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.
Mike Eatmon, Senior Vice President – Airgas Corporate Development, commented: “We welcome the associates and customers of both Buckeye Welder Sales and NLR Welding Supply Inc, and will continue the traditions of safe operations and outstanding customer service, and will implement expanded opportunities for growth. We appreciate the trust each business owner has placed in Airgas in selling their business, and the responsibility to carry that legacy forward.”
CK Supply Welcomes Eight New Employee-Owners To the Team
In a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, CK Supply announced that it had welcomed eight new employee-owners to the company.
The company announced the additions of Sherry Klaus, Sales Trainee; Taylor White, Welding Trainer and Technical Rep; Shena Watford, Dry Ice Lead, Trainee; Kerrigan Smith, Counter Sales & Warehouse Associate; Artura Dobbins, IT Support Specialist; Kyle Hoffmann, Service Manager; Reggie Lyons, Fill Plant Tech; and Marc Weis, Dry Ice Production & Maintenance. Congratulations to the eight new members of the CK Supply team.
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
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. B&J Welding Supply is the leading independent packaged gas distributor in West Texas. B&J Welding Supply has distinguished itself through its best-in-class customer service and operations since 1977. B&J Welding Supply is positioned as a trusted supplier of industrial gases and propane to the industrial, energy, agricultural, and medical end markets.
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. Smith started his career in the packaged gas industry, guiding his family’s business, Bob Smith Gas Products, to a successful sale to Praxair. Having firsthand experience, Smith understands the challenges and decisions that family-owned packaged gas distributors face. The team is excited to craft tailored solutions for independent packaged gas distributors.
B&J Welding Supply’s CEO, Jason Jones, commented, “Locally owned and personalized service is increasingly rare, B&J Welding Supply is setting a new standard by putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for exceeding expectations, B&J Welding Supply is proud to partner with Cordatus in its latest initiative aimed at expanding to new markets and elevating the customer experience to new heights. We understand that every customer is different, and that’s why we take the time to listen and truly understand their needs. By focusing on personalized service, we’re able to build stronger relationships and deliver exceptional results that keep our customers coming back time and time again.”
Kevin Lippincott, Partner at Cordatus, stated, “B&J Welding Supply has differentiated itself with exceptional customer service, product quality and industry relationships. We are excited to partner with Jason and the exceptionally strong team at B&J Welding Supply to support its next phase of growth.”
