GAWDA Suppliers Project Bounce Back Year in 2026

With 2025 in the rear view mirror and the uncertainty of the tariffs largely settled, GAWDA Suppliers anticipate a bounce-back year. Many suppliers point to pent-up demand, largely stemming from customers waiting out the tariffs or simply pushing existing products to the brink. This year, that dam will break, as customers will make product and capital investments, which will benefit the gases and welding industry. Further increases in AI and data centers will also require industry support. All told, 2026 projects to be banner year for GAWDA Suppliers. Thank you to all the suppliers who took the time to fill out the forecast survey this year!

Hector Villarreal, President

WELDCOA

2026 will be a year of 8-12% growth for Weldcoa according to President Hector Villarreal. “We believe we are positioned well for the upward swing of the market. We’re hoping for stability to return to the U.S. economy. It’s the one factor we cannot control, but as a manufacturer of Cap Ex equipment, the more stable the market, the better,” he says. “Supply chain disruption, shifting customer expectations and continuous M&A activity have forced us to rethink how we go to market, with a greater focus on availability, shorter lead times, and simplifying the procurement process for our clients.” Weldcoa has always been on the leading edge of technology adoption and AI has been no different. Says Villarreal, “It’s been a long painful process, but we are using AI at almost every level within Weldcoa. Some departments are more advanced than others, but we’ve been able to prove that the investment is worthwhile.” He concludes, ” If the market remains unstable, automation, standardized systems, and faster fulfillment models are going to pay big dividends. If the market stabilizes and your business takes off, your investment in operational efficiency multipliers will take you to the next level.  There is no downside. Investments here improve profitability, safety and customer satisfaction.”

John Pastuszoko, Sales Executive

TRENDEX INFORMATION SYSTEMS

2026 projects to be a banner year for Trendex Information Systems as the company is expecting to see double-digit growth. “Technology is helping to drive better information and decision making,” says Sales Executive John Pastuszko. “Business owners are getting more comfortable with the new tools available today.” He notes that manufacturing and industrial service demand remains steady, and as distributors continue to evaluate technology investments as a way to manage regional cost pressures and operational complexity, Trendex stands by to help. “The biggest opportunity in 2026 is leveraging technology and data to improve operational efficiency, visibility, and decision-making, particularly as demand grows in manufacturing and technology-driven sectors such as AI data centers,” he says. “At the same time, rising labor costs and operational complexity remain key disruptors, making automation and system integration increasingly critical.” He concludes, “We’re introducing a next-generation, cloud-based platform that brings real-time intelligence, automation, and visibility across inventory, dispatch, and delivery. It helps distributors reduce costs, improve cash flow, and respond faster to customer needs as their business grows.”

Albert Castillo, Vice President of Sales – Americas

THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY

The Lincoln Electric Company’s ability to drive innovative new products to the market through its industrial distribution partners will help propel the company to high single digit growth in 2026, according to Vice President of Sales – Americas Albert Castillo. “Three years ago, we implemented our distribution first growth strategy,” says Castillo. “We continue to invest in becoming the best supplier to our distribution partners. We are investing in our operations so that we can be a reliable strategic partner with the best in-the-field sales and market support driving growth for our partners. This year we are rolling out our Lincoln Elite Distribution program to drive growth and margin stability with industrial distribution.” Specifically for distributors, Lincoln is adding resources to support its distribution partners, the Lincoln Elite program is designed to drive growth and incentivize distribution to grow with Lincoln, and it is increasing the pace of new product innovation. All of that will help not only Lincoln, but its distribution partners to grow in 2026 and beyond.

Philip Steele, Partner

CERITY PARTNERS

2026 projects to be a year of robust growth for Cerity Partners, as Partner Philip Steele forecasts 35% growth, primarily on the back of existing client referrals. Cerity is GAWDA’s partner for the Pooled Employer Program (PEP), and has seen great participation from the association on the program. Says Steele, “GAWDA members need to be aware of the continuing trend and availability of lower investment and service provider cost even to the small plan market. The risk to GAWDA members of not taking advantage of this trend will result in higher fiduciary liability to plan committee and company owners due to the perception of regulators/litigators that when fees are not lowered, lost savings for employees is the result.” He continues, “Our benchmarking report will assist plan sponsors in clarifying these costs and options for lowering costs and reducing liability exposure. Cerity Partners waives the cost of this detailed analysis for all GAWDA members.”

