, utilization, and transactional information, that reliable predictive analytics is at our fingertips.

Users will benefit in knowing that telemetry measuring contents, pressures, liquid levels, and temperatures provides all the data necessary to power automatic replenishment algorithms that become the backbone of predictive analytics. With these tools, vendor management of gas products can match those being used to drive VMI of all sorts of SKUs. Additionally, users will know the quantities and locations of the cylinders they have in use and will be able to easily reconcile invoices covering their use. In those instances where certifications and other documentation are conformance required, all such current data will be immediately available, accompanying each transaction.

Owners of these cylinder and container assets will know exactly where each asset is physically located. The life cycle of each asset will be known. Manufacturing history, required

GAS MIXING SYSTEMS

With thousands of gas mixer installations worldwide, Thermco has the experience to meet your most demanding gas mixer applications.

Capabilities

 2 gas and 3 gas mixers designed for: Ar, CO2, H2, He, N2, O2, SF6, N2O

 Mixed gas flowrates up to 56,000 SCFH

 Mixed gas pressures up to 520 PSIG

 Explosion proof for mixing H2 with N2, Ar

 Indoor and outdoor variants

Sales & MARKETING

re-testing compliance, documented maintenance and repair events, and disposal will all be captured for each specific asset. Further, the owner will know exactly how utilization is occurring. No one wants these assets sitting idle, gathering dust in fill rooms, dock inventory, third party testing and repair facilities, or surplus cylinders riding around on truck beds. They need to be in user service, earning a return on the investment. That will guide his future investment decisions, allowing prudent use of resources.

Now that we have re-configured our business to not only survive, but thrive in a world of digital distribution, we will need to examine the ways other technologies are impacting the products and services we are providing to our users. As distributors, much of that will be determined by matching the needs of users with the products of the manufacturers we represent.

In today’s atmosphere, it comes down to one simple description - AUTOMATION!

Many of today’s manufacturing, fabricating, construction, and production trades are experiencing shortages in skilled labor. We know that – we, too, are having trouble filling and retaining skilled people to power our business. Accordingly, businesses everywhere will AUTOMATE as many processes as practical.

Robotic processes – complicated and simple – are being deployed as quickly as possible. Some elaborate systems – full cells – handle and position material, cut, weld, braze, grind, polish, disengage, and package without the touch of a human hand. Some are simple, tabletop, single-function Cobots, still completing a recurring task with accuracy and duplication, with little or no human interaction. Robots and Cobots come to work every day – on time – neither sick nor asking for time off. No college professor has told them they are “entitled,” OK to be pajama clad, working from their parents’ basement, sipping a latte.

For a number of years, Gases and Welding Distributors have been involved in automation, but generally providing only the tip of the spear. Automation equipment suppliers would buy

MIG or TIG torches to integrate into delicate systems or cells.

In recent years, forward looking distributors have partnered with some suppliers to become more fully engaged automation design and process solutions firms. It has resulted in partnerships where Gases and Welding distributors are now integral with processes recognition, system designs, software solutions integration, installation, and user training.

While much of this is focused on the hardware side of automation, Gases and Welding Distributors are well equipped to “automate” the gases services provided to their users. They approach it as “just another utility service.” No different than the water line coming in from the street, the electricity from the nearby power pole, and the natural gas line feeding the HVAC system. Gases systems originate with the appropriately sized storage system – bulk and/or manifolds; vaporization, riser and distribution piping, valves, safety devices, and outlets. COVID has taught us to prepare for the unknown. Who will forget that vaporization, pipe sizing, volume and pressure drop issues would starve hospital oxygen systems to where patient rooms on hospital upper floors and distant wings became unusable in treating patients requiring COVID-related high flow therapy oxygen.

I have been called by many names through my sixty years in the “middle” of The Supply Chain – Jobber, Agent, Wholesaler, REP, and, of course, DISTRIBUTOR. It’s fair to say that our company has EVOLVED! We will continue to hold and enhance our place in the supply chain if we match our suppliers’ product and processes development with our customers’ needs and do it in an atmosphere of operational excellence. We will accomplish this by our disciplined reliability on Continuing Improvement. In so doing, we will fulfill the needs of our trading partners while enriching the lives of our associates and stakeholders. Yes, we can indeed be part of a true WIN, WIN.

Art Waskey has over 50 years’ experience in the welding and gas industry. He travels across the country consulting and giving seminars on business skills and has published 3 books on sales skills stories. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master of Ministry in Leadership Development. You can subscribe to Art’s weekly sales/leadership tips and monthly articles on his website. Also, check out his Posts on LinkedIn. For services, contact Art at 720-3419405 or artwaskey@ ispeakd.com.

IHave You Considered AI? AI applications on the rise

BY ART WASKEY

recently finished a Zoom training session with a distributor sales rep. As I started the Zoom, I received notice of a software update. I was asked if I wanted to add Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the session. When I accepted, I had no idea of what was going to happen. At the end of the training session, I received a pleasant surprise. Zoom AI had captured, classified, and cleaned our entire interaction. The results were amazing. I forwarded them to the trainee and the distributor owner. The trainee was able to review our session. The distributor owner received assurance of its value and I received pertinent information for the book I am writing on the subject of training.

In the same week, I had a similar software update from Prezi. I use Prezi to produce slides for my various training, writing, and speaking applications. My digital marketing specialist and I can’t wait to see the impact AI will have on enhancing those presentations.

These are just two instances that illustrate how AI applications are rapidly infiltrating all kinds of market spaces. McKinsey has declared that “AI is poised to disrupt marketing and sales in every sector.” They predict that generative AI could increase marketing productivity by 5% to 15% across a range of applications. These include

personalized content creation at scale, enhanced customer engagement, more robust customer and data insights, improved lead identification, and development (“AI-powered marketing and sales reach new heights with generative AI, Richelle Deveau,” Sonia Joseph Griffin, and Steve Reis, McKinsey & Company, May 11, 2023, mckinsey.com/ai-powered-marketing-and-sales).

