Author: Steve Guglielmo

GAWDA Distributors Forecast Gases & Welding Economy for 2025 Every year, the first quarter issue of Welding & Gases Today sets the tone for the coming year with the forecast issue. Not only do we speak with our distributor and supplier (page 58) members, but we also have our sister organizations like the American Welding Society (page 78) and Compressed Gas Association (page 80) contribute their thoughts on the upcoming year, to be combined with the quarterly ITR Economic Forecast (page 88). This issue also features the first look at this year’s Spring Management Conference, which will set the theme…

“We Pass Gas for a Living” Terrace Supply Company was founded in 1947 as Elmhurst Welding Supply by James A. Myers and his wife, Gertrude. Jim was a blacksmith by trade and had the first drop station for high pressure oxygen cylinders in the Chicagoland area in their Aurora shop, World War 1 put an end to their first business and, after another entrepreneurial attempt, at 51 years old (and debt free), in 1947 he and Gertrude started Elmhurst Welding Supply in their garage and basement and set the company and family on a course that it still travels nearly…

PurityPlus Announces 2024 Winners PurityPlus named its 2024 Award Winners. “We are thrilled to recognize our outstanding PurityPlus Members who achieved exceptional scores in their PurityPlus Audits this year. Your dedication to quality and excellence sets a benchmark in our industry.” Congratulations to: Top 2024 PurityPlus Producers: Arc3Gases Butler Gas Products California Tool and Welding Supply Industrial Source Metro Welding Supply Corporation Most Improved Producer – California Tool and Welding Supply Top New Purity Plus Producer – S.J. Smith Company See the full post on the company’s LinkedIn page by clicking here. Brady Bowers Joins OE Meyer as Customer Service Rep for…

Linde Gas & Equipment Acquires Middlesex Gases & Technologies Middlesex Gases & Technologies was acquired by Linde Gas & Equipment effective December 19, 2024. Middlesex Gases has a 75-year history in the Greater Boston area, with a focus on the life sciences and biotechnology markets. With this business combination, Linde Gas & Equipment expands its position in the New England region and enhances its capabilities to serve these critical customers. Luke Martin, Vice President of Middlesex Gases, commented: “Middlesex Gases is excited to join the Linde family and be a part of their long history of success in the industrial…

Rob Silva Promoted to Norco’s Executive Vice President of Industrial According to a Press Release issued by Norco, Inc. CEO Nicole Kissler, “We are delighted to announce the promotion of Rob Silva to the position of Norco Executive Vice President of Industrial.  Rob’s journey with Norco began in June of 1997, when he joined our Boise Production Team. His dedication and hard work soon led him to our Main Warehouse, where he continued to excel. By 2001, Rob had transitioned into a branch role as Customer Service at our Boise Industrial location.  In 2004, Rob expanded his horizons by moving…

American Welding Society Names Carey Chen as New CEO The American Welding Society (AWS), founded in 1919 as a nonprofit organization to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Carey Chen as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Monday, January 20, 2025. Mr. Chen succeeds Robert Roth, who has served as Interim Executive Director and CEO. Mr. Chen brings extensive leadership experience to AWS, having previously held CEO roles at Fathom Digital Manufacturing Solutions (NYSE:FATH), Cadrex…

nexAir Names New President and CEO According to an article from gasworld, Memphis-based industrial gas distributor nexAir has announced several leadership changes for 2025, including a new President and CEO. The company announced Robert Webb as its new President and the promotion of Bill Proctor to CEO, in addition to updated General Manager and Chief Accounting Officer roles. Proctor has spent the last 15 years as President and Chief Operating Officer at nexAir. As CEO, he will focus on strategic planning, business development, and ensuring nexAir remains a leader in the industry. He will also work closely with Webb, the…

Holston Gases Raises $75,000 for Hurricane Helene Relief Holston Gases announced that it had raised and donated $75,000 for Hurricane Helene Relief. “Just a couple months ago, Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina and Tennessee. During the month of October, Holston Gases started a Go Fund Me campaign to support its employees, vendors, and customers affected by the storm, with the promise of donating 100% of the funds raised to local non-profits who could best help the impacted communities. Holston Gases matched all donations dollar-for-dollar, so together we raised and donated $75,000. The Holston Gases family thanks all who contributed to…

Terrace Supply Names Steve Lichtenheld as President For only the 5th time in the 77 year history of Terrace Supply – we have the TREMENDOUS honor of announcing our new President….Steve Lichtenheld has taken the reigns and is undoubtedly the MOST qualified, experienced and capable person who has ever stepped into this role!  Steve came to Terrace after graduating from Wheaton College (in 3 ½ years!) then almost four years in the restaurant industry before coming on board! He started his career with us, working in the warehouse and mixing paint.  He progressed over time to the front counter and then…

Central Welding Supply Acquires the Gases and Welding Business of Morgan Steel As of November 1, 2024, Central Welding Supply has acquired the gases and welding supplies business of Morgan Steel in Kenai, Alaska. The Morgans will continue to focus on the steel side of their business, while Central Welding Supply will step in to manage the welding supplies and gas retail store. This collaboration brings together Morgan Steel’s expertise in steel products and Central Welding Supply’s broad range of welding equipment, safety gear, filler metals, and gases—all under one roof. Click here to learn more about the acquisition and…