Michael Veite, President

VEITE CRYOGENIC EQUIPMENT

Pump repairs, exchanges, and new high pressure pump sales will be the primary drivers of an anticipated 12-15% growth in 2026 for Veite Cryogenic Equipment, according to President Michael Veite. “We have seen an increase in new customers looking for an affordable solution to improve turnaround time on pump repairs and exchanges in addition to shorter lead times on new pump purchases,” Veite says. “We strive to be the pump repair solution that distributors can count on. We are also seeing an increase in existing fill plant upgrades and expansions.” Veite notes that acquisitions of smaller independents by majors and private equity is driving sales for capital expenditures, fill plant upgrades and new fill plant construction, which VCE is adequately prepared to handle. “For us, the biggest disruptor will be the historically high import tariffs and supply chain shortages we are experiencing,” Veite says. “It makes it harder to project and maintain adequate inventory levels to meet the needs of our clients. We take full advantage of economies of scale by greatly increasing our inventory levels to address the uncertainty created by the tariff wars on the supply chain.”

Paul Kinsella, President

EXOCOR

Geographic expansion and increased market share have Exocor President Paul Kinsella bullish on 2026, with a 9% growth expectation. “Exocor is expanding, always, and in all-ways,” he says. “Our new DFW location allows us to serve new geographies in the southern USA efficiently, and our expanding product lines can help distributors use Exocor as a one-stop shop for quality filler metals.” He continues, “I think business levels will be up. The uncertainty in 2025 caused purchases to be made on an ‘as needed only’ basis, and both end users and distributors will feel more comfortable spending in 2026 as interest rates cool and cash is more available.” In addition to the company’s new DFW location, Kinsella says that Exocor will also look west. In all, 2026 will be an exciting year not only for Exocor, but for the entire industry.

Tom Cregan, President

EVERGREEN MIDWEST

Evergreen Midwest President Tom Cregan expects to see domestic manufacturing improve in 2026, which will lead to overall growth for the industry. He points to tariffs on his foreign competitors as an advantage that Evergreen Midwest will enjoy this year, as he projects 5-7% growth in 2026. Cregan notes that the company continues to implement Artificial Intelligence in many aspects of its business “for greater throughput from existing employees.” As others have noted, Cregan expects to see the cannabis industry as a growth engine moving forward, as it expands state-by-state.

Wade Valentine, Vice President

WASHINGTON ALLOY

“The second half of 2025 was very strong, and we expect to see that carry forward into 2026,” says Washington Alloy Company Vice President Wade Valentine, who projects an 8-10% increase in business this year. “Our key product lines of mild steel solid wire, electrodes, and flux core wire continue to show steady growth as distributors have seen the value in our quality, consistency, availability, and same-day shipping – allowing them to have a great deal of confidence in promoting our product line to the end user.” Valentine notes that the company has improved its internal processes and efficiencies, “which allow us to pass this value onto our distributors.” In 2025, the company added 11,000 sq. ft. of space at its North Carolina facility to allow for more warehouse space as well as light manufacturing processes. “In 2026 we will look for additional opportunities grow our distribution facility on the West Coast, as well as looking to finalize a new product to our flux core line-up, an E71T-8 wire.”

Kurt Tarkany, National Sales Manager

SUPERFLASH COMPRESSED GAS EQUIPMENT

2026 projects to be a growth year for SuperFlash Compressed Gas Equipment. National Sales Manager Kurt Tarkany is anticipating double-digit growth, as the company adds new lines to its product range. “We are quickly expanding our product offering to bring more options to our customers,” Tarkany says. “We are constantly asking our customers what they need, and that has led to the expansion of our offerings. The best way to get more business is to get it from existing customers. If we can help them do more with less, everybody wins.” He also notes that SuperFlash recently entered the Australian market, which is already yielding results. He concludes, “We believe our strategy of OEM, Distributor, and Wholesale channels are the best way for us. Our support and training to these channels allows us maximize our strengths by providing the tools necessary for our customers to reach their customers.”

