Airgas Acquires Industrial Ammonia Operations of Pacific Diazo Products, Inc.
RADNOR, PA - January 2, 2008 - Airgas, Inc., (NYSE: ARG) today announced it has acquired the assets and operations of Pacific Diazo Products, Inc., (PDP), a distributor of aqua ammonia, anhydrous ammonia, and related products and services. Effective, December 31, 2007, its operations have been integrated into Airgas Specialty Products, a leading national distributor of industrial ammonia products and services, various process chemicals, and refrigerants.
PDP, headquartered in Colton, CA, had more than $9 million in sales in calendar 2006. The acquired operations include a production and distribution facility in nearby Fontana, CA and two distribution locations in southern California and Arizona. Its approximately 20 employees have joined Airgas Specialty Products, which has 24 locations nationwide for distribution of anhydrous ammonia and aqua ammonia products and services and nine locations for distribution of refrigerants.
"PDP's operations will expand our ammonia capabilities on the West Coast," said Chuck Broadus, president of Airgas Specialty Products. "We are also pleased to welcome its co-owners, David Rubenstein and Joseph Ennes III to the Airgas team. David, who has served as PDP's president since 1986, will assist in the transition of the business. Joe will serve as Western Region Sales Manager for our ammonia operations."
"The PDP team is excited about joining forces with Airgas, whose local and national presence and resources will ensure a promising future for our associates and our customers," said Rubenstein.
Airgas Specialty Products is a leading supplier of ammonia products and services in the U.S. for nitrogen oxide abatement (DeNOx), metal finishing, water treatment, chemical processing, and refrigeration. The ammonia business, which traces its roots back more than a century, was acquired in 2005 from LaRoche Industries. Since then, process chemicals and enhanced refrigeration capabilities, through the 2007 acquisitions of CFC Refimax and Gartech Reclamation, have been added to the platform.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas 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 its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.