DATA MANAGEMENT

To make effective use of AI for your business, you need to understand the role that good data management plays in its application. In a recent Forbes article on this topic, Simon Jelly (“Garbage In, Garbage Out: The Role of Data Management in Effective AI,” Simon Jelley, Forbes Business Council, Nov. 16, 2023, forbes.com/ garbage-in-garbage-out), explains: “Yes, you can use platforms such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard to write a marketing email or improve your product descriptions without worrying about how your data management practices affect these tools’ output. But that’s not true when your organization takes the next step on its AI journey and begins using AI-driven tools for things like autonomous customer support, supply chain optimization, and cyber resiliency (i.e., identifying and preventing cybercrime such

Sales & MARKETING

as ransomware).” Data is the basis of AI and drives its application. Its accuracy impacts the tool’s effectiveness, making the need for good data management imperative.

UNDERSTANDING THE TERMS

It is important to understand the terms that set AI apart from other technology. Jelley writes that autonomy is not the same thing as automation. He states: “Autonomy is self-sufficient and requires no human intervention; it can learn and adjust to dynamic environments and evolve as the environment around it changes. Automation, on the other hand, is narrowly focused on a specific task based on well-defined criteria and restricted to certain tasks it can perform.” AI is an autonomous tool, whereas a robot is an automation tool.

APPLICATION TO THE DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY

As a distributor, AI will have certain applications that work best for you. Consider the following reasons for deploying AI.

• Capture, classify and clean data – Distributors collect a myriad of valuable customer, internal, and vendor information in the process of doing business. AI can generate outputs based on that internal data whether it is stored in the cloud or on-premises. If that data isn’t properly managed, your AI-driven business processes might suffer the consequences. According to Simon Jelley, only 23% of your collected data will be “good” data.

Jelley suggests that after you have captured the relevant data, you classify it. There are 3 key steps to this:

1. Create the sets of definitions, labels, and groups you will use to organize your data.

2. Apply that taxonomy to your data.

3. Establish a single source of truth (SSOT) location for each category of your data.

Once classified, clean your data to rid it of the ROT (redundant, obsolete, or trivial). Redundant data can give AI the impression that something is more important than it is because it’s repeated. Once AI has clean data, it will help keep it clean.

• Lower the cost of doing business – One of the greatest advantages of deploying AI is the effective cost containments it yields. Reflect on these considerations:

• Inventory levels – As customers, distributors, and suppliers go through economic cycles, consider their effects. Disruptions can wreak havoc on inventory levels. Predictive analytics can make stocking levels a concern of the past. With AI, your trading partners can enjoy the continuous improvement (CI) of just in time (JIT) supply

from manufacturer to end user.

• Transportation costs – I worked in the welding and gas distribution segment where transportation costs are a significant factor. In one project — pre-AI — we evaluated how to reduce rolling return stock on cylinder trucks. We estimated customer cylinder usage before the trucks left in the morning. Despite our best efforts, some trucks returned with 40% of the cylinders unused. The cost of loading, unloading, and carrying these unused cylinders was staggering. Today, with the use of telemetry systems (the process of recording and transmitting the readings of an instrument), vendor managed inventory (VMI), and order history, a lot of data is generated. With this information, AI can be used to improve the proper frequency and loading quantities of product on trucks. In the welding and gas industry, this includes hard goods, gas cylinders, and bulk cryogenic gas deliveries.

• Pricing optimization – As a vice president of sales for a distributorship, one of my chief responsibilities was customer pricing. The arduous task of determining annual price increases was performed by reviewing spreadsheets and bulky print outs with each sales manager. This was done one territory at a time. Today, interactive AI can be used to sort that data and determine the right price for each customer. AI software providers boast that they can increase their distributor customer’s returns 10X to 30X with price optimization programing. Given those results, distributors should focus on adding pricing optimization software to their ERP.

• Warehouse automation – One of the best ways distributors can realize cost improvement is by improving material handling processes in the warehouse. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is already revolutionizing warehouse labor cost and can improve working conditions. With robotic automation, AI autonomy uses data to continually improve handling processes in the warehouse.

• Support sales team effectiveness – You will always need salespeople to add value to the customer experience (CX). They bring knowledge and experience to the deal. With the right AI applications, your best salespeople become even better. AI is most effective in sales when it’s treated like an aid as opposed to a replacement for key human practices. AI is a script. Use data to make your sales reps better prepared to create a more effective customer experience. AI helps salespeople provide the right product for each customer. It also can create business efficiencies for the customer. AI can analyze consumers’ shopping

habits, preferences, and behaviors and provide reps with customized client recommendations.

Incorporating AI in your business does require salespeople to create new habits. Every day-to-day activity that AI streamlines will change the flow of the sales reps’ process. These transitions are eased when you focus on the success of AI applications in terms of increased sales.

CREATING A NEW MARKETING APPROACH

AI is changing how marketing is done and is doing it fast. A recent article in Fortune, describes how Wharton School professor Ethan Mollick experimented with how much AI could do for him on a single, 30 minute project. AI, “did market research, created a positioning document, wrote an email campaign, created a website, created a logo and a ‘hero shot’ graphic, made a social media campaign for multiple platforms, and scripted and created a video (“A Wharton professor gave AI tools 30 minutes to work on a business project. The results were ‘superhuman’,” Steve Mollman, Fortune, March 26, 2023, fortune. com/2023/03/26/wharton-professor-ai-tools). Professor Mol-

lick’s experiment results represent a sea-change in how marketing can be done with AI.

