INDUSTRY NEWS

Cody Patrick Named OEM Direct Sales Manager for Nikkiso Clean Energy and Industrial Gases Group

Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries’ Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group is pleased to announce that Cody Patrick has been named OEM Direct Sales Manager for Nikkiso ACD, a part of the Cryogenic Pumps unit of Nikkiso’s Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group.

He will manage and develop business strategies and opportunities as well as assist with the development of training and educational programs for the Group’s clients. Cody will be based in Houston and report to Ian Guthrie, Business Line Manager for the Group’s Cryogenic Pumps unit.

Metal Man Welcomes New Employees

Metal Man would like to welcome our newest employees: Anthony Turnbill, Betsy Foesch, and Olivia Schid-Wied. Anthony heads the shipping and warehouse duties for Metal Man, Betsy has taken over the Office Manager position, and Olivia serves as the accounting manager.

transitioning into the next phase of our history. William Gentry will become the President of Maine Oxy. Kelly Gentry is continuing her role as the Head of the Human Resources department. Jason Gentry will oversee the real estate group including Maine Oxy, GFR and GGR. Chris Campbell is continuing in his role as the CFO with additional responsibility in overall leadership. Larry Bates is retiring after 35 years as Operations Manager. Wendy Rosado will transition into Larry’s role with over 10 years of direct industry experience. Lenny Hall is taking over responsibility for distribution of Maine Oxy. Lawrence Grant is taking over the engineering and bulk installation department with the retirement of George Lyon who was with Maine Oxy for over 30 years.

American Welding & Gas, Inc. Welcomes Vanjia

Thomas as VP of HR

AWG is pleased to welcome Vanjia (Vanya) Thomas to her new role as Vice President of Human Resources at American Welding & Gas, Inc.

Vanjia has extensive human resources experience, holding regional and global roles at a publicly held company in the industrial gas industry. She brings a wide range of knowledge in organizational development, team building, talent management, talent recruiting, and benefits administration to AWG. She also has experience as an outside sales representative selling packaged gas and welding supplies. Vanjia will report directly to AWG’s CEO, Jason Krieger.

CO2Meter Officially Moves into New Ormond Beach, Florida location

CO2Meter moved into a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility on Runway Drive in the Airport business park of Ormond Beach, FL. The new facility will allow CO2Meter to grow its production, office space, and warehousing capacities as well as its training and service offerings. The move comes as part of the company's expansion plan, driven by a growth in customer demand and new applications, and will allow the business to continue its accelerated growth trajectory.

Maine Oxy Transitions to the Next Phase of its History

As of October 1st, 2022, Dan Guerin will be retiring as President but will remain on the board as Maine Oxy will be

Greg Brown Appointed as COO National Accounts for Wright Brothers Global Gas

Greg Brown was named COO of Wright Brothers Global Gas. Brown comes to Wright Brothers after nearly ten years in the wireless technology industry. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati Business School, Greg will help develop and grow the Wright Brothers Global Gas National Accounts program. He is a strategic leader who will work to create efficiencies throughout the supply chain and customer delivery experience to improve process, technology, and partnerships. Cyndi Blalock will continue in her role as Chief Development Officer (CDO), growing the National Accounts Program and VMG.

Otodata Appoints Alba as National Business Development Manager - CO2/Packaged Gas

Otodata hired Matthew Alba as its new National Business Development Manager, CO2/Packaged Gas, effective October 6th. Alba joins the company following more than a decade working as a Field Trainer/ Senior Territory Sales Manager for Nuco2.

"I'm excited to provide a product that I believe is needed now more than ever," says Alba. "With the ongoing shortages of CO2 and truck drivers, this is affecting our industry with the ability to deliver gas on time. Otodata can add telemetry to your inventory with the best equipment and the lowest cost in the market."

Jim Earlbeck Wins IWDC’s Top Award

Jim Earlbeck was honored with the Bob Jackson Memorial Award at IWDC’s November 2-4 Owners’ Meeting in Park City, Utah. Bob Jackson played an integral part in the formation of the IWDC. The honor is bestowed annually upon a Member who has “gone above and beyond” in their support of the organization. The Bob Jackson is considered the preeminent award of the IWDC. Criteria for the award includes strong volunteer spirit, supportive of independents, viewed internal and externally as a respected leader, engaged in our industry, community, and family centric.

Ned Lane Named CEO to Watch in 2022 by Family Business Magazine

CK Supply CEO Ned Lane was selected as one of Family Business Magazine’s CEO to watch in 2022. According to CK Supply's LinkedIn, announcing the award, "Ned has successfully led our organization for over 20 years and continues to passionately show up every day for our employees, customers, vendors and community."

Gas Equipment Company Moves its Corporate Office and Dallas Warehouse

Gas Equipment Company moved its Corporate Office and Dallas Warehouse. The new location is:

1536 Hutton Drive, Suite 140

Carrollton, TX 75006

972-241-2333

1-800-821-1829

The Elliott Family of A-OX Welding Supply Honored with Family Business Award

A-OX Welding Supply owners The Elliott Family were honored as the 2022 Boyd Hopkins Sr. Excellence in Family Business Award by the Prairie Family Business Association. The award was presented on November 15th.

The Boyd Hopkins Sr. Excellence in Family Business Award was established in 2003 to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of family-owned businesses to the economy and the region. This award recognizes multi-generational family businesses with practices and policies that positively impact local business, as well as the neighboring community. It has been named in honor of Boyd Hopkins Sr. since 2010.

