Airgas News

Premier Purchasing Partners offers agreements for bulk oxygen

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:18:00 +0000

Premier Purchasing Partners, LP, today announced new agreements for bulk oxygen have been awarded to Airgas Puritan Medical of Overland Park, Kan.; LifeGas, a division of Linde Gas North America, LLC of Atlanta; Air Liquide Healthcare America Corporation of Houston, a small business enterprise; and Praxair Healthcare Services Inc. of Danbury, Conn.

Effective November 1, 2009, the agreements are available to acute care and continuum of care members of the Premier healthcare alliance.

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Airgas AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid Receives American Petroleum Institute (API) Certification

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:04:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA – September 17, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced its AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful diesel exhaust pollutants.

API certification verifies that manufacturers and distributors are operating in compliance with industry standards and that DEF meets quality standards. Airgas, the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and welding, safety, and related products, markets Airgas AiRx Diesel Exhaust Fluid through Airgas Specialty Products.

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Airgas Prices $400 Million Of Senior Notes

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

September 8, 2009 (FinancialWire) — Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) has priced $400 million of 4.5% senior notes due September 15, 2014. The offering is scheduled to close on September 11.

The company plans to use the proceeds for the repayment of its revolving credit facilities and general corporate purposes.

Banc of America Securities, Barclays Capital, and J.P. Morgan Securities served as joint bookrunners on this transaction.

Radnor, Pennsylvania-based Airgas is a U.S. distributor of industrial

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Airgas joins S&P 500

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:24:00 +0000

Standard & Poor's says Airgas will replace Cooper Industries on the S&P 500 in September

Industrial Distribution Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 8/31/2009 10:12:21 AM EDT
Standard & Poor's announced that Radnor, Pa.-based Airgas will replace Cooper Industries on the S&P 500 index after the close of trading on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Cooper Industries is in the process of redomesticating to Ireland, making it ineligible for continued inclusion in the S&P 500.

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Airgas Declares Regular Dividend for Second Quarter FY2010

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:03:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA – August 18, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share, payable September 30, 2009 to shareholders of record as of September 15, 2009.

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Airgas and Nuvera Announce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Marketing Agreement

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:38:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA and BILLERICA, MA – August 17, 2009 – Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) and Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., today jointly announced a five-year marketing, sales, and service agreement to provide PowerTapTM hydrogen generators and stations to the North American material handling market. Under the agreement, Nuvera will manufacture the PowerTap systems and Airgas will provide distribution, installation, monitoring and maintenance of the equipment, as well as backup hydrogen, at customer sites.

PowerTap is a hydrogen generator and hydrogen station, part of the Nuvera Total Power Solution that includes PowerEdge™, a fuel cell hybrid system that replaces standard lead acid batteries in material handling equipment such as forklift trucks. The PowerTap generator uses steam reformation technology to produce hydrogen from natural gas.

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Airgas Names Ron Stark Sr. Vice President – Sales and Marketing

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:40:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA – July 22, 2009 – Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), today announced that Ronald J. Stark has been named senior vice president – sales and marketing, reporting to Mike Molinini, Airgas executive vice president and chief operating officer. Stark has served as president of Airgas North Central, one of 12 regional companies that make up Airgas’ distribution business, since he joined Airgas in 2003.

Including his time with Airgas, Stark brings 24 years of experience in the industrial gas and equipment business to this new role. He will be responsible for sales and marketing strategy including development and alignment of key markets within the Airgas regional company structure.

Stark’s direct reports will include: Pat Visintainer, sr. vice president – corporate accounts; Jack Appolonia, vice president – construction and rental businesses; and Don Carlino, president of Airgas Safety.

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Airgas Reports First Quarter EPS of $0.66

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:38:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA - July 23, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and welding, safety, and related products, today reported earnings of $0.66 per diluted share for its first quarter ended June 30, 2009, consistent with the Company's guidance.

Quarterly EPS results represent a 19% decline from prior year earnings of $0.81 per diluted share. First quarter sales were $1.0 billion, a decline of 12% from the prior year. Total same-store sales declined 17%, with hardgoods down 27% and gas and rent down 10%. Acquisitions contributed 5% sales growth in the quarter.

