Airgas and Aperion Energy Systems Sign Hydrogen Marketing Agreement; Airgas to Offer Hydrogen and Hydrogen-Rich Fuels to Aperion Fuel Cell Customers.

Business Editors

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2002

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, specialty and medical gases, and Aperion Energy Systems LLC, an integrator of complete fuel cell systems, today announced an agreement for Airgas to offer hydrogen fuel supplies and services to Aperion Energy Systems' fuel cell customers.

Airgas also will provide Aperion's customers with services related to fuel supply, including site preparation, installation, monitoring and fuel replenishment, as well as safety consultation regarding the storage and use of hydrogen and hydrogen-rich fuels. The companies also will work together on the economics, logistics, and commercialization of hydrogen-rich fuel alternatives to compressed gas cylinder hydrogen, including Aperion's low-pressure on-demand hydrogen generation systems.

"Aperion is establishing a leading position as an integrator of fuel cell and power supply solutions," said Tom Thoman, vice president-gases for Airgas. "This agreement fits with our strategy to become the leader in hydrogen supply and related services for emerging fuel cell applications. We see Aperion's unique portfolio approach as a perfect fit for our distribution capabilities and product offerings."

Airgas' national network includes nearly 800 locations, including 25 facilities currently filling hydrogen cylinders.

William "Bill" Book, Aperion's chief executive officer, stated, "Airgas is the nation's leading distributor of packaged hydrogen fuel. Its products and expertise in gas distribution, monitoring and operational safety equipment will help us develop a hydrogen economy based on hydrogen-powered fuel cells. This agreement will ensure that Aperion's customers have guaranteed service and support from the best commercial source of hydrogen. We are extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Airgas."

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.

About Aperion Energy Systems LLC

Aperion Energy Systems LLC is an integrator of complete fuel cell and hydrogen generation systems that provide the operational and environmental advantages of fuel cells to a variety of backup and premium power applications. Formed in 2001, Aperion brings extensive experience in the fields of electrical power conversion and control systems and product design and manufacturing processes. Building on a portfolio of fuel cell technology alliances, Aperion offers a true solutions approach by optimizing the application of fuel cells to specific client requirements. Aperion headquarters are in Jefferson City, MO. For more information on Aperion Energy Systems, visit www.aperionenergy.com or call 866-237-POWR (866-237-7697).

Forward-Looking Statement for Airgas, Inc.

This press release contains 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 Company's agreement with Aperion Energy Systems, Airgas' strategy to become the leader in hydrogen supply and related services for emerging fuel cell applications, the development of a hydrogen economy based on hydrogen-powered fuel cells, and the agreement ensuring that Aperion's customers will be guaranteed service and support from the best commercial source of hydrogen. 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 Company's ability to supply a sufficient amount of hydrogen and the related services and support in a timely and satisfactory manner to Aperion's customers, Aperion's ability to attract customers who accept hydrogen-powered fuel cells, increased cost pressures; an economic downturn (including adverse changes in the markets in which Aperion's customers operate); increased competition; and other factors described in the Company's reports, including Form 10-K dated March 31, 2002 and Forms 10-Q dated June 30, 2002, and September 30, 2002, filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.