GAWDA Distributors Bullish Heading Into 2026 Despite Ongoing Headwinds

If 2025 was marked by uncertainty about tariffs and the political situation, this year provides slightly more stability. Still, GAWDA members and their customers seem leery of the supposed certainty, with growth projections tempered by the looming possibility of further upheaval from forces beyond their control. Still, disruptors like AI and re-shoring driven by tariffs represent growth potential for GAWDA members, who uniformly projected growth this year. Though the growth projections aren’t as optimistic as they were heading into 2025, they continue to be full-throated in their call for continued growth, even on the heels of several consecutive years of growth.

The following are responses from GAWDA Distributors broken down by geographic regions. Thank you to all who participated.

EAST

Though the East Region projects the smallest percentage of growth in 2026 at a cumulative 5.25%, it still represents the only region of the country whose expectations actually grew when compared to its 2025 forecast (4.5%).

John Hill, President

WILLARD C. STARCHER, INC.

Willard C. Starcher President John Hill projects a 6% increase for the company, largely attributed to an increase in fabrication work and pipeline activity in the market. The energy markets will be the primary driver for growth for Willard C. Starcher and other distributors in the region. However, he cautions that growth could be tempered by suppliers not having the stock in place to meet the projected increase in demand. Willard C. Stacher will upgrade its fill plant facility this year in an effort to keep costs in line, Hill says.

Allen Jezouit, Vice President

MERITUS GAS PARTNERS

As Meritus Gas Partners celebrates its 5^th anniversary, the company expects 2026 to continue its upward trajectory. Vice President Allen Jezouit projects 5-7% growth this year, pointing to an increased focus on gases as the engine of that growth. “Cannabis is a big driver in both directions,” he notes. “It’s a gold rush early in the cycle in a new state, and a challenge once markets are more mature.” He also notes the company’s expansion into Seattle, Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana as geographic drivers of the company’s expected growth. He concludes by saying, “Things started turning around in mid-2025. It feels like we’re on an upward trajectory in terms of industrial production. If any infrastructure spending or re-onshoring of manufacturing really happens, that will be positive.”

Lloyd Robinson, President

AWISCO

“There are many infrastructure projects that should move forward in 2026,” AWISCO President Lloyd Robinson says about a projected 4.5% increase in sales for 2026. The company recently implemented a B2C e-commerce platform, which should also help contribute to that growth expectation. However, even with those large factors, the company, like the rest of the industry, faces legitimate obstacles that are outside of its control. “Tariff uncertainty, high interest rates, and a lack of consistent messaging from Washington are real headwinds,” Robinson cautions. Still, there is legitimate optimism this year. He concludes, “As AWISCO continues to upgrade and automate our facilities, our customers will see much better lead times for all our gas products.”

Allison Earlbeck, CEO

EARLBECK GASES & TECHNOLOGIES

“End users are investing in technologies to address skilled labor shortages, and our local market is seeing pockets of growth driven by infrastructure improvements, energy buildouts, and an increased emphasis on domestic manufacturing amid tariffs,” says Earlbeck Gases & Technologies CEO and 2026 GAWDA President Allison Earlbeck. “Infrastructure repair, bridge and port work, shipbuilding, energy, and defense-related manufacturing are all strong drivers in our region. Workforce shortages continue to influence how customers buy and where they invest.” Taken together, Earlbeck anticipates a 5-7% growth in 2026. “Customers remain cautious but are spending where they see productivity gains, safety improvements, and labor efficiency. Distributors that help solve workforce and operational challenges will outperform. The companies that win will be those that stay disciplined, invest in people, and clearly articulate their value. Uncertainty will remain, but that also creates opportunity for well-positioned independents.”

Alfred Boehm, President

SPECGAS, INC.

The continued uncertainty regarding tariffs and other geopolitical events will lead to a level year in 2026 for both Specgas, Inc. and the industry at large. However, exciting news for the company that should fuel future growth is an extension of its product line in order to attract new customers, President Alfred Boehm notes. This is in line with an opportunity Boehm sees for local sourcing to drive sales expansion. Even amidst geopolitical uncertainty, 2026 projects to be a milestone year for the Warminster, PA-based distributor, as it celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year.