"Sales were consistently at the low end of our expectations throughout the quarter, and demand continues to be weak across most customer segments," said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "Manufacturing has shown the deepest declines, analytical and utilities have shown some resilience, and our medical sales posted positive growth."

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Airgas signs 5-yr deal with Commerce Dept. agency

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:35:00 +0000

RADNOR, Pa. - Industrial gas maker Airgas Inc. on Tuesday said it signed a five-year contract to provide standard reference material (SRM) gas mixtures to an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), certifies the concentration and consistency of SRM gas mixtures and provides SRMs worldwide for use in calibrating instruments, such as continuous emissions monitors.

"As the sole-source SRM provider for NIST, Airgas will supply more than 500 different high-tolerance gas mixtures within the first year of the five-year contract," Airgas said in a statement.

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Airgas adds spark to Oakwood economy

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:49:00 +0000

By Robert Nozar/Bedford Sun News

OAKWOOD A feeble yelp was all that was heard from the recession as Mayor Gary Gottschalk and representatives from a new local business tossed it -- temporarily, at least -- into a dumpster on Oak Leaf Road.

That dumpster was at the now-operational Airgas Inc. plant where the company officially opened its new facility on June 24. The place employs 55 people and represents a $5 million investment for the company that fills cylinders with oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium and oxygen. Airgas also retests high pressure cylinders using new ultrasonic testing equipment.

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Joplin, MO and Visalia, CA Named Airgas National Branch of the Year Winners

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:48:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA – July 1, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced the winners of its National Branch of the Year trophies, which honor the best of its more than 850 local branches nationwide. The winners, based on fiscal 2009 performance, were the Joplin, MO, branch in Airgas Mid South among the large branches and the Visalia, CA, branch in Airgas Northern California and Nevada among the small branches.

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Airgas Continues Operation Homefront Support with Second $100,000 Donation

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:21:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA and SAN ANTONIO, TX – June 29, 2009 – Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and welding, safety, and related products, today marked the upcoming Independence Day holiday by reaffirming its commitment to Operation Homefront, a charity that supports America's troops by providing emergency assistance and moral support to the families our troops leave behind when they are deployed and to wounded service members when they return home.

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Back-to-School Drive with a Little Help for Hawaii's Military Kids

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Starting Monday, June 22 to July 24, 2009, Operation Homefront of Hawaii gears up to assist military families get their kids ready for school with brand new backpacks and school supplies. At least 300 backpacks will be distributed on Sunday, July 26, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila Street.

Airgas CA, Airgas Gaspro are lead sponsors of this program, with additional community assistance from BAE Systems, Combined Federal Campaign, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Boutiki Gift Shop, and the Pearl Harbor Submarine Officer's Wives Club.

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Plant Brings Jobs To Carrollton

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:51:00 +0000

CARROLLTON, Ky. -- A new plant is bringing 20 new jobs to Carrollton.

The grand opening of Airgas Incorporated's new air separation plant caps a $30 million investment in the facility. The plant has the capacity to liquefy at least 350 tons per day of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon for bulk delivery.

It also has a pipeline from that supplies nitrogen to Dow Corning Corporation's silicone production facility nearby.

"This new plant provides a crucial link in the supply chain for bulk and packaged gases used in industrial, medical, food processing, research, and construction applications," said Peter McCausland, chairman and chief executive officer of Airgas.

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New Airgas plant debuts in New Carlisle

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:53:00 +0000

New Airgas plant debuts in New Carlisle
Air separation facility in works for two years.

By YaVONDA SMALLS
Tribune Staff Writer

NEW CARLISLE — It's here.

After two years in the works, Airgas Merchant Gases' new air separation plant is ready to open its doors. A grand opening will take place next week to celebrate the new project.

"It's a great feeling," said Tom Thoman, senior vice president of Airgas Merchant Gases, one of the largest suppliers of industrial gases, welding hardgoods and safety supplies in the United States.

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Airgas Increases Quarterly Dividend by 13%

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:10:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA – May 19, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that the Board of Directors increased the quarterly cash dividend on the company’s common stock to $0.18 per share from $0.16. The dividend will be payable June 30, 2009 to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2009.

