Airgas National Welders Wins Defense Logistics Agency Performance Award.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today announced that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has selected Airgas National Welders as their Large Business Innovative Performer of the Year for 2008. Airgas National Welders was nominated for the award by the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), and will accept the award from DLA Director Vice Admiral Alan S. Thompson at the DLA Business Alliance Awards Luncheon on January 28 in Springfield, Virginia.

Airgas National Welders was awarded this distinction for its innovation in developing design solutions for safe, high capacity, and high flow cylinder pallet delivery systems. To DESC's customers, these pallet delivery systems are known as High Pressure Cylinder Assemblies (HPCAs). The customized cylinder pallets are capable of transport in a variety of modes, such as aboard aircraft, suspended underneath aircraft, or on trucks. The Company built, filled, and delivered the pallets for DESC use in overseas deployments, and was selected as a recipient of the performance award from a pool of thousands of suppliers.

"This kind of recognition from the DLA is a real honor," said Steve Marinelli, president of Airgas National Welders. "We take pride in our ability to deliver high-quality service and innovation to all of our customers, and it is particularly rewarding when our efforts support the operations of the United States military. We look forward to our continued delivery of system development, service, and safe products to our government and our military." Airgas National Welders, one of 12 Airgas regional companies, serves customers in the Carolinas and southern Virginia.

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.