Jim Herring, EVP/COO

SAFTCART

A pro-business political environment combined with a broadened product line will be the primary drivers of a 3-5% growth in 2026, says SafTCart EVP/COO Jim Herring. He specifically points to the increase in oil extraction from fracking, which had been curtailed under the previous administration, as a growth driver for GAWDA members. In 2026, SafTCart will add more square footage to its building, which will accommodate additional welders. He concludes, “SafTCart has always catered to the welding and manufacturing industries with considerable growth.” 2026 marks 40 years for SafTCart, with this year shaping up to be a banner anniversary.

Sal Calandra, President

B&R COMPLIANCE ASSOCIATES

As B&R Compliance Associates continues to expand its services, President Sal Calandra anticipates significant growth in 2026. The company works with several GAWDA members on its compliance efforts and has relied traditionally on customer referrals to add new business. This year, the company will add increased marketing to its efforts to grow customer engagement beyond the transactions as a growth driver. “We are always seeking new approaches to providing customers solutions and peace of mind,” says Calandra. “We do that through our highly experienced industrial gases experts at a fraction of the cost of adding a full-time employee.”

Paul Cunningham, CEO

WELDSALE

Interest rates being lowered and coming out of a soft market in 2024 and 2025 will help drive Weldsale to a projected 8-10% growth in 2026, according to CEO Paul Cunningham. The company has made changes to all aspects of its go-to-market strategy, including expanding into new markets, that Cunningham expects to pay dividends in 2026 and beyond. The company also sees a long runway of expansion in the next couple of years, due to the expansion of data centers and growth of AI. “Since we are a small family business, second generation, we can make changes and do special things to service the welding supply distributor, independent, or large-scale,” says Cunningham. “There’s less red-tape. We can be nimble.” He continues, “We are planning new product launches this year. We have a set of new clamps and tools, some of which are available now and more will be coming into the marketplace. We’re very excited about these new product launches and can’t wait to introduce them to our GAWDA member partners.” He concludes, “Weldsale has been actively selling new Weldsale Platens and remachined Acorn Tables since 1962. Weldsale Company is also in the same building in Philadelphia, approximately 3.1 miles from the Liberty Bell.”

Doug Morton, VP of Sales

ELEET CRYOGENICS

A projected uptick in overall activity for new products and services, along with full sales coverage across the country will help contribute to a projected double-digit increase for Eleet Cryogenics in 2026. Says VP of Sales Doug Morton, “We have continued to add to our sales coverage to assist with providing solutions for bulk systems nationwide which has been well received.” He adds, “With a lot of new construction projects slated, as re-shoring is taking place, there should be high demand for welding equipment and gases.” The company’s new state-of-the-art blast and paint booth in Ohio came on line in early 2026, which allows Eleet to improve lead times. Concludes Morton, “We have some new product offerings that we will be rolling out in 2026. Our relatively new tank rehab facility in Conroe, TX, continues to grow the market share with the volume of tanks that we are able to provide to our customers in the southern region of the country.” As Eleet celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2026, this is shaping up to be a celebratory year.

Dave Mathews, Risk Advisor

STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD

Positive economic indicators combined with a dynamic sales team and focus on specialization have Sterling Seacrest Pritchard bullish heading into 2026. Risk Advisor Dave Mathews notes that, “Liability rates continue to be negatively impacted by nuclear verdicts, 3rd party litigation financing, and other factors. Property rates are improving as storm activity was modest in 2025 and most carriers have returned to profitability.” Though Mathews predicts growth for SSP in 2026, he expects more of a level year for GAWDA distributors, noting, “There’s enough uncertainty that expansion risks need to be very strategic and long-term focused. Global geopolitical shifts will continue to challenge global business dealings. This is both a threat and opportunity for businesses.”

