Destination:
Continued Industry Leadership
Airgas has come a long way in our relatively short history. From a $3 million regional gas distributor in 1982, we have grown quickly and taken our place today as one of the leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases and hardgoods in the United States with more than $5 billion in annual revenues. As we grow in size, we never stop investing in business platforms that help make us a fully integrated company—with local, regional and national capabilities—and driving ourselves to further solidify our position as the premier gas company in the U.S.
End Markets Poised for Resurgence
The key industrial growth markets for Airgas—construction, manufacturing and energy—account for more than 50 percent of our revenues. Many believe, as we do, that those markets are primed to rebound as the U.S. economy expands. The number of non-residential construction projects is already picking up, and with the U.S. working to achieve energy independence by 2020 and long-deferred infrastructure spending on the way, Airgas is well positioned for growth in all of these areas.
gases are our principal products
Airgas is the leader in U.S. packaged gases. In addition, we support our customers' use of gases with a comprehensive suite of solutions—including welding hardgoods and safety products. In fiscal 2014, we announced our plans to build two new air separation units that will bolster gas production. We also expanded our beverage carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) gas business with the creation of a new Airgas National Carbonation business unit, and enhanced our specialty gas capabilities to better serve the growing number of oil and gas customers participating in on-conventional natural gas production.
Expertise and Service Offerings That Create Customer Value
Airgas' unrivaled product and service offering is enhanced by our 375-plus product and industry specialists who use their expertise to help solve our customers' operational challenges. Engineers and chemists, weld process experts, bulk gas and specialty gas specialists, safety and construction specialists, and industry specialists in all of our key market segments offer solutions ranging from weld process optimization to safety and compliance to supply chain management. We create real value for our customers, helping to make them more competitive.
A National Presence That Touches Every Key Customer Segment
Acquisitions, in addition to organic initiatives, have helped propel Airgas' growth. We have completed nearly 450 acquisitions to date, including the addition of 11 businesses with more than $80 million in annual sales in fiscal 2014. Today, the Airgas footprint is comprised of more than 1,100 locations nationwide, including 16 air separation units, 11 acetylene plants, 8 liquid CO2 plants, and 6 national hardgoods distribution centers—all complemented by a fleet of 5,000 delivery vehicles and more than 16,000 of the best associates in the business. Our unmatched geographic coverage enables us to provide superior service to larger, multi-location customers through our Strategic Accounts program—a significant competitive advantage for Airgas.