Author: Steve Guglielmo

When it comes to the welding industry, reports commonly cite outdated statistics or inaccurate information. To be the industry leader in statistical data, the AWS Foundation launched Welding Workforce Data, a website dedicated to sharing accurate welding workforce statistics and projections. Approved by the American Welding Society, the Welding Workforce Data website is powered by Emsi labor market data, CareersInWelding.com, and the U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency lists. The site shows projected welding needs and welder opportunities and is designed to become the trusted source for the industry as a whole. “WeldingWorkforceData.com will be the go-to source…

Red Ball Oxygen announced that Nick Brown has been promoted to Vice-President, Operations. Red Ball Oxygen is a distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and welding supplies with 23 locations in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Mr. Brown, originally from Lufkin, Texas has been with the company since 2008.  He has served in a variety of roles, including Inside Sales Representative, Branch Manager, Area Manager, and has been a vital part of the Purchasing team. He has also provided essential leadership on the company’s safety, quality, and enterprise software teams. “As we continue to grow and add products and…

Vern Lewis made his name in the welding industry by starting the company, Vern Lewis Welding Supply in 1969. Now, his legacy will live on forever at the newly opened Vernon F. Lewis Welding Lab at the very same high school that he attended in the early 1950s. “This started three years ago, we came back here to do some estate planning for him down the street,” said the General Manager of the company, John Bone. “We were peaking through all the windows looking at the AG shop that Vern had went to many, many years ago and that was…

CGA 870 MEDICAL OXYGEN REGULATOR YOKE CONNECTION ISSUE The Compressed Gas Association has published CGA SA-40, Safety Alert, CGA 870 Medical Oxygen Regulator Yoke Connection Issue. This Safety Alert addresses an issue recently brought to CGA’s attention regarding reports of certain medical gas regulator yokes available for purchase and use in the United States and Canada that do not meet CGA standards. Use of these non-conforming regulator yokes may result in these regulator yokes not achieving a proper connection and seal with oxygen cylinders that utilize certain CGA 870 pin-indexed valves that conform to applicable CGA standards. Interference resulting from…

Meritus Gas Partners announced that it entered into a partnership with OzArc Gas Equipment & Supply, Inc., (“OzArc”), a leading independent distributor of packaged gases and welding supplies headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. OzArc operates nine locations throughout southeastern Missouri, western Kentucky and northeastern Arkansas. The business has been owned and operated by the Garner family since its founding in 1945. “Meritus is a great fit for our business and family,” said Bob Garner, OzArc’s principal owner and Chairman. “By partnering with Meritus, OzArc will maintain its independence, brand and identity, and…

Airgas, an Air Liquide company and a leading U.S. supplier of industrial gases, welding technologies, and safety products announced appointments to its executive team. Chief Executive Officer of Airgas, Inc.: Marcelo Fioranelli succeeded Pascal Vinet on July 1, 2021. In addition to his role as Airgas CEO, Fioranelli also serves on the Board of Airgas, Inc. and Air Liquide Group Vice President and member of the Executive Committee. Fioranelli has nearly 30 years of experience in the industrial gas industry in countries like Brazil, China and the US with specialization in strategy, general management and business development, with a focus…

The Butler Gas Products Company Board of Directors voted in support of a new slate of officers effective October 1, 2021.   Longstanding former CEO and second generation owner Jack Butler will advance into the role of Chairman. His daughter, Abydee Butler Moore, Butler Gas President and former COO will step into the role of CEO. Abydee’s mother, Elissa Butler, continues as Treasurer. After growing up in the business, Abydee joined the Butler Gas Products team full-time in 2009 and purchased 20% of the company in 2015. As third generation owner, she is responsible for the successful implementation of the company’s 100 Year Plan.…

After the introductory marks, Abydee welcomed the six participants for the morning’s opening session, “The CEO Track.” She was joined on stage by industry stalwarts: Jason Krieger, Jenny McCall, Richelle Smith-Brecht, Mark Raimy, Wally Brant and Alex Kennedy. The panel followed the SWOT analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. “The CEO is not a reward, it’s not a medal and it’s not somewhere you park somebody when they get old. It’s an active job and an active duty. To me, a good day as a CEO is being visible,” said Indiana Oxygen CEO Wally Brant. “Be engaging with your people.…

The term “Made in the USA” is one that is familiar to everybody. We’ve seen it on packaging. We’ve seen it in commercials, usually accompanied by flags waving, baseball in the background and apple pie coming out of the oven. And research suggests that the term does more than evoke feelings of patriotism. It can actually drive consumer spending and habits. But the term “Made in the USA” and other similar claims, like “American Made,” are more than just branding and sloganeering.  Made in the USA is actually a federally protected designation from the Federal Trade Commission.  According to the…

Praxair Distribution, Inc. has named Roch Monahan Associate Director of M&A – Business Development, U.S., reporting to Mark Herrington, Director of M&A. In his new role, Monahan will play an instrumental role in identifying and investigating potential acquisition targets. “Roch’s extensive knowledge of the business, industry experience and commitment make him a great fit for the role and a valuable addition to the M&A team in support of PDI’s strategic growth initiatives,” Herrington said. Monahan has more than 30 years of experience in the Industrial Gas Industry serving as Chief Operating Officer & VP of Sales and Marketing for OKI…