Central Welding Supply Company, Inc.

What Central Welding Supply Company, Inc. does

Central Welding Supply Company, Inc. is a family-owned regional distributor of industrial, medical, specialty, food-grade, and bulk gases, together with welding equipment, safety products, equipment rental, and in-house repair services. The company operates 30 company-owned retail locations and three dedicated repair shops across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, supported by outside sales representatives, local delivery fleets, a customer ordering portal, and the only ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited specialty gas laboratory in the Pacific Northwest, which produces ultra-pure gas mixtures up to 99.9999% purity.

The company's revenue is generated primarily through transactional sales of gases, welding and cutting equipment, filler metals, consumables, and personal protective equipment, supplemented by usage-based equipment rental, fee-based welding classes, and professional equipment and gas-apparatus repair services. Pricing is transaction-based with quoted rates, a 2.5% credit card processing fee, 1.5% monthly late-payment charges, and 20% handling on returned goods. Customers span industrial and commercial fabricators (primary), healthcare and dental, food and beverage, education and trade schools, individual hobbyists, motorsports, and government/municipal buyers. Marketing is executed through a content blog, an active Instagram presence, SkillsUSA sponsorships, on-site welding classes, and motorsports sponsorships that double as community marketing and trade-pipeline development.

Since 2023 Central Welding Supply has pursued an aggressive acquisition program, completing eight deals: Weldors Equipment Repair (August 2023), A to Z Balloon Company (July 2024), American Equipment Services (August 2024), Morgan Steel gas and welding supplies business (November 2024), Balloon Specialties of Tacoma (February 2025), Morgan Steel steel and materials division (April 2026), A.L.T Welding Supplies (February 2026), and Torch and Regulator Repair (May 2026). The company is privately held with no external investors, no parent company, and Wilton family leadership (founder Mickey Wilton and CEO Dale Wilton).

Name

Central Welding Supply Company, Inc.

Legal name

Central Welding Supply Company, Inc.

Website

https://centralwelding.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Central Welding Supply is a family-owned Pacific Northwest distributor of industrial, medical, specialty, and bulk gases, welding and safety equipment, with 30 retail locations and repair shops across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Gas and Welding Supply Distribution

NAICS

Industrial Gas Manufacturing (32512), Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers (42469), Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers (423510), Hardware Merchant Wholesalers (423710)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Wholesale-Metals Service Centers & Offices (5051), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070)

akta.pro primary industry

Welding & Cutting Gases (IMAEACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Welding, Joining & Soldering Equipment (Arc, Resistance, Friction, Brazing) (IMAHADAH), Gas Handling Equipment & Storage (Cylinders/Tanks/Valves) (IMAEACAL), Welding & Plasma Power Supplies (Industrial welders, cutting power sources) (IMAGADAI), Flame & Heat Protective Foundry/Welding Apparel (CRAAALAL), Welding, Fabrication & Field Machining Services (On-site) (IMAIACAD)

Keywords

• Industrial gas distribution
• Welding equipment supply
• Safety products distribution
• Specialty gas production
• Welding equipment repair

Headquarters

HQ city

Marysville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices34 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations

Revenue model

1. Industrial and Specialty Gases Sales: Sale of industrial gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, acetylene, CO2, propane), medical gases, specialty gases, beverage gases, and bulk/micro-bulk gases through retail locations and delivery services
2. Welding Equipment and Consumables: Sale of welding equipment (MIG, TIG, stick, plasma cutters), filler metals, abrasives, hand and power tools, gas apparatus, and related accessories
3. Safety Products: Occupational safety products including PPE (head, eye, face, hearing, hand, arm protection), respiratory protection, fall protection, gas detection monitoring, facility and environmental safety equipment
4. Equipment Rental: Rental of welding equipment with terms specifying rental charges for all time equipment is away from premises, responsibility for repairs, and transportation charges
5. Equipment Repair Services: Gas apparatus repair, equipment repair, and precision repair division services for welding equipment maintenance

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Central Welding Supply is a family-owned regional distributor selling industrial, medical, specialty, food-grade, and bulk gases alongside welding equipment, consumables, safety products, and related services. The company operates 30 retail locations across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, supported by an outside sales force, local delivery, equipment rental, and in-house repair divisions. It also produces ultra-pure specialty gas mixtures (up to 99.9999% purity) through the only ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab in the Pacific Northwest.

