Airgas Shareholders Elect William O. Albertini to Board of Directors; John A.H. Shober Retires.

Business Editors

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 2003

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today announced that William O. Albertini was elected to a two-year term on its Board of Directors, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of John A.H. Shober. Mr. Albertini's term began with the completion of today's Annual Meeting and will expire after the 2005 Annual Meeting.

"We are fortunate to have Bill Albertini's financial experience on our Board and we look forward to his contributions in the coming years," said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "I also want to thank John Shober for his 13 years of service to Airgas. As of today's meeting, he retires from the Board having reached the mandatory retirement age."

Mr. Albertini formerly served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Bell Atlantic Global Wireless, Inc. from September 1997 until his retirement in April 1999. From January 1991 until August 1997, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Bell Atlantic Corp. and from 1995 to 1997, he served as a member of its board of directors.

In addition to serving on the Airgas Board of Directors, Mr. Albertini is a director of Triumph Group, Inc. (NYSE: TGI), Charming Shoppes, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHRS) and BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK). He also serves as a director of Midwest Independent System Operator, Inc., as a trustee of the Weller Foundation and as President of the Eagles Mere Foundation and the Merion Golf Club.

Mr. Shober first joined the Airgas Board of Directors in 1990 when he was President of Penn Virginia Corporation. During more than 25 years at Penn Virginia, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of MIBRAG mbH and as a Director of C&D Technologies, Inc., Ensign Bickford Industries, Inc., and First Reserve Corporation, and is a member of the President's Advisory Council of Eisenhower Fellowships, Inc.

"John's executive and board experience was instrumental in helping shape the Airgas Board of Directors, ensuring its independence and teamwork. I am personally grateful to John for his tremendous support and encouragement over the years," said McCausland.

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. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.