A CHANGE IN CULTURE

Distribution marketing leaders have been slow to adopt AI. That needs to change. It's time for distributors to embrace the marketing advantages AI offers to keep them competitive with the other supply chain verticals. Their success will hinge on clear understanding, conscious experimentation, and careful consideration of AI’s many applications.

Change must start at the top. AI is a business transformation process. Be sure C level team members are on board and that employees don’t feel devalued. Business author Patrick Lencioni suggests, “If you could get the people in the organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time,” (mindtools.com/ lencionis-five-dysfunctions-of-a-team). Start rowing with AI.

The traditional distributor landscape is changing rapidly. The worst thing you can be is stagnant. AI presents an opportunity for continuous improvement. Use it as a tool to build your future success.

KEEPING YOUR GAS

FLOWING SAFELY

News INDUSTRY

Central McGowan Gases and Supplies Names Jason Kirby President

Central McGown named Jason Kirby as its new President. Kirby, who is on the GAWDA Board of Directors, comes to Central McGown after having spent the last 8 years with Oxarc, Inc. Prior to joining Oxarc, where he served as Executive Vice President, Jason worked for Airgas and Red Ball Oxygen. In a post on the company's LinkedIn page, Central McGowan wrote, "As Jason steps into his role, he's keen on making meaningful connections, understanding the ins and outs of our operations, and leading with a vision that aligns with our core values and aspirations. Jason has a proven track record of exceptional leadership and operational expertise in our industry. His leadership signifies a step forward in our commitment to excellence and our mission to serve both our team and customers as we grow toward the future."

Uniweld Products Names New National Sales Manager

Uniweld Products, Inc., has appointed Frank Vargas as the company’s national sales manager. Vargas has been with Uniweld for over a decade, most recently serving as a regional sales manager. “With his wealth of experience and passion for excellence, we have no doubt that Frank will continue to inspire and lead to even greater heights on a national scale,” the company said. "Frank's dedication, strategic vision, and leadership have been instrumental in driving our sales success regionally, and we are thrilled to see him take on this new role."

Chart Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Second Theodore, Alabama Facility

Chart Industries celebrated the opening of its second Theodore, Alabama (“Teddy 2”) manufacturing facility on Thursday, March 28th. This facility will manufacture the largest shop-built cryogenic tanks in the world, used for propellant storage in the aerospace industry, hydrogen and LNG storage for the marine industry, and many other applications in the sciences and decarbonization industries.

Quinn Kennedy Becomes Partner at Red Ball Oxygen

Red Ball Oxygen is pleased to announce that Quinn Kennedy has purchased his father, Larry Kennedy’s, stake in Red Ball Oxygen, joining his cousin Alex Kennedy as an owner. This move completes the transition of ownership to the third generation of the Kennedy family since Quinn’s grandfather Craig Kennedy bought the company in 1969, ensuring that Red Ball Oxygen will remain a proudly independent, family-owned company for many years to come. Since joining Red Ball in 2013, Quinn has learned the business from the ground up by working in a variety of roles including plant operations, cryogenic technician, branch management, outside sales, and most recently, regional sales management. He is well-prepared and passionate about serving Red Ball’s customers and growing opportunities for Red Ball’s employees and suppliers.

Tank Monitoring Software Company Otodata Appoints CEO

Otodata has appointed Jeremy Eaton as its new CEO. "We are delighted to welcome Jeremy as our new Chief Executive Officer,” said Otodata President Andre Boulay. “He is a dynamic, values-driven business leader who brings with him decades of strategic and operational expertise building and leading IoT businesses. His experience from Honeywell and McKinsey will greatly expand the depth of Otodata’s senior leadership team as we set the strategic vision for Otodata going forward.”

Jason Kirby

Frank Vargas

Quinn Kennedy

Jeremy Eaton

News INDUSTRY

Weldcoa Welcomes 3 New Employees to Their Team

Weldcoa welcomed Valerie Villarreal as its new marketing assistant; Bonnie l’Anson as its new product specialist; and Kristine Cassaro as its new purchasing specialist. Valerie joins the team from the world of video game development, where she led an international team and was responsible for marketing a popular game. Valerie is ready to channel her enthusiasm for marketing and teamwork into her role at Weldcoa. Bonnie is taking on the role of Product Specialist/Inside Sales and brings with her a wealth of knowledge from both the sales and operations sides of the business, underpinned by a strong foundation in customer service and administration. A professional with over 15 years of experience in the procurement sector, Kristine has navigated complex import channels for pipe fittings from Southeast Asia. She also spearheaded the successful implementation of a new ERP system, a challenge that honed her skills in optimizing procurement processes and reporting.

ESAB Corporation Welcomes Craig Patterson as Chief Information Officer

ESAB Corporation is pleased to welcome Craig Patterson as Chief Information Officer. Craig is a global manufacturing IT executive with more than 30 years of experience leading diverse teams across multiple geographies. He will lead ESAB's global IT function focusing on operations and strategy.

Cryogenic Technology Resources Welcomes New President, CEO

Cryogenic Technology Resources (CTR) has appointed a new president and CEO. Brian Holland took over the role on April 11, 2024. Holland was previously CTR’s vice president of operations, serving in the position for the last five years.

“Brian possesses the experience and skills required to lead the company today, as well as directing the future growth and overall success of Cryogenic Technology Resources (CTR),” said Chairman Jeff Winegar. “Please welcome us in congratulating Brian on his new position!”