Click here to read the full press release

2009 Interactive

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Check out the 2009 Specialty Gas Interactive Catalog available for download now. With over 200 product specifications, the interactive catalog contains everything included in the print-version of the catalog plus more! It also has specific products for Nanotech, EPA, Life Sciences, Lasers and others.

Click here to view the 2009 Specialty Gas Interactive Catalog

Brady Product Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Buy a HandiMark® Portable Label Maker or the GlobalMark® Printer and Get FREE Cartridges

To receive your FREE CARTRIDGES go to www.airgas.com/brady and complete the attached form and fax to 888-628-4444. Offer valid on purchases made from March 16, 2009 - October 30, 2009

Click here to view details on this promotion

Economists Downgrade U.S. Recovery Outlook in Survey; Airgas CEO Peter McCausland Quoted

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:53:00 +0000

May 12 (Bloomberg) -- Economists downgraded their projections for a recovery from the deepest U.S. recession in half a century, now seeing the jobless rate exceeding 8 percent through 2011, a Bloomberg News survey showed.

Unemployment will average 8.5 percent in 2011 after a 9.6 percent rate next year, higher than previously expected, according to the median forecast in the survey taken from May 4 to May 11. The economy may expand 2.8 percent in 2011, less than estimated last month, after a 1.9 percent rise in 2010.

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Soleil Securities Maintains a 'Buy' on Airgas (ARG); Raises Price Target & 2010 Estimates

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:50:00 +0000

Soleil Securities maintains a 'Buy' on Airgas (NYSE: ARG), raises price target from $45 to $50.

Soleil analyst says, "Tweaking F10E to $2.90 from $2.89 on lower interest expense and introducing F11E$3.49. Increasing price target to $50 from $45."

Click here to read the full analysis

Real Rate Shock Hits CEOs as Borrowing Costs Impede Recovery; Airgas CEO Peter McCausland Quoted

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:48:00 +0000

By Bryan Keogh

May 13 (Bloomberg) -- The highest inflation-adjusted borrowing costs since the 1980s are hindering U.S. companies’ ability to build their businesses.

Customers of Airgas Inc. are reducing purchases of industrial gases such as nitrogen and acetylene because of rising real interest rates, said Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. Real rates account for inflation or deflation.

“There is no question” high real rates have aggravated Airgas’s sales decline, he said in an interview.

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Optimist safety fest on Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:05:00 +0000

The Optimist Club of Madison will host its 11th annual Safety Optimist Style Festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kid's Kingdom in Dublin Memorial Park.

The free event will feature entertainment, inflatables, prizes and refreshments. It will also have a child safety seat installation and check station for parents and other adults who transport young children.

Many local law enforcement officials, emergency and rescue organizations, public officials, civic groups, nonprofit organizations, animal welfare groups, and local businesses will take part in SOS.

Click here to view the aritcle

Three Earn National Scholarships From American Welding Society

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Three Pennsylvania College of Technology students were awarded national scholarships for the 2009-10 academic year from the American Welding Society Foundation.

Bradley W. Feight, a welding and fabrication engineering technology student from Breezewood, received the Airgas-Jerry Baker Scholarship, a $2,500 award given to a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a minimum four-year degree in welding engineering or welding engineering technology.

The scholarship honors Baker, director of corporate development for Airgas Mid America, who continues to show passion for the distribution business and has earned the respect of colleagues and customers.

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Airgas CEO Peter McCausland on CNBC's "Mad Money"

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:53:00 +0000

Airgas CEO Peter McCausland discusses his company's outlook with Cramer on "Mad Money," Wednesday, May 6th, 2009.

Click here to watch the video

Airgas Reports Fourth Quarter EPS of $0.68 and Fiscal 2009 EPS of $3.12

noreply@blogger.com (cjhy12) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:39:00 +0000

RADNOR, PA – May 5, 2009 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and welding, safety, and related products, today reported solid performance in earnings and cash flow, relative to the weak sales environment, for its fourth quarter ended March 31, 2009.

Quarterly earnings declined 11% to $0.68 per diluted share, compared to $0.76 per diluted share in the prior year. Fourth quarter sales were $1.0 billion compared to $1.1 billion in the prior year, a decline of 9%. Total same-store sales declined 13% in the quarter, with hardgoods down 20% and gas and rent down 8%. Acquisitions contributed 4% sales growth in the quarter.

Click here for the full press release