Corpus Christi, TX and Faribault, MN Named National Airgas Branch of the Year Winners.

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) today announced the winners of its National Branch of the Year trophies, which honor the best of its more than 675 local branches nationwide. The winners based on fiscal 2006 performance were the Corpus Christi, TX branch in Airgas Southwest among large branches and Faribault, MN in Airgas North Central among small branches.

"These two branches are the best of the best, since they were selected from among the 26 Regional Branch of the Year winners selected in the past few weeks," said Mike Molinini, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Airgas, Inc. "I'm proud to name Corpus Christi and Faribault as this year's top branches."

This is the second year for the Airgas Branch of the Year awards, which recognize branches based on above-plan performance, safety performance, and customer service.

"Led by branch manager Kathy Helmberger, the Corpus Christi team reached 130% of its profit budget and achieved more than $9.5 million in sales for the year. The Corpus Christi crew credits the teamwork and partnership with the neighboring fill plant personnel and drivers for helping the branch excel in serving its growing customer base, and doing so without a personal or fleet accident," added Molinini.

"In the small branch category, the winner is Faribault, MN in Airgas North Central. Branch Manager Buzz Larson leads a small branch that handily serves some very large customers, with nearly $4 million in annual sales. In addition to its outstanding sales and profit performance, the branch has gone 1,500 days without an accident," Molinini noted.

As National Branch of the Year winners, the two branches will soon display National Branch of the Year trophies, constructed from size 125 cylinders donated by Taylor-Wharton, which have been powder-coated platinum and mounted on a welded aluminum base. Like hockey's Stanley Cup, the trophies will carry engraved bands with the winners' names and will be passed along to future winners.

The winning branches also will fly a "2006 National Branch of the Year" banner for years to come, and associates at the winning branches will receive silver "Branch of the Year" trophy rings, which they can wear as their personal badge of honor.

The 26 Regional Branch of the Year winners will fly a similar banner and will soon display a size 80 cylinder, powder-coated gold trophy. Like the national trophies, these will circulate in years to come to future Regional Branch of the Year winners. Here is a full list of the small and large branch winners for each region:

Airgas East: Syracuse, NY; Baltimore, MD; Airgas Gaspro: Kapolei, HI; Kauai, HI; Airgas Great Lakes: Jackson, MI; Erie, PA; Airgas Gulf States: Jackson, AL; Pascagoula, MS; Airgas Intermountain: Craig, CO; Grand Junction, CO; Airgas Mid America: Morristown, TN; Benton, IL; Airgas Mid South: Russellville, AR; Shreveport, LA; Airgas Northern California & Nevada: Roseville, CA; Concord, CA; Airgas Nor Pac: Springfield, OR; Anchorage, AK; Airgas North Central: Faribault, MN; Cedar Rapids, IA; Airgas South: Sylacauga, AL; Gainesville, GA; Airgas Southwest: Corpus Christi, TX; Houston-Aldine Bender, TX; Airgas West: Fontana, CA; San Marcos, CA.

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 about 900 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.