Knoxville, TN-based industrial gases distributor Holston Gases has acquired Bessemer, AL-based Advanced Welding Supply, further strengthening Holston’s southeast U.S. presence.

Owned by Tim Myers, AWS is a single-location distributor of welding consumables, cylinder gas and filler metal. It’s key suppliers include Lincoln Electric, Miller, DeWalt and Victor.

“Combining with Holston’s people and resources will be great for our customers,” Myers said in a news release. “We’ve known the Holston Gases folks for a long time, and we think a lot of them.”

Meanwhile, Holston is a regional distributor of industrial, medical, specialty and propane gases alongside welding, safety and industrial supplies.

AWS represents Holston’s ninth location in Alabama and 45th overall across Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

“Advanced Welding and the Myers family have an outstanding reputation in north-central Alabama, and we look forward to partnering with them to enhance the offerings they can provide their customers,” Holston President Joe Baxter added.

Baxter became Holston’s President in September 2024, succeeding Robert Anders, who was Holston’s President since 1997 and continues as CEO. Baxter is also Chairman of the company and represents the third generation of family leadership for Holston.