The nexAir Story: How Our Legacy Shapes the Future of Gas Supply and Equipment

Our story began in 1940 with the founding of Standard Welders Supply, a company that would eventually evolve into today’s nexAir. When R.Q. McEniry purchased the company in 1950, he laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational legacy of excellence in gas supply and welding solutions across the Southeast.

A Legacy of Growth and Innovation

From our early days as a small distributor dependent on external suppliers, nexAir has grown into a comprehensive solutions provider. A pivotal moment in our history came in 1996 when Standard Welders Supply merged with Mid-South Oxygen to form nexAir, marking the beginning of a new era in our company’s journey.

The foundations laid by R.Q. McEniry have guided two generations of leadership, with each building upon his original vision of a full-service, family-built gas supplier. This vision has expanded far beyond its initial scope, as we’ve consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of our customers while maintaining our core values.

Excellence Through Expert KnowHow™

Today, nexAir’s strength lies in our unprecedented knowledge base and technical expertise. Our team includes chemists, engineers, welding analysts, cryogenic technicians, and medical equipment specialists, each contributing to our comprehensive understanding of industry needs and solutions.

Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our FDA-compliant, ISO 17025-certified plants operating 24/7 to produce precise, consistent, and reliable gases. This dedication to excellence ensures our customers can focus on what truly matters – growing their businesses and achieving their goals.

Measuring Success Through Customer Growth

We believe in accountability and continuous improvement. By meticulously tracking and addressing all customer feedback, taking corrective action, and sharing results directly with our clients, we maintain transparency and drive constant enhancement of our services.

Building on Our Heritage

In 2020, we celebrated our 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of helping customers Forge Forward. While much has changed since our founding, our dedication to service has remained constant. The acquisition by Linde in 2022 opened a new chapter in our story, building upon our position as one of the largest privately-controlled companies in our industry sector as of 2021.

Looking to the Future

Today, nexAir continues to empower customers across the Southeast through training, superior equipment, and high-quality gases. Our legacy isn’t just about our past achievements – it’s about how we use our eight decades of experience to drive innovation and support our customers’ growth.

As we Forge Forward, we remain committed to the values that have guided us through generations: exceptional service, technical excellence, and a dedication to our customers’ success. While the industry continues to evolve, our foundation remains strong, built on decades of experience and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs.

The nexAir story is one of continuous adaptation and growth, always guided by our commitment to service excellence. As we look to the future, we carry forward the lessons learned over 80 years of helping businesses grow, combining our rich heritage with innovative solutions to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Every day, we work diligently to provide the best service possible, confident that partnering with nexAir will help your business thrive. Our legacy shapes not just our future, but the future success of every customer we serve.