Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that beginning October 1, 2012,
or as contracts permit, its operating units will increase prices on bulk
and packaged industrial, medical, and specialty gases 8 ? 10% on average
and on helium and argon 10 ? 18%. The Company will also continue to pass
along 3 ? 6% higher prices for welding hardgoods and safety products.
Cylinder and bulk tank rental rates will increase 6 ? 12% effective
September 1, 2012, or as contracts permit.
'We have experienced sustained inflationary pressures on our product and
operating costs this year, and supply chain disruptions in certain
products have resulted in higher distribution costs,? said Airgas
President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Molinini. 'In addition, we
continue to invest in our infrastructure and technologies in order to
more efficiently meet our customers′ demands while fulfilling the safety
and security requirements of our industry.?
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 a leading U.S.
producer of atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous
oxide, one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, and a
leading U.S. distributor of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process
chemicals. More than 15,000 employees work in approximately 1,100
locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty
gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also
markets 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
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements that are forward looking, as
that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules,
regulations and releases, and we intend that any such forward-looking
statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby.
Forward-looking statements are generally identified with the words
'believe,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' 'target,'
'may,' 'will,' 'would,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'should,' 'continue' or the
negative thereof or other similar expressions, or discussion of future
goals or aspirations, which are predictions of or indicate future events
and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. These
statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the
Company′s leadership transition. All forward-looking statements are
based on current expectations regarding important risk factors and
should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person
that the results expressed therein will be achieved. Important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in any forward-looking statement include the factors described
in the Company's reports, including its Form 10-K dated March 31, 2012,
subsequent Forms 10-Q and other forms filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
