Airgas Completes First West Coast Installation of AcuGrav Computerized Specialty Gas Filling System.

Business Editors

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2003

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today reported that its Airgas Nor Pac specialty gas facility in Portland has installed the company's proprietary AcuGrav(TM) computerized high-tolerance specialty gas filling system, enabling quality, precision, and consistent filling of multi-component blends.

This new technology is the first of its kind to be installed on the West Coast and is the third installation of this technology in the country by Airgas. Approximately three additional installations are scheduled at Airgas' specialty gas facilities by fiscal year-end.

"AcuGrav(TM) is a computerized precision filling and blending system for specialty gases that will reduce the variability in manual filling, providing greater accuracy, consistency and reliability to our specialty gas customers," said Mark Clemens, president, Airgas Nor Pac. "Originally only available to Airgas customers on the East Coast, now with the installation of AcuGrav at our Nor Pac facility, we will be able to bring the benefits of this technology to our customers in the Northern Pacific region and Canada."

The AcuGrav data collection unit is completely modular and features state-of-the-art technology, including a real-time embedded control system to handle I/O and time-critical routines. Dual two-GHz Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 central processing units provide the graphical user interface and control loop. This real-time operating system consists of 450 subroutines.

Durability of the AcuGrav system is of the utmost importance. To ensure durability, all valves used in the system have passed the BAM test, an industry-standard test in which the valves are subjected to rigorous conditions to ensure oxygen compatibility. The unit also enables both O2 and reactive gases to be filled using the same system.

"With the precision, accuracy, and consistency of the AcuGrav system," added Robert Shock, director of automation and lead developer of AcuGrav, "Airgas will be able to offer a statistical-based mixture grade."

Developed by Airgas' in-house automation team -- including all programming and fabrication -- the AcuGrav system programmatically executes Airgas-specific SOPs to ensure each mixture meets exact tolerances every time.

"From the user's perspective, AcuGrav provides additional efficiencies, allowing users to multi-task while filling -- a benefit not previously available in manual fills," said Shock.

"Our automation team gained considerable knowledge and experience developing AcuGrav," added Bill Russo, vice president and general manager - Specialty Gases. "We're leveraging that knowledge to provide even more benefits to our customers. We're applying what we've learned during the development of AcuGrav to automated analysis, automated cylinder preparation, and to commercial applications, as well."

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, welding, safety and related products. Its integrated network of nearly 800 locations includes 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. Airgas Nor Pac, headquartered in Portland, OR, is one of 12 regional companies within Airgas and has 33 locations operating in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. In addition to a full line of industrial and specialty gases and welding supplies, it is also a major supplier of safety equipment. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

Forward Looking Statement

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. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the installation of AcuGrav filling systems at three additional Airgas specialty gas facilities by the end of fiscal 2004; and the ability to bring the benefits of this technology to additional customers. Airgas intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors and should not be regarded as a representation by the Company 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 failure of the AcuGrav filling systems; the inability to complete additional installations; and other factors described in Airgas' reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2003 and Forms 10-Q dated June 30, 2003 and September 30, 2003 filed by Airgas with the Securities and Exchange Commission.