Product overview

Central Welding Supply Company, Inc. is a family-owned regional distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio of industrial, medical, specialty, food-grade, and bulk gases along with welding equipment, safety supplies, and related services. The company's product portfolio includes: Gas Products (Industrial Gases, Medical Gases, Beverage Gases, Dry Ice Products, Specialty Gases, Bulk & Micro-Bulk Gases, Cylinders, and Life Sciences); Welding Products and Equipment (Equipment Repair, Gas Apparatus Repair, Equipment Rental, Hand & Power Tools, Welding & Cutting Equipment from manufacturers like Miller, Lincoln Electric, ESAB, and Hypertherm, Abrasive Lines, Filler Metals, and Used Equipment); Safety Products through Central Safety Supply division (occupational safety products and PPE); and Services including Welding Schools/Training, Customer Portal for account management, and specialty filling services (Propane, Racing Nitrous, CO2, Liquid O2/Nitrogen). The company operates 30 locations across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, serving commercial/industrial users as well as students and hobbyists with ongoing acquisitions expanding their regional footprint.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Industrial Gases Welding mixes, shielding gases, and process gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, acetylene, CO2, propane) supplied to industrial and manufacturing customers.
• Medical Gases Medical-grade gases supplied to hospitals, dental offices, and healthcare providers.
• Beverage Gases Food-grade CO2 for carbonation, nitrogen for beer dispensing, and gases for wine production supplied to beverage producers.
• Specialty Gases Laboratory gases, EPA protocol gases, and research-grade gas mixtures up to 99.9999% purity from the PNW's only ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab.
• Bulk & Micro-Bulk Gases Bulk liquid gases and micro-bulk delivery systems for high-volume industrial customers.
• Dry Ice Products Dry ice products supplied for cooling, shipping, and industrial applications.
• Cylinders Gas cylinders for industrial, medical, and specialty gas storage and transportation, including cylinder rental programs.
• Life Sciences Gases Gases and gas delivery systems for life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology applications.
• Welding & Cutting Equipment Welding and cutting equipment including MIG, TIG, stick, multi-process welders, plasma cutters, and torch outfits from manufacturers such as Miller, Lincoln Electric, ESAB, and Hypertherm.
• Filler Metals Welding wires, rods, and electrodes for MIG, TIG, and stick welding processes.
• Hand & Power Tools Hand tools, power tools, and accessories for welding and metalworking applications.
• Abrasive Lines Abrasive products including grinding wheels, cutting discs, and finishing materials.
• Safety Products Personal protective equipment and occupational safety supplies including head, eye, face, hearing, hand and arm protection, respiratory protection, fall protection, and gas detection monitoring.
• Equipment Repair Service In-house welding equipment repair including diagnostic, maintenance, and repair services for welding machines.
• Gas Apparatus Repair Service Torch and regulator repair services for gas apparatus equipment.
• Equipment Rental Rental program for welding equipment including MIG, TIG, and stick welders with flexible rental terms.
• Welding Schools & Training Welding education and training classes for MIG, TIG, and stick welding offered to students, hobbyists, and professionals at multiple locations.
• Used Equipment Pre-owned and surplus welding equipment sold at discounted prices.
• Propane Fill Station Propane refilling services for industrial, commercial, and consumer propane tanks.
• Racing Nitrous Nitrous oxide supplied for motorsports and racing applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50 years in business since 1975
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Torch & Regulator Repair (T&R Repair / T&R Welding Supply)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026Acquisition of Torch & Regulator Repair effective May 15th, 2026. Central Welding Supply carries on the incredible 50-year legacy established by Tom Fitzpatrick and his family, maintaining the same expert service and Tacoma location. The acquisition adds gas apparatus repair capabilities to the company.
• Morgan SteelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2026Full acquisition of Morgan Steel and the remaining material operations effective April 1st, 2026. Central Welding Supply had already integrated the gas and welding side back in 2024. The acquisition fully integrates the Kenai, AK location into the Central Welding Supply family.
• A.L.T Welding SuppliescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026A.L.T. Welding is now part of Central Welding Supply. The team is moving to Auburn and expanding services while the same A.L.T team continues to serve customers.
• Balloon Specialties of TacomaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Acquisition of Balloon Specialties of Tacoma effective February 1, 2025. This transition ensures quality service, dependable supply, and strong customer relationships continue. Many deliveries continue to be handled by the Tacoma Distribution team.
• Morgan Steel (Initial Partnership)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Acquisition of gases and welding supplies business of Morgan Steel in Kenai, Alaska. First phase of partnership with Morgan Steel.
• American Equipment ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2024Acquisition of American Equipment Services effective August 1, 2024. Marked a significant milestone for both companies, expanding repair service capabilities.
• A to Z Balloon CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024Acquisition of A to Z Balloon Company of Everett, WA effective July 1st, 2024.
• Weldors Equipment RepairminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2023Acquisition of Weldors Equipment Repair effective August 1st 2023. Dating back to 1952, Weldors has been a consistent, reliable repair facility for all gas apparatus equipment and welding equipment/machine repair. Now operates as the Milwaukie, OR repair shop.
• SkillsUSAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship and support for SkillsUSA welding competitions in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Provides student discounts at all locations, prizes for competitions, and supports welding education programs at schools including Grants Pass High School, Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center, Bates Technical College, and more.
• Miller ElectriccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor vendor partner providing welding equipment and sponsoring prizes for SkillsUSA competitions. Products include Millermatic welders, PAPR systems, and other Miller equipment sold through Central Welding Supply locations.
• Lincoln ElectriccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVendor partner providing welding equipment including Power MIG welders. Sponsored prizes for SkillsUSA competitions.
• ESABminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVendor partner providing welding consumables and equipment. Sponsored prizes for SkillsUSA competitions.
• 3MminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVendor partner providing personal safety equipment and PPE. Sponsored prizes for SkillsUSA competitions.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Air Products and Chemicals: Air Products manufactures and distributes industrial gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen) and serves electronics, healthcare, and food customers. It overlaps with Central Welding's bulk/micro-bulk and specialty gas offerings and competes for large industrial accounts in the PNW.
• Linde plc: Linde is one of the largest global industrial gas producers and distributors, offering packaged and bulk gases, welding supplies, and safety products. It competes with Central Welding for large industrial and medical gas accounts across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, and benefits from significantly greater scale and nationwide contract capabilities.
• Airgas (Air Liquide): Airgas, an Air Liquide subsidiary, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases plus welding equipment and safety supplies. A customer testimonial explicitly positions Central Welding as "an alternative to Airgas in the Seattle area," confirming direct competition for the same industrial gas and welding supply customers across the PNW.