Cryogenic Technology Resources Announces Two Promotions

CTR, Inc. announced that Josh Starnes has been promoted to Cryogenic Transportation Department Manager. Josh has nearly 13 years of experience with CTR. The company also announced that Cristian Diaz has been promoted to Bulk Tank Rehabilitation Production Manager.

OPW Clean Energy Solutions Unveils New Corporate Brand and Logo

OPW Clean Energy Solutions is excited to announce that its two lead brands –Acme Cryogenics and RegO Products – will adopt a joint OPW Clean Energy Solutions branding strategy and logo to reflect their common mission to design and manufacture engineered solutions for their shared markets.

In addition to the shared OPW Clean Energy Solutions logo, both Acme and RegO have updated their individual brand logos to align with OPW’s branding.

Control Devices Appoints Jim Norris as President/CEO & Dan Lammers as VPEngineering and Operations

Control Devices, LLC announced that Jim Norris (pictured) has been named the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Norris replaces Scott Kerns. A veteran of Control Devices, Norris most recently served as Vice President - Sales and Marketing and will now lead the company’s next chapter.

Industry Veteran Bob

Joins MK Products

Butler Gas Celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2023

Ranc

MK Products is pleased to announce Bob Ranc as their new National Sales Manager. MK Products is a family owned and operated company providing reliable and quality products to the welding industry since 1966. Bob has over 35 years of experience in the industry. His previous positions include Director of Sales at Weldcoa, Vice President of Sales with Superior Products, and senior positions at Thermadyne and Western Enterprises. Bob serves on the WEMCO Executive Committee, GAWDA Regional Chair, and GAWDA Safety Committee. He is the WEMCO liaison to GAWDA and Chairman for the Excellence in Welding Awards.

Weldstar Promotes Andrew Blatner to Specialty Gas Manager

Weldstar announced that it had promoted Andrew Blatner to Specialty Gas Manager. As Specialty Gas Manager, Andrew’s responsibilities will include overseeing the FDA Program; managing the day-to-day lab operations; leading the current Specialty Gas Sales Team and maintaining most of his current technical responsibilities.

Andrew brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to the company's Specialty Gas division, and it is thrilled about his new role.

Butler Gas will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2023. Butler Gas is in its third generation of family operation and ownership with the most packaged gas capabilities of any company in its region. Jack and Millie Butler's son, Jack, leads as Chairman. Their daughter-in-law, Elissa, is Treasurer, and their granddaughter, Abydee, serves as President and CEO.

Butler Gas begins 2023 with operations across two states and regional trucking throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, and Maryland. Its capabilities are that of a large organization: acetylene manufacturing, hydrogen and helium filling, tube trailers, accredited specialty gas production, medical oxygen filling, industrial gas fill plant automation, bulk supply in Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, and Oxygen.

With only three Presidents in seventy-five years, Butler Gas is fiercely devoted to growing its family business culture. This culture is rooted in the core beliefs of safety, people, customers, and long-term business sustainability.

IWDC Announces Charity Contribution and Breaks All-Time Annual Sales Record

The IWDC broke its all-time annual Member's spend record that was set in 2021.

“Our previous annual record was $304.8 million, and we broke that at end of October, right before our November Owners’ Meeting – we should easily eclipse $370 million for full year 2022,” stated Frank Kasnick, President & CEO. “This is a testament to the strength and resilience of the independents in our welding & gas industry and reflects the strong support from our Vendor partners.”

“We are thrilled to also announce that we raised another $11,000 at our November Owners’ Meeting bringing our 2022 total to $38,280 for ReIGNITE Hope in combined cash and product donations,” reported Keith Werkley, Vice President of Sales & Vendor Management. “We would like to thank our Members, Vendors and employees for their generous donations to this worthy cause.”

Encore Gas & Supply Launches New Website Highlighting ‘Mission Critical’ Gases, Supplies and Equipment

Encore Gas & Supply rang in the new year by launching a completely redesigned website which can be accessed by visiting www.EncoreSupply.com.

According to President Ben Anderson, “while we always received compliments about our old website, the new site more accurately reflects the company as it is today – in particular the ‘mission critical’ nature of the industries we serve and the products and services we provide.” Encore serves a wide variety of industries, the operations of which are too vital to be disrupted by delays, inaccuracies and interruptions with critical supplies, such as: aerospace, manufacturing, construction, energy / oil & gas, bioscience, food & beverage and others. We want to send a clear message that we deeply understand how important and time sensitive their operations are, and our ongoing commitment to support them accurately, on time, every time."

Exocor Completes Expansion of its U.S. Operations and Warehouse

Exocor Filler Metals announced that it had completed the move of its headquarters to a new expanded warehouse on January 1, 2023. The new warehouse more than doubles Exocor's previous space, to 10,000 sq. ft.

According to a post on the company's LinkedIn page, "The proximity to our corporate headquarters just an hour away in St. Catharines Ontario, Canada makes staying in the Buffalo area attractive as we are able to ship cross-border daily to draw on a large and diverse inventory to satisfy our customers’ demands quickly. This is a continuation of our USA growth strategy that had us add inventory in the Atlanta, Georgia area 3 years ago and looking at other areas more centrally located in the USA in 2023."