Tim Krusen, President & CEO

CARBONIC SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

Carbonic Systems, Inc. points to the closure of large beverage manufacturing plants in the Northeast as a relief for supply in the region. “Alcoholic beverage sales seem to be in decline, while dry ice and cannabis industries are growing,” says Carbonic Systems Inc. President & CEO Tim Krusen. However, he notes that “the CO2 industry is starting to level out after recent shortages.” In the coming years, Carbonic Systems will look to strategically grow operations while protecting the exceptional service their customers have come to expect.

Erich Haun, Co-President

HAUN WELDING SUPPLY

Growth in current customer base and market share, combined with pricing increases, will spell 9% growth for Haun Welding Supply in 2026, says Co-President Erich Haun. The company’s addition of e-commerce will allow it to penetrate an additional portion of its customer base, as disruptors like robotics, automation, and other advanced manufacturing represent growth opportunities. “The first quarter of 2025 was coming off a slow 2024,” Haun notes. “We are coming into 2026 at a bit higher level than we were before.” The company continues to evaluate tools to streamline its back office operations and is always on the lookout for expansion opportunities, in addition to its plans to build additional cylinder fill plants to ease capacity constraints. “Our new stores are helping grow underserved markets,” Haun concludes.

SOUTH

For the third consecutive year, the Southern Region of the United States is projected to see the most growth in the country. Last year, the South paced the other regions by nearly 5%, projecting 13.5% growth. This year didn’t quite reach those heights, but it still sees a cumulative projection of double-digit growth (11.1%), more than 2% higher than the next closest region.

Karen Tedder, Director of Operations

SYMANK ENERGY

A combination of organic growth and weather patterns that will drive increased energy usage will lead to 10% growth for Symank Energy in 2026, even against a projected flat year for the industry overall, according to Director of Operations Karen Tedder. The company notes that it is exploring potential acquisitions in the coming year, which will “allow us to reach a larger territory and better serve our current customers,” Tedder says. Symank also expanded its footprint in recent years, which will contribute to its growth projection. The company points to increased trailer sales in the region as a growth driver for 2026. The company also cautions the industry that “There are many scams, and some are getting better at their presentation. One would be sponsoring schools through purchased products with your company name. Another would be with the DOT and registrations and compliance companies.”

Wigberto de la Cruz, General Manager

EMPRESAS DE SOLDADURAS

New projects for power plants will be a primary growth driver for San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Empresas de Soldaduras, says General Manager Wigberto de la Cruz. The company also sees opportunities in the beverage market. Says de la Cruz, “As we have for the past three years, our focus is on providing better service for our gas and welding customers, including the beverage markets where there is some good opportunity for us. We will continue those same plans and strategy to keep the pulse in those segments of the market.” The company is also planning expansion this year, as it will launch two new store locations as well as outfit its gas facilities with new equipment. This will allow it to keep pace with growth expectations, as well as continue to serve its burgeoning beverage customers. As many others caution, the global market and continued tariff uncertainty could impact growth in 2026.

German Trejo, President

SYOXSA, INC.

In 2026, SYOXSA, Inc. will develop a new branch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as increase its bulk gas sales, says President German Trejo. Those will be the largest growth drivers in a projected 10-15% increase in sales. “The last three years, we have developed our capabilities to service more bulk gas sales,” Trejo explains. AI is the buzzword of the moment, and SYOXSA is no different, as Trejo points to AI support infrastructure developments as an emerging market that will contribute to sales growth. “AI new infrastructure and new chip manufacturing operations are a big opportunity,” Trejo says. “Market conditions are good for new projects to develop.” SYOXSA has also expanded its bulk gas operations into the central and east Texas markets in recent years.

John Mark McMurtry, President

VOLUNTEER WELDING SUPPLY

“I think going into 2025, everyone expected more growth. But then the tariffs came, and companies took a ‘wait and see’ approach to understand how it would impact their industry,” says Volunteer Welding Supply President John Mark McMurtry. “By mid-year, we were seeing previously planned investments back on track with many of our customers, and we expect to see more this year, starting in the first quarter.” He expects Volunteer to see 8-10% growth in 2026. “We should see somewhat of a rebound in the automotive industry this year. The changeover of plants to produce electric vehicles without the buy-in from the consumer has become a huge failure for the auto industry. We are now seeing these converted plants retooling back to fossil fuel vehicle manufacturing, which should increase the business at the Tier providers.” In addition to the return of traditional industry, McMurtry notes that the company is “seeing gas uses in tech support areas that I would have never envisioned as potential customers.” He concludes, “We have been and will continue to add branch locations and make investments into our company to broaden our geographic coverage, quality of products, and our strength of service. The Southeast is a growing market. We expect to be adding business due to the amount of opportunity that already exists, along with new business moving into the area.”

