Photo Provided The Airgas branch at 2208 Warwood Ave., Wheeling, is a National Branch of the Year.

WHEELING — A local gas, welding and safety distributor earned the National Branch of the Year award from its company, Airgas, an Air Liquide company.

Selected among more than 900 Airgas branches across the country, the Wheeling branch was selected as one of four national branches of the year.

Airgas opened its first location in Wheeling in April 2021. In the two years since, the Wheeling branch has created a culture that puts safety and customer experience at the forefront of its business. This Airgas location has a wide range of products and services and its network of technical specialists work closely with customers to help them increase their own business efficiencies.

Joel Lewandowski, president of the Airgas Great Lakes Region, states, “The West Virginia Panhandle is a very important market for Airgas. We’re extremely proud of the Wheeling team for their dedication to safety, service and operational excellence every day, they are committed to continuing these efforts into the back half of 2023 and beyond.”

Airgas’ CEO, COO and senior leaders visited the Wheeling branch in August to celebrate the branch’s success and personally congratulate associates. The branch received a National Branch of the Year trophy made from a platinum-coated cylinder. Additionally, each associate received a personalized award ring commemorating the achievement.

This group goes above and beyond in the region to meet customers’ needs and to work as a team for the common good, the company said.

“Collectively, they strive to learn from each other and support one another. They help customers manage inventory of gases, welding materials and safety supplies, and share Airgas’ deep expertise in advanced fabrication, food processing, supply chain logistics and safety, which is why they were selected to receive this prestigious award,” a news release states.