Congratulations to all GAWDA Members celebrating anniversaries in 2024
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.
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225 Years
PFERD
Supplier
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
ESAB
Supplier
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 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 16×4-metre, all-welded 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™, Rustler™, Rogue 210 EMP PRO, and Warrior Edge 500 CX, and Victor’s® EDGE™ Regulators.
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, LLC
Distributor
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.
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, Elizabeth, 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.
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 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 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.”
105 Years
Arcos Industries
Supplier
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.
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.
Keen Compressed Gas
Distributor
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 a sprint. Take the more difficult long and slow road.”
The company had a massive celebration for its 100th anniversary in 2019 and doesn’t plan to do a lot to commemorate its 105th anniversary this year. However, since that milestone, Keen purchased an equipment repair company called Power Source Repair, which not only opened a new geographic market for the company, but also allowed it new opportunities to become even more of a full-service supplier by doing full warranty service on all equipment that it sells.
“We’re very proud of our team,” says Keen. “There are not many companies that reach 4 generations and 105 years. It’s a great time to be an independent distributor in our industry. The opportunities are out there.”
To read even more about the company’s first 100 years, read “Celebrating a Century of Success” from the 3rd Quarter 2019 Issue of Welding & Gases Today.
100 Years
Delille Oxygen Company
Distributor
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 100-year 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.”
JAZ Brush
Supplier
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 customers 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!”
Rexarc International
Supplier
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 ASME coded and non-coded vessels and tanks.
“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 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.”
