Author: Steve Guglielmo

WestAir Gases has grown by leaps and bounds since 1970 but still retains the tenets of a small family-owned business.  In 1970, WestAir founder Andy Castiglione was working for National Cylinder Gas as an outside sales representative in San Diego. He was very successful but found himself disillusioned with the level of service that the company was providing for its customers. Recognizing that customers craved improved customer care, Andy and his wife Sue decided to strike out on their own and opened San Diego Welders Supply.   “It was just the two of them,” says CEO Steve Castiglione. “Dad was on…

Central McGowan Gases and Supplies Names Jason Kirby President In a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, Central McGown named Jason Kirby as its new President. Kirby, who is on the GAWDA Board of Directors, comes to Central McGown after having spent the last 8 years with Oxarc, Inc. Prior to joining Oxarc, where he served as Executive Vice President, Jason worked for Airgas and Red Ball Oxgen. Quinn Kennedy Becomes Partner at Red Ball Oxygen Red Ball Oxygen is pleased to announce that Quinn Kennedy has purchased his father, Larry Kennedy’s, stake in Red Ball Oxygen, joining his cousin…

GAWDA’s 2024 Regional Meeting Slate kicked off in spectacular fashion with the return of the Southeast Regional from March 18-19, 2024 at the Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel and Conference Center in Marietta, Georgia. More than 100 GAWDA members gathered near Atlana and were treated to an incredible lineup of speakers to go along with great networking opportunities. The event saw the introduction of the brand-new Young Professionals and Industry Legends Mentoring Cocktail Hour and stoked the competitive flames with parking lot Pickleball and a golf tournament. Thank you to the Southeast Regional Meeting co-chairs Britt Lovin, Rafael Arvelo and Linda…

Haun Welding Supply Announces Kyle Pipes as COO Haun Welding Supply announced the appointment of Kyle Pipes as its new Chief Operating Officer. In a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, the company wrote, “With over three years of invaluable experience as a consultant for Haun Welding Supply, Kyle brings a wealth of expertise on leadership training and fostering company values. During his tenure as a consultant, Kyle played a pivotal role in developing effective leadership strategies and nurturing organizational culture. His dedication to excellence and commitment to fostering a positive work environment align perfectly with our company’s values and…

EVAS 20 lb. Propane Exchange Tanks Recalled by Worthington Enterprises Due to Fire Hazard Recall Summary  Name of Product: EVAS 20 lb. propane exchange cylinders Hazard: The recalled propane exchange cylinders could leak gas, posing a fire hazard. Remedy: Replace Consumers should stop using the recalled EVAS 20 lb. propane cylinders immediately, close the top valve completely and return them to any AmeriGas Propane Exchange retail location for a free replacement. Consumers can find exchange retail locations at https://www.amerigas.com/locations/find-propane. Worthington advises consumers to close the valve on top of the cylinder completely when returning them. Consumer Contact: Worthington toll-free at…

In Memoriam: Robert (Bob) Metzler GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Robert Metzler. AWG announced his passing in a post on LinkedIn. Bob was a legend in the industry and was loved by everyone who knew him. We wish his friends, family and the entire team at AWG peace during this tragic time. Read his full obituary below: Robert G. “Bob” Metzler, 72, a Walt Disney World special effects icon and long-time resident of Orlando passed away suddenly on February 20, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final…

New Jersey Increases Truck Liability Insurance Minimum to $1.5 Million.  In a bill signed into law by the Governor on January 16, 2024, the State of New Jersey has increased the minimum liability insurance requirements for truck operators to $1.5 million.  Under the new law, effective July 1, 2024, New Jersey will require commercial motor vehicles to maintain proof of financial responsibility of $1.5 million for CMVs 26,001 lbs. and higher, including those transporting hazardous materials, to cover bodily injury, death and property damage. Trucks weighing between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs. will be required to maintain limits of $300,000. The…

GAWDA Distributors Object to Calls for Economic Instability, Project Robust Growth Across the Board: Standing athwart negative headlines and consumer sentiment, GAWDA distributors expect a big year Each year, the first Quarter Issue of Welding & Gases Today is our Annual Economic Forecast Issue. We speak with GAWDA Distributors, Suppliers (page 64), sister organizations like the American Welding Society (page 70) and Compressed Gas Association (page 72) and combine them with the quarterly ITR Economic Forecast (page 77) to paint as complete a picture of the economic outlook of the industry as we possibly can. One of the biggest lessons…

The GAWDA Consultant Program is a GAWDA member benefit that is included as part of your member dues to the association. It is consistently rated as one of the most valuable member benefits that GAWDA provides. Between the four of them GAWDA’s consultants bring more than 100 years of industry-specific experience to the association. With this being the first issue of 2024, we look back on lessons learned from last year and what we expect to see from a regulatory standpoint for the industry in 2024. GAWDA’s Consultants discussed the bevy of new legislation and proposed legislation and how it…

MassBio and Middlesex Gases Announce a New 7-Year Contract, Extending their Partnership Through 2030 The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio®) and Middlesex Gases, a leading supplier of specialty, medical, and industrial gases in New England, are pleased to announce they have agreed to a new seven-year contract. This contract extends the partnership between the two companies, which began in 2017, through the year 2030 and ensures that Middlesex Gases will remain the preferred supplier of packaged (cylinder), MicroBulk, and Bulk lab gases for MassBio members. Suppliers, like Middlesex Gases, are integral to the success of MassBioEdge, a savings and rewards program…