nexAir expands reach with acquisition of WELSCO | Acquisitions

nexAir, a gas, welding and operations services company, has acquired WELSCO, an Arkansas-based supplier of industrial and welding equipment.

Announced today (8^t July), the purchase expands nexAir’s footprint in Arkansas and Oklahoma. It will complement nexAir’s existing 70 locations in the southeastern U.S.

Bill Proctor, president of nexAir, said: “This expansion is designed to increase the productivity of both our current and future customers in these areas, reinforcing our commitment to growth and excellence.”

WELSCO was founded in 1941 as Welder’s Supply Company and has since grown into an enterprise with 16 locations in Arkansas and surrounding states.

As one of the largest independent, woman-owned distributors of industrial gases and welding equipment, WELSCO offers a complete line of welding and cutting equipment, offering a full range of industrial gases for welding, cutting, plasma and laser applications.

Angela Harrison, CEO of WELSCO, said she was looking forward to the next chapter.

She added: “We have known and worked with our friends at nexAir for decades and are excited to be joining a company with a similar culture, focused on doing what is best for the customer and our employees.”

“Customers will continue to be served by the same faces and service they have come to expect from WELSCO. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for WELSCO while honoring a legacy built over generations.”

In January 2023, industrial gases giant Linde completed an acquisition to expand its packaged gases business and expand its presence in the southeastern U.S.

Read more: Linde completes acquisition of nexAir

Prior to the purchase, Linde Gas & Equipment held a minority stake in nexAir.

NexAir is one of the largest privately held companies in its segment. It was founded in 1940 as Standard Welders Supply and then acquired in 1950. In 1996, Standard Welders merged with Mid-South Oxygen to form nexAir.