In Memoriam: Namen Paul
GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Namen Paul, who passed away unexpectedly. Namen oversaw the cryogenic department for General Distributing Company. Gendco CEO Glenn Bliss wrote on Facebook:
“The Gendco family unexpectedly and tragically lost one of our own this weekend. Namen Paul passed away this weekend leaving all of us in shock, sadness and disbelief. Namen oversaw our cryogenic department for eleven years.
Central McGowan Acquires The Safety Zone
According to a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, Central McGowan acquired The Safety Zone.
“Central McGowan, a strong family business of 78 years, is excited to announce the acquisition of The Safety Zone, in Dubuque Iowa! Established in 2023, The Safety Zone has provided the communities in and around Dubuque, Iowa with quality Safety and Welding products. They provide premier customer service and industry leading expertise for all Safety and Welding supplies.
Ken Welu said the attractiveness of joining a strong regional distributor with strong family values and extensive resources in both bulk gas and specialty gases made this a great fit. We look forward to remaining a part of this growing Midwest business.
Joe Francis, CEO of Central McGowan said the strong customer focus that has enabled The Safety Zone to thrive over the past 2 years is a cultural fit into the existing Central McGowan business. On top of that, Ken and Central McGowan are excited to extend the full product lines of Central McGowan to The Safety Zone customers and expand our footprint in a new market!
Both organizations are thrilled to join forces and support the rich heritage and unwavering commitment to our customers, suppliers, and employees that have made us successful.
Under the umbrella of Central McGowan, The Safety Zone will retain its name, identity, and elements that have made it a staple for its customers over the past 2 years. As we work through the transition, The Safety Zone will be rebranded as Central McGowan the 1st quarter of 2025.”
Hohenschild Welders Supply Adds Chad Bradford to Sales Team
Hohenschild Welders Supply announced that it added industry veteran Chad Bradford to its sales team. Chad brings more than 27 years of industry experience to the position. Chad holds an AWS CWSR (Certified Welding Sales Representative) and is a Miller Master. Chad brings experience in machine sales, packaged and industrial gas sales, safety equipment… you name it, Chad has sold it!
Oxygen Service Company Unveils New Logo
Oxygen Service Company unveiled its new corporate logo.
OSC (Oxygen Service Company Inc.) is an industrial distribution company that has been providing solutions for gases, welding, and automation needs since 1959. With eight locations in total (5 in Minnesota, 3 in Wisconsin) OSC can service many businesses across multiple markets. OSC has a comprehensive line of welding supplies and machines, several robotic platforms, automated cutting and welding equipment, and a variety of industrial, medical, and specialty gases. As OSC continues to grow, we’re able to serve businesses throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Eastern Dakotas, and Northern Iowa. As an employee-owned company, OSC has upheld the same small family feel since 1993.
“When moving into new geographic areas, OSC began to be recognized as a company who only offers medical oxygen with our name being Oxygen Service Company. However, all our customers in Minnesota know, OSC offers so much more than just medical oxygen. With our new customers not knowing exactly what we do based off our logo, OSC decided to make some changes and update the logo.” – Ryan Diekow, OSC President & CEO
OSC’s previous logo highlighted our diamond with the words ‘Oxygen Service Co.’ underneath and a slogan that said, ‘Everything for Welding’. At the time, this was used to help identify us as our legal business name and to showcase the services we provided for our welding customers.
Instead, OSC eliminated the ‘Oxygen Service Co.’ aspect of our logo and include our four main services (Gases, Automation, Dry Ice & Welding Supplies) to give a more concise view of what services OSC can provide for customers. In addition, we have updated our logo color to a more modern tone keeping up with the times and getting rid of the early 2000’s shadow in the OSC letters and diamond. Making it as straightforward as possible, OSC has updated their slogan to ‘Delivering Excellence’. This is not a choice. This is a standard, expectation, and goal for customers/partners to feel when doing business with us.
To learn more, click here.
Haun Welding Supply Opens “What is Welding?” Exhibit at Museum of Science and Technology
Haun Welding Supply opened up its “What is Welding?” exhibit at the Museum of Science and Technology’s (MOST) Innovation Station in Syracuse, NY. The exhibit teaches attendees about the history of welding, how it works, what it’s used for and the opportunities and careers that the field offers. It also offers attendees the opportunity to get hands-on with the machines and safety gear and shows off some very cool welded products.