ESAB Unveils its Massive Denton Facility Renovation

ESAB held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its newly renovated facility in Denton, Texas. The facility was built in 1965 by Victor®, an ESAB brand, and has served continuously as a core manufacturing location, North American distribution center and research and development facility. The renovation features a new Customer Experience Center for visitors to see ESAB’s latest innovations and state-of-the-art operations. The facility also boasts a world-class training facility with a new demonstration and application development area where customers can see, test and try out new equipment and consumables. And, as part of ESAB’s 120th Anniversary sustainability goal this year, the facility is powered by 100% renewable energy sources.

Kalle Suurpää Appointed CEO of Kemppi Oy

Kalle Suurpää has been appointed as the new CEO of Kemppi Oy. He will take up his role on August 1, 2024. Suurpää brings a wealth of leadership experience, having served as Vice President of the Valve Controls and Actuators business unit at Valmet Corporation, a position he held until his recent appointment. With an illustrious career spanning leadership roles at Neles Oy and Metso Flow Control, Suurpää is recognized for his prowess in product and technology development. His tenure at Nokia further underscores his deep understanding of innovative technologies and international business dynamics. Katri Sahlman will continue to serve as interim CEO until Kalle assumes his responsibilities in August.

Craig Patterson

Brian Holland

News INDUSTRY

Cavagna North America Announces the Appointment of Tom Minnillo as Territory Manager, East

Cavagna North America is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Minnillo as its new Territory Manager, East. Tom will be responsible for sales of the company’s compressed gas valve and regulator lines. Tom has a vast background in sales, most recently serving as Key Account Manager for another valve manufacturer. We look forward to Tom’s contributions as Cavagna Group continues its 75-year tradition of providing our customers with exceptional solutions for gas control.

Ray Murray, Inc. Welcomes Jon McNiece

Jon McNeice has joined Ray Murray Inc. (RMI) as the Regional Sales Manager for NJ, PA, Long Island, and NY. Jon brings a strong background from the energy industry, having recently worked in wholesale lubricants and spending over a decade at Praxair in the industrial gas industry. His customer-focused mindset and effective sales approach are highly valued by RMI, and they believe Jon will be a significant asset to the company for many years to come.

Elizabeth Morgan

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Elizabeth Irene Morgan, who passed away on February 13, 2024.

A devoted wife and mother, Irene worked tirelessly alongside her late husband Louis A. Morgan in the family business, City Carbonic, LLC, where her contributions were invaluable. Irene’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering support were instrumental in the success of the business.

Irene is survived by her two daughters, Tammy Eskew and husband John Ray, Amy Bruecks and husband Don Bruecks; and grandchildren, Hayley Goodger and husband Ryan Goodger, Jacob Bruecks, and Clara Bruecks. She will be reunited in heaven with her husband Louis A. Morgan, her son Phillip Eskew, and other cherished family members.

Dirk Van Dongen

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Dirk Van Dongen, the esteemed former CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), who passed away. The NAW announced the passing of Dirk in a press release on its website.

“I often told Dirk Van Dongen that he was a living legend. Throughout his four-decade tenure, he transformed NAW into a powerhouse in Washington. Dirk mentored generations of trade association leaders, including myself,” said Eric Hoplin, CEO of NAW. “He played a pivotal role in electing hundreds of members of Congress, all while advising them on the importance of free enterprise. His office walls told the story of his influence, adorned with photos of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and countless leaders of the House and Senate. When he passed the baton of NAW leadership to me, his graciousness and generosity were unparalleled. Dirk was not just a mentor but a friend to me and many others. While he will be deeply missed, the impact he made will resonate for generations.”

Tom Minnillo

Jon McNeice

Messer Americas Names John Tomasello as EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Messer Americas has named John Tomasello as executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Tomasello comes to Messer Americas from Stemline Therapeutics, where he served as the senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Tomasello brings more than 20 years of HR experience to Messer and led teams across Europe, Asia and the Americas. In this new role, Tomasello will be responsible for leading Messer Americas' human resources strategy and operations, including talent management, recruitment, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, compensation and benefits.

Steve Dodge Named CEO of Flame Technologies

Flame Technologies is excited to announce that Steve Dodge has been appointed as its new CEO, effective June 1, 2024. With over two decades of dedicated service, Steve has risen from VP of Engineering & Manufacturing to VP of Sales & Marketing to Executive VP, showcasing his commitment and leadership. Steve’s journey within Flame Tech reflects the company’s culture of fostering internal talent. His appointment as CEO signifies a new chapter for the company, marked by innovation and growth under his leadership.

upcoming industry events

JULY 2024

GAWDA Central Regional Meeting

South Bend, IN

JULY 29-30

AUGUST 2024

2024 Young and Emerging Professionals Summit

Virtual

AUGUST 6-15

GAWDA Northeast Regional Meeting

Atlantic City, NJ

AUGUST 13-14

SEPTEMBER 2024

GAWDA and AEA “Building Trust Through Better Communications Virtual

SEPTEMBER 4

OCTOBER

2024

GAWDA Annual Convention

Phoenix, AZ

OCTOBER 11-14, 2024

FABTECH

Orlando, FL

OCTOBER 15-17

NOVEMBER 2024

IOMA Annual Meeting

Buenos Aires, Argentina

NOVEMBER 2-5

IWDC Owners Meeting

Rancho Mirage, CA

NOVEMBER 10-15

GAWDA and AEA “Economic & Labor Update for 2025” Virtual

NOVEMBER 20

Check the EVENTS tab on the GAWDA website at www.gawda.org for more information on the events listed.

John Tomasello

Steve Dodge

A M

Red Ball Oxygen Opens 22nd Branch in Port Arthur, Texas

Red Ball Oxygen has opened its newest branch in Port Arthur, Texas. The new branch marks the 22nd location for Red Ball and represents “an important distribution point for us along the I-10 energy corridor where we will serve a wide range of customers from construction, chemical plants, midstream gas processing plants, and welding and fabrication companies. This market is flourishing, and we will hit the ground running.”

