Like 2024, GAWDA’s suppliers are expecting robust growth in 2025. But unlike 2024, they don’t have the same concerns about a potential election-year surprise looming at the end of it, tempering their expectations. While some suppliers noted that things like tariffs and inflation could dull growth this year, there was a universal expectation of a strong pro-business environment and growth across the board for GAWDA members in 2025! The following are responses from GAWDA suppliers across North America about their expectations for this year. We thank all of the suppliers who participated in this year’s forecast. Be sure to check out the GAWDA Online Buyer’s Guide (buyersguide.gawdamedia.com or download the GAWDA Buyer’s Guide App from the App or Google Play Store) to learn more about each of these suppliers.
Hector Villarreal, President
“I believe the Mega Trend for the next few years, created by the CHIPS act, Infrastructure Bill, and the Hydrogen Bill, will continue to fuel growth for our industry,” says Weldcoa President Hector Villarreal, who is celebrating his 30th year in the industry in 2025. “The reshoring trend that began in 2020 has continued to fuel new facility construction in the U.S. Of particular interest to Weldcoa is the new construction related to CHIP manufacturing. This trend has been very good for us.” Those factors spell a forecasted 20-25% growth for Weldcoa in 2025. Says Villarreal, “It’s no secret that the Spec Gas market continues to bring new opportunity for our clients. Our automated gas blending and automated analytical packages are in big demand. Based on client demand, we designed a new Medical CO2 system. The need for USP CO2 had come up in the past, but until recently, the market wasn’t large enough for us to dedicate our resources to come up with an automated solution. The growth in Medical and Pharmaceutical Industries is the most obvious driver. But the continued expansion of the Cannabis and CBD Industry, the Food and Beverage Industry and the rapid growth in Biotechnology has really ramped up the demand.”
Joe Krall, Director of Business Development
Select-Arc, Inc. will complete a 30,000 sq. ft. addition to its Fort Loramie, OH plant in 2025. This space will be filled with many high-speed wire drawing and spooling lines. The increased production output will sustain Select-Arc’s planned growth for many years and help contribute to a forecasted 5-7% growth in 2025. However, Director of Business Development Joe Krall cautions that a tariff war or rising interest rate could temper potential growth this year. “We are seeing a positive pattern and stability for filling production worker positions on all three of our production shifts,” he notes. “We saw this start in the fourth quarter of 2024. This change has made our lead times for new orders come down drastically. We are now looking to add salespeople in key markets!” Overall, Select-Arc continues to grow market share with its stainless solid wire, stainless flux cored and hard facing products, and by adding salespeople in key market states, it will be able to complement its additional production capacity.
Larry Cassesa, President
While an improving economy should lead to growth for all products, Abicor Binzel USA President Larry Cassesa expects to see robust growth in products tied to automation and innovation. “People will be looking to run their businesses leaner, with a lack of talent and trained professionals available,” he says. “The skilled workers are getting older or retiring and are not being replaced at a sustainable rate.” Because of that, Abicor Binzel expects to see growth of 8-10% in 2025. However, he notes, “GAWDA distributors are increasing their hold on the gases business, but are losing their hold on hard good sales. We are seeing pressure from many end-users to provide the same pricing to industrial suppliers like Fastenal, Grainger, and others on the consumables. Customers need more technical advisors. If the GAWDA member has technical sales/service employees, they stand a chance to positively differentiate themselves. Our products bring new possibilities to end-users.”
Rafael Arvelo, President & CEO
“The U.S. economy remains strong, and confidence in the new administration is expected to further accelerate growth,” says Equigas President & CEO Rafael Arvelo. “This optimism is driven by the increasing number of manufacturers reshoring their operations to the United States. As domestic manufacturing expands, the demand for industrial gases will also rise accordingly.” Arvelo expects to see a 15% growth for the company. “Our business with existing customers continues to grow as they expand. Additionally, we are bringing in new customers every month, further strengthening our market share in the country.” In 2024, Equigas acquired Correct Cryogenics. “Since founding Equigas in the U.S., my vision has always been to offer Cryogenic Services, Field Installations and Repairs. Entering the tank business was a long-term objective, and this recent integration has already proven to be transformative, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration that were previously beyond our reach,” Arvelo says. “2025 will be a strong year, but 2026 is expected to be even better as the new government policies take full effect, allowing us to see their true impact. There is no doubt that the next two years will bring solid growth to the Industrial Gas Industry!” He concludes, “EQUIGAS will mark its 8th anniversary by the second quarter and is thrilled to announce another exciting expansion that has the entire team eagerly looking forward!”