Rob Smith, President

AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL GASES

Continued re-shoring and on-shoring of manufacturing, combined with planned construction projects in the southwest, will lead to robust growth for American Industrial Gases in 2026. President Rob Smith anticipates 20% year-over-year growth. “Data centers are being constructed seemingly everywhere, and thus the construction will be somewhat short-lived,” he notes. “There will be some ancillary growth opportunities associated with the data centers.” However, while the construction benefits are positive, Smith cautions that “The aforementioned data centers being energy-hungry facilities will cause a strain on electrical power supplies until the older and mothballed plants are retrofitted for efficiency and brought online. I see a multi-year problem associated with this sector, which doesn’t mention the power requirements for the on-shored manufacturing that will be needed.” He notes that American Industrial is “doing things internally that will lower our costs of production, while at the same time expanding our margins where we can” and that “there seems to be new applications for gases being developed every day.” He concludes on a positive note, saying, “Inflation is now under control, and that is fine, but getting pricing (COGS) back down will be a longer-term issue. If the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, I think we are looking at another 20-plus-year run!”

CENTRAL

As it was in 2025 and 2024, the Central Region of the country is the second most optimistic heading into 2026, projecting a cumulative 8.67% growth that is almost exactly in line with its 2025 projection of 8.95%.

Troy Elmer, President

MISSISSIPPI WELDERS SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. (MWSCO)

Overall price increases will be the primary driver of an anticipated 6-8% growth in 2026, says MWSCO President Troy Elmer. “We have seen a noticeable trend towards more automation over the last several months. The first half of 2025 was very quiet in this space, but the last half of 2025, there was significant investment in this space by our customers.” In that vein, MWSCO is actively looking for ways to increase its AI adoption this year, along with other planned upgrades, including “trucks, trailers, and facilities. A new ERP will be implemented in 2026, which will allow us to continue growing without being hindered by an operating system,” Elmer says. Continued geographic expansion will also continue to drive growth for MWSCO in 2026 and beyond.

Jon Berger, VP of Operations

BERGER WELDING SUPPLY, INC.

As the RV and Recreational Sporting industry looks to pick up in 2026, Berger Welding Supply, Inc. will benefit, according to Vice President of Operations Jon Berger, who is looking at a 3-5% growth in 2026. That industry has been down two years in a row, but looks to rebound in the new year. This, combined with increased resources devoted to search engine optimization, will help Berger outstrip a projected level year for the industry in 2026.

Josh Davidhizar, CFO

INDIANA OXYGEN COMPANY

“We are anticipating our sales to be up 9% in 2026,” says IOC CFO and new GAWDA Board Member Josh Davidhizar. “The combination of a lower interest rate environment, coupled with internal training initiatives for our sales force, and adding technical expertise will contribute to our expected growth for 2026.” Davidhizar notes that many of IOC’s markets are heavily geared towards manufacturing. The company is optimistic that 2026 is going to be a solid year, with the caveat that any further tariffs or headwinds that will impact this sector will also have an impact on its estimates. He notes, “We are anticipating an increase in our customers’ purchasing patterns in 2026 due to the lower cost of capital from interest rate cuts made by the Federal Reserve in 2025. Additionally, large opportunities and expanding customer demand within the manufacturing sector are another reason we are optimistic for a solid 2026.”

Scott Sherman, COO

TJ NOWAK SUPPLY COMPANY

2026 projects to be a banner year for TJ Nowak Supply Company, as it celebrates its 80^th anniversary in 2026, with COO Scott Sherman calling for a 20% increase over 2025. That robust growth will be primarily driven by new account acquisition, price increases, organic growth, and cross-selling. This, even as the company expects a level year for the industry at large. He points to laser welding and fire protection inert gases as regional trends that will contribute to TJ Nowak’s growth expectations in the new year. The company recently upgraded its fill plant and has plans to launch a new facility, which will modernize the company’s operations and drive increased efficiency.

Shawn Coffey, President/Owner

CITY WELDING SALES & SERVICE, INC.

