Founded in 1982, Airgas has become the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and welding, safety and related products. Its integrated network of about 800 locations includes branches, retail stores, cylinder fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to a diversified customer base.

We’ve built this company by expanding our local presence, developing the right products, distributing them to our customers at the right time, with the right expertise, and pursuing growth through core and strategic product areas.

By following this steady course, we have become the largest distributor of packaged gases, welding and safety products in the United States. Our footprint now spans the country, making us the supplier of choice for customers with multiple locations.

Yet, our true strength has never changed: we are branch-centric, committed to meeting the needs of customers in local markets who depend on us for their deliveries of cylinder gases, welding supplies and safety products.

This annual report recaps our financial results and provides a picture of the front-line people and company-wide strategies that have propelled us to a leadership position in our industry. Leveraging our presence, products, and distribution. Sharing our expertise and pursuing growth niches. These are the platforms that are enabling Airgas to build its strength, branch by branch.