Airgas Receives Supplier Award and Two-Year Contract Extension from Boeing

Business Wire, Oct 20, 2008

RADNOR, Pa. -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that it had received a two-year extension of its contract with the Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), representing $16.5 million of revenue in the first year. Airgas Safety is the primary provider of safety and industrial hygiene products for Boeing. Earlier this year, Boeing awarded Airgas Safety its Boeing Performance Excellence Award. Out of approximately 10,000 Boeing worldwide suppliers, about 250 companies receive a silver or gold level performance award from Boeing. As one of only 48 suppliers to win the gold distinction, Airgas Safety performed in the 99.99 percentile of Boeing's 8,000-plus MRO suppliers.

"We were honored to be recognized by the Boeing Company as one of its top suppliers," said Pat Visintainer, senior vice president of sales for Airgas, Inc., who leads the Strategic Accounts sales process. "And this contract just reinforces the value we've committed to deliver to Boeing. As a leading MRO supplier, we focus relentlessly on identifying opportunities for efficiency in the customer supply chain. When a customer recognizes us for our commitment to their business, it drives us to continually raise the bar and adhere to the high standards demanded of Airgas associates."

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.