Port Arthur branch telephone: 409-710-0161

Arc3 Gases Acquires Dry Ice Operations of Medical

Moving Solutions

Arc3 Gases has acquired the dry ice operations of Medical Moving Solutions in Durham, NC. As a result, the company now offers locally manufactured dry ice in the Triangle and neighboring counties.

Valsoft Corporation Expands

Industrial ERP portfolio with the Acquisition of Trendex

Valsoft Corporation Inc., a Canadian company specializing in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Trendex Information Systems Inc.

MERGERS, PARTNERSHIPS & ACQUISITIONS

Trendex software has been addressing the needs of independent welding and industrial gas supply distributors since 1984. Trendex’s flagship Gastrend software is a complete and easy to use accounting and cylinder control software package.

“Joining Valsoft at this point in our journey will strengthen our commitment to excellence in software solutions,” said Soumitra Mukherjee, President of Trendex Information Systems Inc. “As our customer base continues to grow, ensuring a superior level of customer service is paramount and Valsoft’s expertise in this realm makes them the perfect partner to help us serve our customers better and propel our company forward in the industry.”

Kohda Valve and Cavagna Group Together for a New Industrial Cooperation Joint Venture

Kohda Valve Japan and Cavagna Group Italy are proud to announce that on March 22nd, 2024, they have entered into an industrial cooperation Joint Venture agreement, focused on Specialty and High purity gases flow control products. The products will be marketed and branded, as Cavagna Kohda products throughout the world. The details of the deal are not public.

Makoto Kohda, President of Kohda Valve and Ezio Cavagna, President of

Cavagna Group, stated about this new strategic partnership: “It will strengthen the market positioning of Kohda Valve and Cavagna Group in the High Purity Gases international markets, namely, in North America, in Europe and some selected markets in the Far East.”

Landmark Power Holdings, Rolls-Royce, and ASCO Carbon Dioxide Join Forces

Rolls-Royce, ASCO Carbon Dioxide Ltd (ASCO), and Landmark Power Holdings Limited (LMPH), are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing scalable solutions for clean power generation with carbon capture from mtu gas reciprocating engines. This strategic partnership will help enable power generation customers to achieve their net zero ambitions and marks a significant step towards addressing climate change. The plan is to make the captured CO2 available (utilization) for use in various industries such as food production, Efuels, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), cement and plastic production (utilization). The captured CO2 will also be ready for transportation should permanent sequestration be preferred (storage).

The partnership brings together the collective expertise and resources of three leading entities in their respective sectors.

EQUIGAS Acquires Correct Cryogenics, Inc.

EQUIGAS is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Correct Cryogenics, Inc. This strategic move enhances the company's service offerings and solidifies its position as a trusted partner in the Cryogenic and Industrial Gas industry. Correct Cryogenics founder, Rick Davis, is looking forward to retirement after an impressive 40+ year career in the industry. However, the Correct Cryogenic/ EQUIGAS family is thrilled to retain Rick's invaluable knowledge and experience as he takes on an advisory role.

Computers Unlimited

Announces New Bulk Gas Telemetry Integration with VMG – Vendor Managed Gas

Computers Unlimited (CU), developer of TIMS®, is thrilled to announce an integration with telemetry provider Vendor Managed Gas (VMG). This integration will empower TIMS® customers to deploy VMG telemetry products on their bulk gas installations and monitor them remotely within the TIMS® platform. With the ability to monitor multiple inputs simultaneously, each VMG solution ensures comprehensive oversight of gas systems and total gas management for all types of gases and containers, enhancing efficiency and safety for TIMS® users.

CryoWorks Inc. Acquired by Crane Company, CP&E

CryoWorks, Inc. has been acquired by the Crane Company and Crane ChemPharma and Energy (CP&E). The announcement was made May 1, 2024.

“CryoWorks Inc. is a significant player in the field of vacuum insulated pipe systems, showcasing a steadfast commitment to addressing the chal-

lenges within the cryogenics and hydrogen industries,” CP&E stated in a press release announcing the acquisition. “Their trusted and reliable brand perfectly complements Crane's portfolio of highly engineered products. Stay tuned for groundbreaking advancements!”

Airgas Acquires Buckeye Welder Sales and NLR

Welding Supply, Inc.

Airgas announces the acquisition of Buckeye Welder Sales in Newton Falls, OH effective February 1, 2024, and NLR Welding Supply, Inc. in North Little Rock, AR effective April 1, 2024. These transactions will enable a step-change improvement in capabilities and service reach to key markets in Eastern Ohio and Central Arkansas, respectively. Our new locations

in Newton Falls, OH, North Little Rock, AR, and Conway, AR will continue to offer a full range of industrial gases and welding supplies, servicing current and new customers in their respective areas. With these acquisitions, Airgas welcomes two new associates throughout Ohio and four new associates in Arkansas to proudly serve customers in the respective areas and develop their own careers at Airgas. Airgas’ acquisition activity continues to be a key growth pillar for the company, with these two acquisitions, and four others over the past 18 months marking 528 acquisitions in Airgas’ 42-year history. Through these six acquisitions, Airgas has welcomed 44 new team members to the Airgas and Air Liquide family.

News INDUSTRY

Central McGowan

Announces Acquisition of Bemidji Welders Supply, Rapids Welding Supply, and Red River Welding Supply

Central McGowan acquired a group of strong family businesses that has been in business for 78 years: Bemidji Welders Supply, Rapids Welding Supply, and Red River Welding Supply. Established in 1947, Bemidji Welders Supply has provided the communities in Northern Minnesota and North Dakota with quality welding gases, supplies, rental equipment, and safety products for decades.