Dave Eckert, Vice President of Industrial Markets

FORNEY INDUSTRIES’ INDUSTRIAL PRO DIVISION

“The biggest factor influencing our 2026 sales projection is improving industrial demand, combined with expanding distributor penetration, increased shelf placement, and strong execution of programs and new product launches that are driving higher sell-through and reorders,” says Dave Eckert, Vice President of Industrial Markets for Forney Industries’ Industrial Pro Division. 2026 projects to be a growth year for the company, with projections for a more than 20% sales increase. “We continue to invest in programs, products, and partnerships that support the success of independent welding distributors as our innovative go-to-market strategies evolve,” Eckert says. “Providing distributors with solutions to compete effectively against local and online competition in the sub-200-amp segment, combined with proven commercial-grade offerings that deliver solid margin alternatives to major brands, continues to drive our business growth. ” He concludes, “A steady flow of new products—including sub-200-amp enhancements, refreshed commercial-grade equipment, a new line of battery chargers and jump starters, and an updated welding glove line—reflects the strength of our product management and in-house welding engineering capabilities.”

Joey Salvucci, Marketing Coordinator

ANTHONY CARTS

Tariffs continue to be a driver of sales activity, says Anthony Carts, Inc. Marketing Coordinator Joey Salvucci, who anticipates a 5-10% growth in 2026. “Foreign tariffs have increased the demand for our medical products, and on the industrial side, the growing need for cylinder containment and distribution has also been extensive.” In recent years, Anthony has changed its go-to-market strategy by going through alternate sales channels and breaking into non-traditional industries. The company has also increased its OEM custom product sales. He concludes, “Given that we are fully American-made, our costs have remained stable for the most part, and we haven’t had to increase our prices.”

Rafael Arvelo, President & CEO

EQUIGAS

A new line of products will be the primary driver of a forecasted 15% growth for Equigas in 2026, according to President & CEO Rafael Arvelo. “EQUIGAS continues to refine and elevate its services and go-to-market strategies, staying ahead of an industry that is constantly evolving,” Arvelo says. “As partners and customers look to us for what’s next, anticipation continues to build around the year ahead. With that momentum, 2026 is shaping up to be another exciting chapter for EQUIGAS… one filled with innovation, growth, and new announcements that will be shared in the months to come.” Arvelo notes that tariff uncertainty has led many companies to delay inventory replenishment, pushing stock levels to a point where rebuilding is no longer optional. Inventory must be restored promptly to meet the anticipated demand in 2026. “At EQUIGAS, we are intentionally integrating AI across the organization to drive smarter, faster, and more scalable execution. From AI powered lead generation and advanced KPI analytics to dynamic marketing content creation and enhanced customer service solutions, these tools are helping us make better decisions, improve efficiency, and deliver greater value to our customers. AI is not a future initiative for us, it is an active part of how we operate and grow today.” He concludes, “2025 was an exceptional year for the EQUIGAS Group across every division and every region. We are extremely proud of our team for delivering such outstanding results. EQUIGAS achieved not just one, but two major milestones, an accomplishment that reflects the strength of our people and our culture. We will continue to celebrate the way we know best: by working hard, staying focused, and enjoying the journey together!”

Mike Arcieri, Vice President of Sales

WELDSHIP

“Weldship has proactively invested in newly manufactured equipment built for sale or lease that allows us to be prepared to deliver to our customers in a timely fashion,” says Weldship Vice President of Sales Mike Arcieri. The company projects 10% growth in 2026, with Arcieri noting, “We believe that due to tariff uncertainties in 2025, purchasing has been stalled and held off. Now that we are in 2026, companies better understand the marketplace and are more prepared to move forward with sales.” He also notes changes in demand activity, “Changes in hydrogen market expectations over the past year have led to decreased demand for hydrogen storage equipment. Conversely, shifts in the supply of semiconductor-related gases from Asia to the United States have driven increased demand for gas storage equipment.” Arcieri concludes by noting that the company will expand its global presence in 2026 with the completion of its new facility in Taiwan.

