Airgas Wins Boeing Leader's Choice Award for Exceeding Cost Performance Goals and Objectives
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that it has been recognized as a Supplier of the Year by the Boeing Company. Airgas was one of the 14 companies and two academic institutions honored for distinguished performance in working with Boeing.
Airgas was selected as one of five Leader's Choice recipients that received special nomination, which is necessary in achieving this recognition. Boeing recognized Airgas in the Advantage category for exceeding cost performance goals and objectives in supplying safety products during 2011.
"In today's challenging business environment, an agile supply chain that continuously delivers excellent performance is critical," said Jack House, Vice President of Supplier Management for Boeing Defense, Space and Security and leader of Boeing's companywide Supplier Management program. "The supplier partners receiving 2011 Supplier of the Year awards have demonstrated outstanding commitment to providing our customers with the best-value, highest-quality products and services, while meeting the customers' requirements and anticipating their needs for the future."
"For over twenty years, our commitment to understanding Boeing's business goals has enabled Airgas to provide aggressive cost savings, proactive implementation and on-site team oriented problem solving, and we are honored to have received this award in recognition of our efforts in supplying safety products," said Airgas Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "Airgas is a complete solutions provider and has taken a partner approach to supplying personal safety products, packaged and bulk gases, and welding consumables as well as supply chain solutions to meet Boeing's unique needs."
In addition to the 2011 Supplier of the Year, Advantage category award, Airgas West received a Silver Performance Excellence award in 2010 and 2009; Airgas Safety received a Gold Performance Excellence award in 2008; and Airgas Inc. received a Supplier of the Year, Non-Production category award in 2001.
"The Boeing Company sets a high bar in expectations relative to quality and supply change challenges," said Fred Manley, Airgas Vice President of Technology and Service Markets. "As we do with all our customers, Airgas works to exceed expectations at every turn. Our focus is to go beyond what is asked, constantly striving to improve efficiency and production processes, so Boeing can continue to operate cost effectively and without delay. The quality of our work can only be measured by customer feedback and to be awarded Boeing's Supplier of the Year award is proof that we are doing it right."
The winners of Boeing's Suppliers of the Year awards represent an elite group among more than 17,500 active suppliers in more than 50 countries around the world. The selection of the Leader's Choice category recipients was based on performance criteria such as providing competitive advantage, exceeding cost performance, outstanding improvements during the award year and contribution to the introduction of new products. For more information on the Boeing Supplier of the Year award, including a complete list of recipients, visit http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php's=43&item=2227.
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 a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, and a leading U.S. distributor of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 14,000 employees work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also markets 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.
Contacts:
Airgas, Inc.
Media Contact:
Doug
Sherman (610) 902-6270
doug.sherman@airgas.com
or
Investor
Contact:
Barry Strzelec (610) 902-6256
barry.strzelec@airgas.com
