Author: Steve Guglielmo

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Robert E. Smith, owner of Industrial Welding Supplies and Nordan Smith, who passed away on December 12, 2020, at the age of 86. His daughter, sister and brother-in-law were by his side in his home when he passed. Robert, known by family and friends as Bob, was born to Okley and Gussie Smith on September 3, 1934, in Grenada, Mississippi. He graduated from JZ George High School in Carrollton, MS, and served in the US Air Force from 1951 — 1955. He was a passionate entrepreneur and businessman, a dedicated…

The following release was posted on CGA’s website. Medical oxygen is an essential part of patient care during the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the compressed gas industry is working diligently to safely and reliably supply health care systems in the U.S. and Canada. CGA member companies are certainly aware of and actively addressing spikes in medical oxygen use in COVID-19 hot spots. Each member is committed to deploy all available resources to respond to the increased demand for medical oxygen and to proactively communicate with health care providers as we fight this pandemic together. Healthcare is a top priority for…

Recently, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) reached out to the Governors of all 50 states asking that medical, food, and industrial gas workers be included in the Frontline Essential Workers (Phase 1b) of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. See below for an example of a letter that they sent. As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues through the equitable distribution of vaccines, we urge that state public health officials include the essential medical, food, and industrial gas workforce in the Frontline Essential Workers (Phase 1b) of the vaccine distribution. This includes medical, food, and industrial gas transportation workers, equipment manufacturers,…

Read more about the Central Welding Supply and Pacific Welding Suppliers Give Back efforts by clicking here.

Congratulations to Chad DeKing, who retired after 43 years at Weldstar! The company put the following release on Facebook.

Industrial, medical and specialty gas supplier Industrial Source will increase its dry ice production in the first quarter of 2021 with the addition of a dry ice pelletizer to its facility in Springfield. The Springfield location will be able to manufacture up to 1,600 lbs of dry ice product per hour which will be available for distribution to locations throughout Oregon and SW Washington. The increased production capabilities will allow Industrial Source to offer high-quality dry ice products locally at a crucial time when cold storage requirements are anticipated to increase due to COVID-19 vaccine storage and distribution. Industrial Source…

According to a press release from Roberts Oxygen, Roberts acquired Atlantic States Specialty Gases. The full press release can be read below: Atlantic States Specialty Gases was acquired by Roberts Oxygen Company effective Friday, December 18, 2020. It has been ASG’s privilege to serve your needs since 2005. We are confident Roberts Oxygen will continue to provide you with the high level of service you have come to expect from Atlantic States Specialty Gases. Roberts Oxygen is a family owned company that has been in business for over 50 years and has serviced the New Jersey market with bulk gases…

DOT Issues Enforcement Discretion on Medical Gas Cylinder Requalification In response to continuing concerns about the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of DOT has issued a notice stating the agency will not take enforcement action against any person who fills a DOT-specification cylinder used to transport Division 2.2 non-flammable medical gas provided the cylinder meets all requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 171 through 180) except that the cylinder is overdue for periodic requalification by no more than 12 months. The enforcement discretion is valid through June 30, 2021.  A…

Cee Kay Supply Inc., is excited to announce the addition of a new nationwide service offering for end user on-site dry ice production and CO2 applications. The year of 2020 has been a watershed moment for all participants in the CO2 industry fully realizing the specific challenges of seasonal demand, limited supply, regional transportation constraints and macroeconomic headwinds that can impact the ability to maintain a reliable carbon dioxide supply at an affordable price. To read the full press release, click here.

To view the original story from CBS Minnesota, click here. Some Minnesota companies are acting fast to make sure the vaccine gets to all areas of the state quickly. There’s a lot going on at Central McGowan, a family-owned St. Cloud business. Brenden Moffitt is fast at work. “I’m happy to have a job,” Moffitt said. The grateful father and husband knows, amidst COVID-19, many aren’t so lucky. “I know a lot of people who’ve been laid off or lost their jobs entirely,” he said. “I have a lot of friends in the food industry that have been laid off.”…