Dave Eckert, VP Industrial Markets
Industrial Pro, Division of Forney Industries
Three main drivers will lead to a more than 25% increase in sales in 2025 for Industrial Pro, a Division of Forney Industries, according to VP of Industrial Markets Dave Eckert. First, an improved market demand for welding machines with improved macroeconomic conditions. Second, Forney’s new product introductions, which address distributor offering gaps vs. their local competitors, and expansion of process capabilities to address market trends. And finally, market share gains with welding distributors seeking alternatives to big brands with reliable products, proven technologies, and profitability in every machine. “We introduced two new machines at Fabtech 2024 that are now rolling out to our distribution partners. These are the first of 10+ new machines in the coming year,” Eckert says. “All Forney Welders and Plasma Equipment are designed and tested to our specifications by the Forney ETS – Engineering & Technical Services team. Our transformer and inverter power sources provide demonstratable performance with excellent arc characteristics plus are CSA Listed. Distributor profitability is built into every machine.”
Sal Calandra, President
B&R Compliance Associates has had many highly experienced associates join its team in the past several years, which will be the primary driver of its anticipated 20-30% growth in 2025. President Sal Calandra says, “We expect an increase in sales with GAWDA distributors because they are very entrepreneurial and resilient. They are constantly seeking opportunities for efficiency in their businesses. These efficiencies are achieved by reducing compliance risk, training their people, implementing or improving systems and processes, and getting into new businesses.” As experienced employees retire from their businesses, systems, training and documented process will assist with the transition process of replacing these valuable employees, and B&R can help with that process. He concludes, “We are expanding our capabilities to include onsite safety services, act as a third-party administrator for drug testing, ISO implementation or support, as well as being able to provide analytical equipment. Our people understand the gases business and distributors’ potential needs.”
Matt Boettner, President and CEO
All Safe Global plans to expand its sales team and increase its inventory levels in 2025, according to President and CEO Matt Boettner. That, combined with anticipated strong industrial growth, will lead the company to 5% or more growth this year. As others have noted, tariffs and limited supplies of high-pressure cylinders could temper growth in 2025. However, “All Safe Global is internationally sourced with multiple manufacturers in differing countries to provide quality cylinders at the best prices,” according to Boettner. “I expect the new administration will have a positive impact on the U.S. economy overall. A strengthening dollar may offset tariffs and deregulation will drive growth.”
Paul Kinsella, President
“Overall, I expect sales to be level over the first half of 2025 with it picking up over the second half. However, market share will move between suppliers from those focused more on cutting costs, cutting service and carrying less inventory to those who provide the level of all three that distributors need today to grow their business,” says Exocor President Paul Kinsella, who anticipates 6% growth in an otherwise flat year for the industry. “Filler metals have become a global product and with that, much variation in pricing and quality with new players on the scene all the time. Tariffs could add to that situation. Consistency in supply of a quality wire is paramount to assure that manufacturers and fabricators are able to weld and weld efficiently. Distributors need to be assured that they have suppliers who carry adequate inventory, provide consistency in quality and focus on value over lowest price.” He concludes, “Distributors should be focused on what value they can bring to their customers and rely on suppliers that support that. Distributors need suppliers who are focused on their products and treat the business through distributors as if it were their own. As a supplier, I live daily with the tremendous responsibility of knowing that by a distributor placing my wire in a customer’s facility, in some small way they are entrusting their entire business and reputation with me. Failing is not an option.”
Doug Morton, VP of Sales
Eleet Cryogenics, Inc. expects to see double-digit growth in 2025 as the company “continues to focus on our strength areas and not get distracted,” according to VP of Sales Doug Morton. This year, Eleet will continue to add staff to provide the value-added and solution-based expertise to its industrial gas distributors. “We have in-depth knowledge related to everything on the bulk tank pad from manifold design and vaporizer sizing to ensure the proper equipment is being purchased and installed. In addition to the stationary equipment, our Scorpion portable/mobile units and the Durabulk delivery units continue to gain traction.” These units allow distributors to achieve more control and ownership of the supply chain to fill their own micro-bulk and small bulk tanks vs. having to rely on the major gas companies to fill them, according to Morton. He concludes, “We have a few new product lines that we will be emphasizing this year, as well as services that we will roll out in 2025. We know that many distributors will be able to benefit greatly from these unique items.”