Joe Francis, CEO of Central McGowan said, “The strong customer focus that has enabled Bemidji Welders to thrive over many decades was a great cultural fit into the existing Central McGowan business. Together, we are a stronger team with the opportunity to expand our services. We are extremely excited to share that Brian and Scott will continue in their current roles focusing on safety, operations, and customer growth for all locations.”

Meritus Gas Partners

Announces Three Follow-On

Acquisitions

Meritus Gas Partners announced that three of its platform operating companies successfully closed add-on acquisitions during May 2024. Financial terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

High Precision Gas, LLC, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, CA, acquired the assets of EcoGreen Industries, LLC, effective May 1, 2024. Founded in 2013 and based in Anderson, CA, EcoGreen is a supplier of pure and mixed hydrocarbon gases, ethanol and equipment to cannabis and hemp extractors.

OzArc Gas Equipment & Supply, Inc., based in Cape Girardeau, MO, acquired the retail propane assets of Island Energy, Inc, a bulk and cylinder propane supplier

located in Paragould, AR. The transaction closed on May 13, 2024.

Effective June 1, 2024, OXARC, LLC, based in Spokane, WA, acquired the assets of Gem State Welders Supply, Inc., based in Twin Falls, ID. Founded in 1966, Gem State is an independent distributor of industrial gases, welding and safety supplies serving the southern Idaho region. Gem State is led by William Watt, who will remain with the business for a transition period following the transaction.

American Welding & Gas Acquires Speed Industrial Gas

American Welding & Gas, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Speed Industrial Gas with locations in San Antonio, Taylor, and Pleasanton, TX. The Taylor, TX location is located northeast of Austin, TX near the exciting developments in that area. We welcome our new teammates who have built a strong business, in the rapidly growing Central Texas area. AWG’s new Central Texas locations will be aligned with our existing Coastal Welding Supply and AWG operations in Texas and Louisiana, reinforcing our growth in this region.

This acquisition provides yet another example for owners in our industry that they have an alternative; a family-owned peer that takes great care in protecting their organization’s legacy.

Lincoln Electric Acquires Inrotech

Lincoln Electric® is pleased to announce that it has acquired Inrotech A/S. Headquartered in Odense, Denmark, Inrotech is a privately held automation system integration and technology firm specializing in automated welding systems that are differentiated by proprietary adaptive intelligence software and computer vision which guides and optimizes

the welding process without the need for programming or the use of CAD files.

B&J Welding Supply Partners with Cordatus Capital, Form American Gas Group

Cordatus Capital is pleased to announce its recently completed investment in B&J Welding Supply. Cordatus is excited to partner with Jason Jones and the B&J Welding Supply team in the joint effort to pursue geographic expansion and growth across product offerings. Mr. Jones will stay in place as CEO, board member, and shareholder. In conjunction with the partnership with B&J Welding Supply, Cordatus formed American Gas Group to specifically pursue further acquisition opportunities across the packaged gas industry. American Gas Group seeks to partner with best-in-class independent packaged gas distributors with the goal of preserving the independent mindset, entrepreneurial spirit and family legacy commonly found in the packaged gas industry. Robert S. “Robby” Smith has joined American Gas Group as the President of Acquisitions and Business Development.

Haun Welding Supply

Acquires Fowler’s Welding Supply in East Windsor, CT

Haun Welding Supply announced the acquisition of Fowler’s Welding Supply, based in East Windsor, CT. The acquisition allows Haun to expand further into Connecticut and strengthens its ability to provide exceptional service to its customers.

Please note the address of Haun’s new East Windsor CT branch: 36 Newberry Rd East Windsor, CT 06088 TEL: 860-370-5071

NEW MEMBERS

DISTRIBUTOR MEMBERS

IMPERIAL OXYGEN LLC

169 West Walk West Haven, CT 06516

Matthew Giaquinto, Owner imperialoxygenllc@gmail.com 203-214-1943

SUPPLIER MEMBERS

3M

3M Center, Building 0223-04-S-02

St. Paul, MN 55144-1000

http://www.3M.com

Clayton Ciomperlik, VP, USAC ASD cjciomperlik@mmm.com 817-271-0033

AMBRA SISTEMI

Strada del Portone, 125 10095 Grugliasco (TO) Italy www.ambrasistemi.it

Carlos Pinelo, Export Sales Manager carlos.pinelo@ambrasistemi.it 651-359 3115

ATLANTA CYLINDERS

5405 Rafe Banks Dr Flowery Branch, GA 30542

http://www.atlantacylinders.com/en/

WASCO INDUSTRIAL LLC

15 Pearl Avenue Putnam, CT 06260

http://wascoindustrial.com

Wayde Sawallich, Owner Wascomachines@gmail.com 860-315-9225

WELD SHOP SUPPLY

102 South Main Street Morrill, KS 66515

http://www.weldshopsupply.com

Jon Lawson, Owner sales@weldshopsupply.com 816-352-4097

Ethan Short, Director of New Business Development Ethan@atlantacylinders.com 502-294-4354

CRYOGENIC INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

3806 Buckwampum Road

Riegelsville, PA 18077

http://www.cryogenicmaintenance.com

Carl Post, President/Owner carlpostcryoinsp@outlook.com 215-901-9000

DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY GROUP

1195 Linden Avenue

Boulder, CO 80304 http://distributionstrategy.com

Jonathan Bein, Managing Partner jbein@distributionstrategy.com 303-898-8636

ELECTRODOS INFRA

Carr. Tlalnepantla-Cuautitlan #9756

Tultitlan, MX 54900

http://electrodosinfra.com.mx

Antonio Flores, Commercial Manager aflores@electrodosinfra.com.mx 525-611-5125

SUPPLIER MEMBERS

(CONTINUED)

FLEXTUR

16875 Jericho Road Dalton, OH 44618

http://flextur.com

Mark Blakely, National Sales Manager markb@flextur.com 877-435-3988

HOLEMAKER TECHNOLOGY

651 Holiday Dr., Plaza 5, Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15220

https://us.holemaker-technology.com/ Kamila Christian, Inside Sales Manager kamila.christian@holemaker-technology.com 412-459-5533

PAT MOONEY, INC.