Brittany Carrico, CEO

USA CYLINDER

With pre-tariff inventory now gone, pricing will return to balance in 2026, according to USA Cylinder CEO Brittany Carrico, who anticipates a growth of 20% this year. “I believe automation will become a regional and dominant trend in our industry on the manufacturing level,” Carrico notes. “LNG is also expanding with the boosting demand for automotive and EV markets.” The company’s Tennessee headquarters streamlines distribution within the U.S. and surrounding countries. Also contributing to that 20% growth expectation will be the addition of new product lines in 2026. “In 2026, USA Cylinder will have the ability to assemble a complete gas pack rack with cylinders with the help of our respected partners,” Carrico says. “With old inventory levels declining, our customer’s purchasing should increase in 2026. We have prepared with our inventory stocking levels and having two warehouses will help us provide quick lead times.”

Paige Kaplan-Taylor, Vice President

KAPLAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

“As the market moves past the impacts of the 2025 steel and aluminum tariffs, suppliers and customers are getting a better handle on costs and pricing. Demand is returning to normal, pricing is stabilizing, and business activity is picking up. As a result, we expect volumes to increase by 10–15% after the first quarter,” says Paige Kaplan-Taylor, Vice President of Kaplan Industries, Inc. “Pent up demand will be the primary driver of growth in 2026. Mid-year tariff price increases surprised many customers, pushing them to extend the life of existing assets instead of buying new. With those assets now depleted, the need to replace them is outweighing concerns over pricing.” In 2026, Kaplan plans to be “more aggressive in sales and marketing” having already added a new sales person and added to its customer service department. New products will also play a role. “Our 6,000 PSI composite cylinders are lightweight, high-performance storage solutions built for bank systems. They’re hydrogen-ready, reduce overall system weight, and maximize usable storage, making them ideal for next-generation energy and industrial applications. With our new hydrogen-compatible cylinder, we see an opportunity to enter a market that we believe will play an important role in the future. This new cylinder positions us to participate in the growing hydrogen industry!”

Paul Cramer, President

PRORACK GAS PRODUCTS

ProRack Gas Products has made “significant investments in advanced equipment and manufacturing capabilities—driving the development of entirely new product categories for the industrial and specialty gas markets. We’re proud to unveil these innovations to our long-standing customer base,” according to President Paul Cramer. Those investments will continue to pay dividends in 2026, as the company forecasts 7-12% growth this year. “ProRack is forecasting increased demand from emerging markets such as heavy construction, driven by AI-related infrastructure expansion. As a result, many customers are requiring higher-pressure gas containment systems with enhanced features to support these high-value projects,” he says. “ProRack’s market strategy is simple and unchanged: we show up—boots on the ground—with a ready-to-help attitude, delivering punctual, accurate service every time.”

Philip Moroco, CCO

PTR GROUP – AMERICAN CAP, LLC

American Cap Company expects 2026 to see a steady and stable year. Philip Moroco, CCO of PTR Group- American Cap, LLC, says, “Customer demand remains the most significant factor determining our sales outlook. Several segments of the compressed gas services industry are showing signs of rebound, with growth varying by market. While conditions differ throughout regions and applications, the wider industry environment remains generally positive, supporting a favorable long-term view.” He adds that, as others have noted, “Staffing is a major industry hurdle, and as demand rises, pressures typically extend to inventory, supply chains, raw materials, and labor availability.” Moroco explains, “To meet changing customer needs, we continue to expand and diversify our operations, capacity, and product offerings across all four of our business units. Our approach is focused on flexibility, reliability, and alliance. With a growing worldwide footprint in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, and strong local support in North America.  We deliver adapted solutions that help customers improve operations, overcome challenges, and achieve sustainable growth. By working closely with our customers, we ensure our services and products match their unique goals.”

Thomas Roland, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

PREMIER CRYOGENIC SERVICES

With the LNG market gaining steam and interesting things happening in the aerospace industry, Premier Cryogenic Services is forecasting a 5% growth in 2026. Vice President of Sales & Marketing Thomas Roland says, “The aerospace industry is huge. The amount of LNG and LOX being used at SpaceX alone is massive and will continue to grow as the years pass.” Premier Cryogenic Services is building a new 16-acre facility in 2026, which will help accommodate the anticipated growth in the next several years.