Dave Mathews, Partner
The continued frequency of billion-dollar natural disasters, social inflation, nuclear verdicts and the increased cost of healthcare are just a few of the driving factors that lead Sterling Seacrest Pritchard to forecast a growth of 10% in 2025, according to Partner Dave Mathews. “For the insurance industry, we expect sales (premium growth), to be up,” he summarizes. For GAWDA distributors, he notes that much of this depends on geography. “Distributors in locations with lower natural disaster risk and in states with friendly business environments will have better insurance renewals (assuming favorable loss history and good risk management).” He concludes, “I think the economy and a positive business environment will continue to push growth. The new administration could be a mixed bag. Tariffs, immigration reform and territorial disputes could slow business. Decreasing regulations and tax incentives can be a catalyst for business.”
Tom Kairys, VP of Sales & Marketing
With a solid backlog and robust quoting, CP Industries expects to see its sales increase year-over-year in 2025, according to VP of Sales & Marketing Tom Kairys. For the industry at large, Kairys says it depends on what markets you’re involved in. “It all depends on the new administration and how they intend to handle some key issues like renewable energy, which is a large portion of CPI’s commercial efforts. Domestic oil and gas will see a spike, and if your business is involved in domestic production, then you should see increased activity in that market segment. CPI is in a good position because of our diverse customer base. Companies that are not diversified will suffer with the new administration.” He continues, “GAWDA distributors should continue seeking self-sufficiency in the gas market segment. They should continue to buy their own assets and generate income from these assets. Items such as tube trailers, ASME ground storage modules, and cryo bulk tanks can help solidify long term relationships with their core gas customer base by getting these customers under longer-term supply agreements. CPI can help by providing quality DOT/ISO trailers and modules and ASME ground storage modules that can be installed at customer sites to help with this effort.”
Michael Arcieri, Vice President of Sales
Weldship Corporation has positioned itself to provide its customers with quick delivery times by investing in the materials to build tube trailers and ISO containers ahead of time, so that delivery schedules are expedited for those who place orders. That will be a large contributing factor in an expired 10% growth in 2025, according to Vice President of Sales Mike Arcieri. “We expect sales to be up based on market trends and customer engagement towards the end of 2024. Weldship has always planned ahead and invested in materials to build tube trailers before receiving orders, providing customers with the shortest possible delivery times.” The company is currently working towards expanding its locations to offer a greater global presence and provide an easier solution for overseas retesting. Concludes Arcieri, “In addition to expanding our presence globally, Weldship expects another great year of engaging with our suppliers to be able to provide our customers with the best possible equipment in a timely fashion throughout 2025.”
Chris Finn, Chief Commercial Officer
While “there is a general state of flux across most sectors,” according to FIBA Technologies Chris Finn, “some, such as microchip manufacturing, have the potential for major growth.” FIBA operates in global markets, so it is impacted by major factors around the world, including industrial development, politics, the environment and more. Considering all of that, the company anticipates a 10% increase in sales in 2025. “Many of FIBA’s customers have experienced impressive growth recently and we see them sustaining that trajectory due to careful planning and judicious investments.” FIBA has also increased the availability of trailers for lease, which has been very well-received. FIBA anticipates starting production of high-pressure gas vessels in its new Sweden plant in 2025, marking FIBA’s first European site.
Steven Wengerd, Vice President of Sales
Flextur anticipates sales growth of 20% or more in 2025 based on a number of key factors including overall consumer confidence, market volatility, and increased investment in CAPEX and infrastructure, says VP of Sales Steven Wengerd. “Distribution plays a critical role in bringing innovative solutions to market and addressing end-user challenges. Flextur remains fully committed to supporting GAWDA distributors through a robust distribution strategy. Many solutions exist, but the ongoing challenge lies in effectively connecting those solutions to customers’ specific needs.” He continues, “As a manufacturer, we constantly improve our operational capabilities and efficiencies. Recently, we’ve commissioned a high-capacity powder coating line, expanded press brake capacity, and introduced laser welding capabilities. These advancements allow us to meet growing demand while exceeding customer expectations. Additionally, we’ve launched a customer applications lab, enabling us to collaborate closely with customers and develop tailored solutions to address their unique needs effectively.” Wengerd concludes, “We are excited to collaborate with companies to help them work more efficiently and look forward to leveraging new opportunities in this dynamic landscape.”