16 W. Official Rd. Addison, IL 60101

http://patmooneysaws.com

Patrick Thornton, Vice President patrick@patmooneysaws.com 630-543-6222

PROCESS INSIGHTS

14400 Hollister Street, Suite 800B Houston, TX 77006

https://www.process-insights.com/

Doug Barth, Director of Product Management dbarth@process-insights.com 978-941-2433

RELIANT DRY ICE

8590 County Road 12 1/2 Pampa, TX 79065

https://www.reliantdryice.com

Tom Chapman, Vice President of Sales tchapman@reliantdryice.com 432-260-0883

WATSON GLOVES

7955 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V5J 0A4 Canada http://watsongloves.com

Kirk McManes, Senior Director of Sales Operations kirk.mcmanes@watsongloves.com 604-874-1105

WELD BROTHERS, INC.

3259 Deer Creek Trail Richfield, OH 44286 http://www.weldbrothers.com

James S. Neimeister, Co-Founder, Vice President jim@weldbrothers.com 234-340-0888

1. Industrial Gas Safety for Gas Distributors

E-Book from CO2 Meter

CO2 Meter has launched a new e-book for gas distributors. CO2 Meter's Josh Pringle teased the publication at the 2024 GAWDA Spring Management Conference in an interview with GAWDA TV. The e-book outlines innovations in gas detection and safety for a variety of industries, and spotlight's CO2 Meter's new offerings in hazardous gas detection for more exotic gas types. Scan the QR Code for a free download of the CO2Meter Guide to Industrial Gas Safety for Gas Distributors and head to co2meter.com to learn more about the company's offerings.

2. ESAB Presents the Warrior® Edge 500 DX Welding System

ESAB has introduced its Warrior® Edge 500 DX multi-process power source featuring four advanced MIG/MAG WeldModes — THIN, ROOT, ROOT Pipe and SPEED — as well as an Advanced Pulse WeldMode. All WeldModes enhance arc stability, offer more control at faster travel speeds and reduce spatter for less post-weld clean-up. With Warrior Edge DX, manufacturers and fabricators can make good welders great, optimize productivity, improve quality, consistency, and simplify training.

“The Warrior Edge 500 DX enables ordinary welders to benefit from sophisticated WeldModes without needing continuous training or relying too much on individual operator skill,” says Arne Lagerkvist, Global Director – Heavy Industrial Welding Equipment, ESAB. “The intelligence inside the system makes set-up fast and welding easy. When using a synergic WeldMode, operators can fine-tune performance simply by adjusting the wire feed speed and trim control knobs, and the system will maintain optimized arc characteristics and deliver

excellent weld results.”

Warrior Edge systems also offer an Arc Dynamics function where the operator can set welding parameters and fine-tune by turning a single knob. Benefits include creating a more focused arc for faster travel speed when making fillet welds, adjusting arc energy for specific welding conditions, stability control for specific travel speeds, wire stick-out and better control of the weld pool, and weld bead geometry. Arc Dynamics works in all synergic WeldModes to provide customized control over welding.

3. EFC Launches Cymer-Qualified Neon Gas Recycling System, a Game Changer for Excimer Lasers

EFC Gases & Advanced Materials (EFC) is excited to announce the launch of its Neon Gas Recycling System, now officially qualified by Cymer for use with its excimer lasers. Neon is essential for deep-ultraviolet (DUV) lithography, playing a critical role in laser light production. This groundbreaking system offers long-term stable neon pricing for end-users and represents EFC’s commitment to sustainable technology, poised

New Products & OFFERINGS

to transform the rare gas and semiconductor industries.

Executive Vice President of EFC, Matt Adams, highlighted the Neon Gas Recycling System’s role in advancing innovation and sustainability. “This system, now OEM qualified, is a significant leap in excimer laser technology, improving operational efficiency and offering environmental benefits. It reflects our commitment to using chemistry and technology for positive change.”

4. Miller Electric Mfg. LLC Releases Cutting-Edge OptX™ 2kW Handheld Laser Welder

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC announces the release of its OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder, cutting-edge technology that will help fill the ongoing shortage of skilled welders across the United States and Canada and dramatically boost productivity up to five to 10 times. Miller developed the OptX 2kW in collaboration with IPG Photonics Corporation. The strategic partnership pairs IPG’s pioneering laser capabilities with Miller’s renowned welding expertise and excellence. The alliance advances laser technologies for the handheld welding market, which urgently needs a product that can help expand worker capacity amid the ongoing labor shortage.

The OptX 2kW is best suited for:

• Precision welding applications with tight fit-up with minimal gaps where high productivity is needed but automations are too costly

• Industries including precision sheet metal, HVAC and aerospace

• Sheet metal applications up to 5/16-in. material thickness

• Metals including:

• Steel and stainless steel

• Aluminum

• Galvanized

• Titanium

• Brass

• Copper

• Mild steel

• Dissimilar metals (e.g., stainless steel to copper)

5. Computers Unlimited Launches Advanced Specialty Gas Production Module for TIMS

Computers Unlimited is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation: the Specialty Gas Production module, a cutting-edge addition to the TIMS® platform. This new module is designed to revolutionize the production and management of made-to-order specialty gases, providing unparalleled visibility and control over the entire production process.