David Allard, President/CEO

MCDANTIM

A combination of overall industry growth and increasing customer awareness and market share for McDantim’s products and capabilities will contribute to a forecasted 15% growth in 2026, according to McDantim President/CEO David Allard. “More customer awareness nationwide, especially in the food & welding industries, and we have also shaken up our marketing approach and ad materials,” he says. “McDantim now has a line of NDIR-based gas analyzers that are accurate and repeatable enough to sufficiently test our gas blending equipment in the field,” Allard says. “McDantim analyzers include onboard barometric and temperature compensation. They are rugged, do not require frequent calibration or zeroing and are competitively priced.” He concludes, “McDantim will be expanding our presence in Canada substantially in 2026. Quality Beverage Systems (QBS) of Canada is now a stocking dealer of McDantim beverage equipment. In addition to offering some custom-branded McDantim equipment, QBS is an authorized McDantim repair facility in the rare instance any of our equipment needs servicing or repair. We are also entering some new areas of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) replacement gas blends in a number of different applications. We anticipate this to be a growth area as well.”

Tony Hopkins, Senior Vice President

HORTON/MMA

New client acquisition and current client growth will be the primary drivers of a projected 6% increase for Horton/MMA according to Senior Vice President Tony Hopkins. The company, which partnered with Marsh McLennan Agency in 2025, says, “By partnering with Marsh, it has allowed our clients to access the biggest selection of resources available in the insurance industry, whether it’s for business insurance, risk management or employee benefits.” Hopkins continues, “With insurance pricing increasing for the last 7 years straight, we’re finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel on some of the perpetual increases. Group captives have been popular and continue to gain momentum and interest. We’re seeing distributors buy more coverage and higher limits, which has been driven by our litigious society with record-setting lawsuits and inflation. Clients also seem to be more risk averse with the next generation running the business.” He concludes, “Our health insurance offering to GAWDA members has experienced very strong growth that was fueled by the ancillary lines program we put together a couple of years ago, that uses the group purchasing power of GAWDA to get better pricing. Our consulting division has begun providing business continuity planning and cyber security consulting, which has been priced super competitively as a value add to our clients.”

Art Anderson, Managing Principal

AH ANDERSON CONSULTING

With 40 years serving and delivering to customers in the Industrial Gas industry, Art Anderson, Managing Principal at AH Anderson Consulting, is cautiously optimistic about the prospects for 2026. “Expect to see low-to-mid single digit growth in manufacturing, metal fabrication, food & beverage, and semiconductor segments, with lower (but stable) growth in healthcare, government and chemicals/energy segments,” Anderson says. He sees upside growth opportunities for GAWDA Members who have prepared proactively for both anticipated supply constraints in hydrogen, CO2 (impacting dry ice production), and other specialty gases in select geographies, as well as from continued supply chain constraints and cost impacts from overseas providers of products/components.

Jenifer Bloxom and Sara Saxon

THUNDERBIRD METALS

Market conditions plus the state of Aluminum pricing spell a level year for Thunderbird Metals, according to Account Managers Jenifer Bloxom and Sara Saxon. The company notes that Chinese cylinders being brought into the U.S. has made pricing in the space aggressive, a major issue facing all cylinder companies. Bloxom and Saxon also anticipate a level year for GAWDA distributors and for the industry at large.

Justin Guitreau, President

GASPROS

“With our name change from Tekno Valves North America to GasPros, that opened the door for us to represent additional manufacturers within the compressed gas industry,” says GasPros President Justin Guitreau. “We are currently representing WEH quick connects and our own brand of hoses called ‘ProFlow.’ With that, we now have additional products and solutions to offer the gas distributors.” Those additional product offerings will be the primary driver of a projected 10-15% increase for the company in 2026, even amidst a projected level year for the industry at large. Concludes Guitreau, “Tariffs continue to be the biggest disruptor that I see, navigating and mitigating those is the biggest challenge.”