Bill Hald, Head of Technical Sales and Business Development
“We anticipate sales increases in the valve sector on multiple fronts,” says Rotarex North America Head of Technical Sales and Business Development Bill Hald. “Overall growth will continue to drive demand for gas packages. We are also seeing interest from distributors and users to find ways to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. What technology and features can help a supplier better compete and offer a unique solution to their end customers? For example, digital gauges, telemetry, and integrated valve/regulators.” Rotarex is currently building a brand new state-of-the-art factory near its current facility in Luxembourg. The new factory will offer increased capacity and efficiency, as well as incorporating a number of environmentally-conscious technologies. The company is also expanding its industrial VIPR (integrated valve+regulator) line, featuring a compact lighter-weight design. It will also launch its next-generation medical VIPR, including the latest digital gauge technology. Concludes Hald, “In a constantly evolving marketplace, it is always important to have a good exchange of information with suppliers and manufacturers. When your supply partners are as up-to-date as possible with forecast and demands, a collaborative effort can be made to maintain a steady supply of product and mitigate interruptions. New and emerging product technologies can also help distributors take advantage of market opportunities, either due to growth or new materials being needed.”
Anthony Nighswander, President
“With the training offered to our distributors on our systems, we expect that they have the potential to be incredibly aggressive this year,” says APT Manufacturing Solutions President Anthony Nighswander, who predicts a 20% increase in sales in 2025. He predicts that reshoring back to the U.S. will bring with it labor challenges, which logically will be met with robotics. “The opportunities for cobots in manufacturing will give the low to mid-volume fabrication shops an edge to produce more products competitively,” he says. “With the cobot market reaching billions in US dollars in 2025, it has been on an upward trend with no stopping in sight. For starters, the cobots are smarter, easier, safer, and faster.” New for 2025, APT Manufacturing has a line of weld tables with down draft fume extractors, accessories, and fixture tooling. “We offer our very popular 20-hour training course for both the distributor and end user. They get both classroom and hands-on programming on our equipment. We also just added a 25,000 sq ft warehouse to inventory our products for quick delivery.”
Travis Lenander, CEO
An increased demand for gas safety solutions, regulatory updates and expansions into key markets such as industrial gas, pharmaceutical, dry ice, and food/beverage will lead CO2Meter to a 15-20% growth in 2025, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. “We expect sales to be up with GAWDA distributors working with CO2Meter gas safety solutions due to our continued efforts with on-site and off-site gas safety trainings,” CEO Travis Lenander says. “This growth is driven by increased customer demand for fixed gas safety monitors due to heightened compliance pressures focusing on worker safety across the industry.” The company has several new product and service offerings for 2025. CO2Meter’s new Power Monitor Unit and Central Display Unit solutions provide reliable notification of power loss and a centralized display option for multi-gas safety solutions. The company also expanded its gas equipment services to provide its partners with gas equipment installation, calibration, and certification services. Concludes Lenander, “Continued education and awareness about gas safety in the workplace will drive growth in our sector, specifically. Partnering with organizations like GAWDA to create content or host events focused on safety compliance can help adopt technologies.”
Jimmy Walker, President
With a new administration in place, there is more optimism about the future, according to Saf-T-Cart President Jimmy Walker. That optimism has distributors more willing to spend on capital investments, leading Saf-T-Cart to predict 10% growth in 2025. One of the industries that Walker is most optimistic about heading into the new year is the construction industry, which would be a boon for Saf-T-Cart. Though the company doesn’t have any plans to introduce new products in 2025, its recent truck shop expansion and office renovations has the company primed to produce and store more product than it had previously, which will also help contribute to its growth projections.
