Amid a series of infrastructure projects signifying investment in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., Airgas, an Air Liquide company, acquired industrial gas and welding supply distributor A-L Compressed Gases.

In addition to the deal, which expands Airgas’ capabilities and network across central and eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, the company completed four projects designed to improve reliability and help customer in key markets:

• Refurbished a state-of-the-art Air Separation Unit (ASU) in Kent, WA, to provide a high-volume, local source of high-purity oxygen, nitrogen and argon. “This investment expands upon current in-market production, positioning Airgas for long-term growth and providing reliability and resilience that is critical for aerospace and life sciences customers,” company officials said in a Jan. 14 news release.
• Created the largest single argon hub in the region with the new argon rail node in Kalama, WA. Similarly, investment in the existing carbon dioxide rail node in Finley, WA, improves capacity and efficiency. “Both investments will bolster supply reliability for critical welding, metal fabrication, food and beverage applications in the Pacific Northwest,” officials said.
• The newly built facility in Vancouver, WA, features expanded capacity to streamline the cylinder filling process. This enhancement enables more responsive delivery to keep local construction and manufacturing projects on schedule, officials said.
• Renovated its Seattle retail branch so customers have a “one-stop productivity hub” to interact with Airgas and Red-D-Arc experts and access a full range of gases, advanced welding equipment and PPE.

“In today’s environment, our customers need more than just a gas supplier – they need a company who anticipates their needs and understands the importance of reliable supply,” Airgas Northern Pacific Region President Mike Smith said. “Airgas is uniquely equipped to support the needs of diverse customers of all sizes, from local shops to large enterprises. These four strategic investments enhance a responsive, localized network that allows us to deliver on that commitment and fuel the innovation of the Pacific Northwest.”