City Welding Sales & Service projects a relatively flat 2026, with level expectations for the industry and a 6% growth for the company, driven primarily by inflation. In recent years, the company has made a concerted effort to increase its search engine footprint, pouring resources into being found and deriving business from Google. As nearly every other respondent notes, global political unrest is the largest hindrance to more robust growth, with uncertainty causing customers to be more cautious than they ordinarily might. One opportunity for City Welding Sales & Service in the coming years is continuity within the family-owned company, while some of its competitors are seeing key contributors retire. Overall, things continue to head in the right direction for CWS.

Brad Davis, Vice President

CENTRAL OHIO WELDING, INC.

“Our local economy is strong and diverse, and we have many ongoing large capital projects in the area that are fueling growth,” says Central Ohio Welding Vice President Brad Davis. The company, celebrating its 115^th anniversary in 2026, projects a growth of 6% in 2026, even against the backdrop of a projected contraction for the industry as a whole. Says Davis, “The last three years, our strategy has been to find the right customers for our company, and then to work with them closely as partners. There are always customers who don’t make sense for us for different reasons. We try to find the ones that fit. In this way, we are spending our time with customers whose values align with ours, and whose business gives us the most return on our time spent with them.” Davis points to an increase in aerospace manufacturing in recent years in Ohio as a growth opportunity for the distributor. “In addition to this, we are focusing heavily on construction, which continues to accelerate its pace.” The company is building a demonstration area in its warehouse to showcase the latest technology within the industry. “Our customers rarely have excess time, and we think it will benefit them significantly to be able to stop and try different types of equipment in our facility. We also hope to give customers a reason to buy welding equipment from us, rather than lower-priced retailers that are selling imported machines. It is a lot easier to do that when they can make welds with the machines.” He concludes, “I expect our local market to be strong, but I think there is significant economic uncertainty nationally that will make forecasting the entire year difficult. I think there is a lot of economic uncertainty both nationally and internationally at the moment. If some of that were to be reduced, 2026 could be another excellent year for GAWDA distributors.”

WEST

The Western Region of the country projects a cumulative 6.67% growth (vs. 7.88% in 2025), comfortably slotting into the middle of the pack of expectations, as it has in the last several years. A challenging business climate in California, combined with potentially burdensome regulations, will perhaps put a damper on potential growth in 2026.

Andy Castiglione, President

WESTAIR

Despite a challenging business climate in California, WestAir still projects to see 5% growth in 2026, says President Andy Castiglione. The company is expanding its focus in the Bay Area with the opening of a new production, distribution, and warehouse location, and putting more emphasis on its bulk propane sales there. Another growth driver in 2026 is the growth of water treatment applications, which WestAir is poised to capitalize on. Castiglione advises all GAWDA members to “Diversify bulk gas supply as much as possible to help ensure reliable/ample supply for your customers and to help manage costs,” a strategy that WestAir is taking to heart as it continues to grow.

Stacy Lewis Hayes, CEO

VERN LEWIS WELDING SUPPLY, INC.

Vern Lewis Welding Supply is positioned for a 5-10% revenue increase in 2026, supported by a strengthening economy and a focused expansion into gas services. CEO Stacy Lewis Hayes emphasizes that this expansion provides the operational “flexibility” required to capture emerging market demand.  Despite this optimistic forecast, the company must navigate a complex landscape of external pressures that threaten to complicate logistics and workforce management. Persistent tariff uncertainty continues to strain wholesale distributors with pricing pressure and sourcing risks. Another headwind involves the widening talent gap, as the welding and industrial sectors remain among those struggling to find qualified applicants. Despite these complexities in global trade and recruitment, the Phoenix-based distributor remains on track for another solid year of performance.

David Burnett, President

DJB GAS SERVICES, INC.

More certainty in the economy in 2026, following a year of uncertainty, will help contribute to a projected 5-10% sales for DJB Gas Services, Inc., says President David Burnett. That certainty will lead to an expansion in the industrial market, Burnett expects. “Overall business conditions are improving compared to 2025.” However, an industry-wide issue continues to loom. “ Private Equity expansions into the industrial market, paying exorbitant prices to acquire other suppliers, makes it more difficult to expand via acquisitions during 2026.” Still, stability combined with ever-expanding CO2 demand spells profitability for DJB and others in that segment. The company will look to open new branches in the near future, which should allow the Salt Lake City-based distributor to operate more efficiently and handle projected growth.