RADNOR, PA ­ December 4, 2006 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced it has acquired the assets and operations of Southern Welding Supply, Inc., based in northern Alabama, and Alpena Supply Company, headquartered in Alpena, MI.  The two transactions, plus two smaller transactions effective December 1, 2006, bring the total number of acquisitions in fiscal 2007 to 10, with acquired sales now topping $140 million.

Southern Welding Supply, an industrial gas and welding supply distributor with four locations in Tarrant, Pelham, Decatur, and Tuscaloosa, AL, generated $15 million in revenue in the 12 months ended June 30, 2006.  The operations have been integrated into Airgas South, one of 13 regional companies within Airgas.

“We are pleased to welcome 33 associates of Southern Welding to the Airgas team, including Randy Puryear, who will manage sales in Northern Alabama for us,” said Jay Sullivan, president of Airgas South.  “Randy, his sister Dianne, and brother Ronnie have ably managed Southern Welding, which was founded by their father Ray in 1973. The Puryears are working with us to ensure a smooth transition for Southern’s customers and associates.”

In the Michigan acquisition, Airgas Great Lakes will integrate four locations in Alpena, Gaylord, Charlevoix, and Petoskey, MI, constituting the Welding Division of Alpena Supply Company and its Northern Michigan Welding Supply affiliate, which collectively totaled more than $4 million in annual revenues.

The company, which has been in business for more than 60 years, also operates a plumbing, heating, and pipes, valves, and fittings (PVF) division, which will remain with the owner, William Kelly, and will continue to operate as Alpena Supply Company ­ PVF Division.

 “We are pleased to welcome nine employees from these operations,” said Mike Ziegler, president of Airgas Great Lakes.  “These operations will give us better coverage in northern Michigan, especially in Alpena and Gaylord.”

Two smaller transactions, with total acquired sales of less than $2 million, also closed effective December 1, 2006.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies.  Airgas is also the third-largest U.S. distributor 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 10,000 employees work in about 900 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 <http://www.airgas.com/>.