Jon Davignon, Vice President
Galiso, Inc. is forecasting a level to 5% increase in sales in 2025. According to Vice President Jon Davignon, that is on the heels of a significant increase in 2024. “New technology gives us new markets. I think there is a focus on technology more so now than in the past, and this moves our customers to invest so they are not left behind. Our products are constantly evolving and we have a keen interest in technology to make the life of our customers easier and more efficient. AI, in its purest form, could be used to remove unnecessary decision making that can consume a lot of time and put companies at risk,” Davignon says. He continues, “Our business is constantly expanding. Most often, this is through relationships with existing customers that bring in new opportunities, or they have expressed frustration with their existing state, and a willingness to invest and improve. Relationship is key. We have an online catalog and will update it with new products when we have the time.” He expects the new administration to be positive for American business, but expressed reservations for what it might mean for international sales. “I foresee a new economy with the focus on American businesses moved to the forefront. I think it will be good for our industry. I have reservation on how we will be affected by the tariff proposals and likely retaliation on our overseas sales. We are an International Company with approximately 25% of our overall sales to foreign countries.”
Philip Steele, AIF Partner
Cerity Partners partnered with GAWDA in 2024 to introduce the Member Pooled Employer Program (PEP). AIF Partner Philip Steele joined GAWDA TV and spoke at GAWDA’s 2024 Annual Convention to discuss the robust benefits that the new program offers to members. Steele expects to see growth for Cerity Partners in 2025 “as members become more familiar with our firm’s value and resources.” He continues, “Our national footprint will continue to expand beyond our current 40 locations staffed by over 1,200 team members enabling us to provide GAWDA members with even more local on-site services. This expansion will help our firm continue to achieve our historic and industry-leading growth. Price compression in the retirement services area of employee benefits allows for members to reduce overall plan costs while enhancing the overall quality of their retirement offering.” For the industry at large, Steele says, “We believe the new administration will be very positive for the U.S. economy with favorable easing of regulatory constraints and improved corporate lending.”
Brittany Carrico, CEO
USA Cylinder Corporation acquired California Cylinder in February 2025, a move that marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to quality, growth and exceptional service. It will also help drive an anticipated 20-30% growth this year, according to CEO Brittan Carrico. “I believe our sales will increase this year because we have large inventory levels, which will help if there is extra tariff and duties added onto cost for any products or materials coming into the country,” she says. “We also opened our headquarters in Columbia, TN so we will be able to provide even faster lead times and help solve some shipping costs we have encountered at our California location.” In addition, she says, “Having two locations will let us expand our business and help our shipping lead times and cost. USA Cylinder is ready to expand our customer base and grow the amount of services we can provide in the industry.” She concludes, “I believe that our economy will become strong and has a lot to rebuild, which will truly expand our business in this industry. The tariffs will impact certain areas of this industry, but, as a whole, I feel it will expand our industry in many ways.”
Joey Salvucci, Marketing Manager
“The last few years, Anthony Carts has been focused on expanding our product line, reintroducing cradles, and developing new details like built-in ramps on our cages and pallets. We are always looking for ways to increase the value and usability of our products and it ends up differentiating us from our competitors,” says Anthony Carts Marketing Coordinator Joey Salvucci. “These innovations, along with the increasing demand for gases—especially in new technologies—lead us to believe that stable industries like medical and industrial will not only remain steady but also contribute to growth in 2025”, says Salvucci. “In terms of marketing, we are introducing a new 3D video series which highlights and effectively teaches our customers about the most important features of each product.”
Brad Heraghty, National Account Manager
With the aerospace and oil and gas industries looking strong, especially in the second half of the year, Norton Abrasives is cautiously optimistic for 2025, according to National Account Manager Brad Heraghty. This, even as the automotive industry continues to trend downward, watering down growth. “For distributors, the first part of the year should be used to get ready to capitalize once the demand hits,” says Heraghty. “Doing things like updating and refreshing merchandising displays, learning the new technologies that are out there so they are ready to provide solutions and be more of a resource than simply an order taker.” One new technology Norton is highlighting this year is their RazorStar line, a great solution for Aerospace and other metal working industries customers. Concludes Heraghty, “We hope to do more in-person training to help GAWDA distributors better understand our product line and become better equipped and confident when offering solutions to their customers. Norton hopes to continue valued partnerships with distributors, supporting them in their local markets with over 150 sales reps across the United States.”