The Specialty Gas Production module offers comprehensive features that allow lab managers to schedule and adjust production work seamlessly, enable lab personnel to record progress in real-time, and provide customer service and sales representatives with instant access to order statuses. This ensures timely and accurate delivery of specialty gases, significantly improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.

David Schaer, President of Computers Unlimited, expressed his enthusiasm for the new module and its potential impact on the industry: “The launch of our Specialty Gas Production module marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to provide integrated, innovative solutions for our customers. With technology like this, businesses can achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction. We are excited about the future and the possibilities this opens for our customers in the industrial gas sector.”

6. WALTER Surface Technologies Unveils the New Super Singles® Variable Retrofit Welding Lens

WALTER Surface Technologies is thrilled to announce its new Super Singles® Variable retrofit welding lens, its newest addition to the industry-leading Singles family. This lens is an upgrade to the Super Singles lens with versatile new features to help welders improve their productivity.

The new Super Singles® Variable lens offers ArcOne’s exclusive HD Technology, which increases the range of visible light when looking through the welding lens. This allows welders to see color in its truest form, offering a clearer, more defined

view of their work area, helping to improve weld quality and reduce rework.

Key to the upgraded Super Singles® Variable is its remarkable dark shade range of 6-13, the widest range available in the retrofit lens category and the only of its kind to sport a digital display. With this wider range, users will gain increased flexibility to handle a broader spectrum of tasks, from light-duty to high-intensity welding, all with a single lens.

7. M.K. Morse Revamps Reciprocating Saw Blade Lineup

Morse is excited to launch a new lineup of reciprocating saw blades. Effective June 1, the reciprocating saw blade portfolio will move from a name-based convention to an application-based selection.

The Heavy Duty (HD) bi-metal line is the value option for price-conscious customers. The Professional (PRO) bi-metal line targets performance-driven customers, while Professional Carbide (PRO-CT) carbide-tipped blades will serve performance-driven customers with hard-to-cut applications. The Specialty (SP) line features multiple application-specific blades with alternative cutting edges – carbide grit, diamond grit, plas-

New Products & OFFERINGS

ter, and pallet options.

In the past, Morse featured an array of reciprocating saw blade brands, including Master Cobalt, Renovator, Havoc, Pipe Boss, Auto Salvage, and more. The four new categories allow Morse to be easier to do business with. The streamlined program delivers quicker blade selection and less inventory while still cutting the same wide range of materials.

Implementation of the new lineup will be a rolling change as inventory is depleted. Select part numbers will have adjustments, although overall, part numbers will remain unchanged. Discontinued items will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis.

8. Harris Products Group Presents Their Specialty Gas Equipment Training Videos

The Harris Products Group Specialty Gas Team is excited to announce the release of our newest training videos. The videos serve as a great resource for GAWDA Distributors to train new employees or as a refresher for existing employees.

Topics include:

• Fundamentals of Gas Pressure Regulation

• Single Stage vs. Two Stage Regulators

• Specialty Gas vs. Industrial Regulators

• Regulator Mounting Options

• Point of Use Gas Distribution

• Supply Manifolds & More!

• For questions about these new Harris Specialty Gas Training Videos contact Rob Tefft. Robert Tefft, Director of Field Sales & Distribution; robert_tefft@lincolnelectric. com.

9. AIWD is Unveiling Its Own Line of Professional Welding Products – Introducing "WELDSTRIKE"!

AIWD is unveiling its very own line of professional welding products – introducing "WELDSTRIKE"!

With an initial portfolio boasting more than 2,000 stock numbers, WELDSTRIKE offers a comprehensive range of professional welding products available exclusively through AIWD member stores. From MIG guns and consumables to TIG torches, ARC gouging torches, tungsten electrodes, oxyfuel tips, manual products, and more – WELDSTRIKE has got it all!

Kelly Horton, the Executive Director of AIWD, shared his insights on this game-changing move: "Our organization has always been committed to providing the best value to our members. By launching WELDSTRIKE, we are empowering our members for sustained growth. Now equipped with an array of products, they can compete more effectively and offer superior solutions to their customers."

GAWDA members shared the below posts and pictures using LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. We encourage GAWDA members to keep the conversation going all year long by using #GAWDA next time you post.

@earlbeckgases

Welcome back to #WeldingTipTuesday! Today we’re talking about one of the critical parameters for producing a lasting weld: welding direction. The direction you weld has a large impact on the behavior of your arc, the weld formation spatter size, and shielding…

@Chris Castiglione

Westair is family owned & operated since 1970. My grandfather laid the foundation of our legacy in industrial gases starting in 1970. As a kid, I remember playing in and around the facilities and being fascinated by trucks. I remember growing up in the industrial gas sector. My daughters are now old enough to get curious about my work…

@Central McGowan

Celebrating 40 Years of Dedication: Tony Rassier! Starting in the Fill plant and taking many different roles, from piping to backing up route trucks, and everything in-between. Tony’s diverse skill set and dedication have been invaluable. Now, as our Cryogenic Specialist, he continues to show his passion for excellence every day.

@holstongases

We are thrilled to announce the grand reopening of our newly remodeled showroom in Chattanooga, TN! Our store now boasts a modern, organized, and clean design that significantly enhances the shopping experience.

Arcos Delivers Solutions to Stainless Steel Alloy Welding Challenges.

Discover for yourself how Arcos stainless steel alloy electrodes can help you solve your critical welding problems. Call us today at 800-233-8460 or visit our website at www.arcos.us

Arcos Industries, LLC offers over 100 stainless steel electrode products to handle the countless array of demanding welding applications that challenge you daily. Our reputation for exceptional quality and outstanding service ensures that you can depend on Arcos to provide you with the finest in bare wire, covered and tubular stainless steel alloy welding electrodes.