nexAir’s Founding Vision: Providing Dependable Gas Solutions to Local Communities

When our story began in 1940, the Southeast faced a distinct challenge: while major gas producers had ample supply, they lacked the local service capabilities to effectively reach communities in need. We established Standard Welders Supply to bridge this gap, becoming a crucial link between producers and customers who needed reliable access to packaged gases.

Early Foundation of Service Excellence

In our early days, we operated within a focused geographic area, building strong relationships with both suppliers and customers. While we depended on our suppliers for production and packaging of cylinder gases, we concentrated on what mattered most – reliable distribution and dedicated service to our local customer base. This commitment to community service became the cornerstone of our operations.

The McEniry Vision

Our potential caught the attention of R.Q. McEniry, who recognized that our industry needed more than just distribution – it needed a comprehensive service provider that understood local business needs. His purchase of our company in 1950 marked the beginning of an expanded vision: a family-built enterprise dedicated to full-service gas supply solutions. McEniry’s approach laid the groundwork for our evolution into a trusted partner that would truly serve our community’s evolving needs.

Growth Through Mergers and Innovation

This vision proved transformative. Under McEniry’s leadership, we strengthened our foundation through unwavering dedication to service excellence and customer success. Our 1996 merger with Mid-South Oxygen to form nexAir represented a significant expansion of our capabilities while maintaining the founding principles that had guided us for decades. Two generations of family leadership have since built upon this foundation, growing us from a local distributor into a comprehensive solutions provider.

Technical Excellence and Quality Assurance

Today, we reflect both our community-focused heritage and our commitment to technical excellence. We operate FDA-compliant, ISO 17025-certified plants that run 24/7, producing precise, consistent, and reliable gases. Our team of specialists – including chemists, engineers, welding analysts, cryogenic technicians, and medical equipment specialists – ensures that our customers receive not just products, but comprehensive solutions backed by our expert KnowHow™.

Measuring Success Through Customer Growth

We maintain our founding commitment to customer service through rigorous quality control and continuous improvement. By tracking and addressing all feedback, taking corrective action, and sharing results directly with our clients, we ensure accountability and maintain the high standards established at our founding.

Legacy of Local Impact

Eight decades after our founding, our story demonstrates how a clear vision of community service can evolve while staying true to its roots. Our growth into one of the largest privately-controlled companies in our industry sector by 2021 reflects the success of our customer-focused approach. Even after our 2022 acquisition by Linde, we continue to empower local businesses through training and access to superior equipment and gases.

Looking Forward While Honoring Our Past

As we Forge Forward, our founding vision of providing dependable gas solutions to local communities remains at our core. While we’ve grown far beyond our initial scope, the principles established in 1940 and reinforced by R.Q. McEniry in 1950 continue to guide our operations. Through every stage of growth and innovation, we maintain our commitment to the local communities we serve, helping businesses find success with reliable gas solutions and expert support.