Airgas Announces Reorganization of its Southwest Region

Airgas Announces Reorganization of its Southwest Region

Formation of two separate regions facilitates additional management and staff resources to focus on key growth areas

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Airgas, Inc. (NYS: ARG) , one of the nation's leading suppliers of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related products, today announced the reorganization of its Southwest distribution region, effective November 1, into two separate regions - the Gulf Coast region, headquartered in Houston, and the Southwest region, headquartered in Dallas. Jason Favre, currently an area vice president within Airgas' Southwest region, has been named president of the Gulf Coast region, which includes coastal Texas and Louisiana. Brent Sparks, president of Airgas' Southwest region, has been named president of the newly defined Southwest region, which includes the rest of Texas to the north, east and west of Dallas, and New Mexico.

"We continue to be optimistic about the long-term prospects for the U.S. manufacturing and energy industries, as well as non-residential construction, and this area of the country is expected to see significant growth," said Michael Molinini, Airgas President and Chief Executive Officer. "We're adding resources to further strengthen our position and ability to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead. This reorganization will enable us to focus more fully on the unique needs of the industries in each of these regions."

"The Southwest region represents one of Airgas' largest in terms of annual revenues, number of production facilities and branches, and number of associates," said Terry Lodge, president of Airgas' Central Division. "This reorganization reinforces Airgas' commitment to an operating model where decisions are made as close to the customers as possible."

"Jason has spent most of his career in the industrial gas business and in the Gulf Coast area. He's held several positions of increasing responsibility within Airgas, which has prepared him well for this important role," Lodge added. "Brent is an industry veteran who's spent more than a decade leading the growth of our business in the Southwest. Both have track records of meeting and exceeding performance targets and proven leadership skills that will help drive our continued success in their respective regions."

Favre brings to his new role as president of the Airgas Gulf Coast region more than 17 years of sales, marketing, and management experience within the industrial gases and welding equipment and safety industries. He began his career at Airgas in 2001 as a safety specialist based in Louisiana before becoming a branch manager for Airgas' Baton Rouge and Geismar, LA, locations. In 2007, he was promoted to area vice president, covering parts of Louisiana and eastern Texas, and has since served in area vice president and vice president of sales and marketing roles for Airgas' Southwest region based in Houston. Favre graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Distribution.

Sparks brings more than 30 years of industry experience to his role, most recently serving as president of Airgas' Southwest region for the past 12 years, during which time the region's sales have more than tripled. He joined Airgas in 1991 as president of Mountain Airgas, one of 23 hub companies at the time, and oversaw its development into Airgas' Intermountain region.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYS: ARG) , through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and related products. Airgas is a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases with 16 air separation plants, a leading producer of carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 15,000 employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also markets its products and services through e-Business, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

Airgas, Inc.
Investor & Media Contact:
Barry Strzelec, 610-902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com
or
Investor Contact:
Joseph Marczely, 610-263-8277
joseph.marczely@airgas.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America Louisiana New Mexico Pennsylvania Texas

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