Direct peers

• nexAir: nexAir distributes industrial, medical, specialty, and beverage gases across the southern and central U.S., with a comparable mix of packaged and bulk delivery, welding supplies, and equipment. It mirrors Central Welding's horizontal distribution and specialty gas strategy.
• Rocky Mountain Air Solutions: Rocky Mountain Air Solutions is a regional industrial and specialty gas distributor serving the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest. It overlaps with Central Welding on packaged and bulk industrial gases and shares the regional, multi-state distribution profile.
• Norco: Norco is a family-owned regional industrial gas, welding, and safety products distributor with branches across the western United States. It is the closest direct comparable to Central Welding in business model, ownership structure, and product portfolio, competing in adjacent PNW and Mountain West geographies.
• WestAir Gases & Equipment: WestAir is a regional industrial gas and welding supply distributor serving the western U.S. with packaged and bulk gas delivery. Like Central Welding, it operates a multi-location regional model combining gas distribution with welding equipment and consumables.
• Oxarc: Oxarc is a regional welding supply and industrial gas distributor with branches across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West. It sells welding equipment, consumables, gases, and safety supplies through a similar retail storefront and delivery model.
• Matheson Tri-Gas: Matheson Tri-Gas is a major U.S. industrial, medical, and specialty gas manufacturer and distributor operating packaged and bulk delivery. It directly parallels Central Welding's specialty gas and bulk/micro-bulk offerings, with overlap on welding gases and ultra-high-purity mixtures.

Others

• Grainger: Grainger is a broad-line industrial MRO distributor carrying welding, safety, and gas-related supplies across the U.S. While not a direct gas distributor, it overlaps with Central Welding on welding consumables, PPE, and safety products, competing for the same industrial customer's MRO spend.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/centralwelding
• Xx.com/centralwelding
• Facebookfacebook.com/central-welding-supply-116987588558
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/central-welding-supply-company-inc.

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Central Welding Supply Company, Inc.