"We're excited about our new partnership with Nucor and look forward to serving its gas needs in Tuscaloosa with our new, state-of-the-art atmospheric gas production facility," said Airgas President and Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Molinini.

Airgas' new large-scale ASU will be constructed adjacent to the existing Nucor facility and is expected to be on-stream in the spring of 2017. The ASU will also produce oxygen, nitrogen, and argon to support the region's merchant bulk gas market.

"Airgas has been very responsive in understanding and formulating solutions to our gas supply needs and, through the new ASU, will provide Nucor with an innovative and highly reliable long-term supply system," said Randy Skagen, Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. "We look forward to a successful relationship with Airgas."

"On behalf of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority board of directors, I would like to congratulate Airgas on its announcement of a new ASU in Tuscaloosa, Alabama," said Dara Longgrear, Executive Director of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority. "Our community is proud to support Airgas and Nucor Steel and we look forward to future opportunities and growth in Tuscaloosa through this new facility."

Airgas currently owns and operates 16 ASUs and is the fifth-largest producer of atmospheric gases in the U.S. The Company's full range of gas supply modes - from cylinders and dewars to microbulk, bulk, and on-site - enables its customers to optimize their production processes through the gas supply mode that most effectively and efficiently meets their needs.

"The new plant will be operated by Airgas Merchant Gases, which manages Airgas' network of ASUs, sourcing options for all major gases, and bulk gas distribution logistics," said Thomas S. Thoman, Airgas Division President - Gases Production. "Our investment in new production capabilities in Tuscaloosa will provide supply security to Nucor and strengthen our gas supply chain to ensure long-term reliability for our packaged and merchant gas customers throughout the region."

In addition to gases, Airgas is a leading supplier of a wide range of hardgoods, including welding equipment and related products, safety products, and tools and supplies for construction and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).

Airgas, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and related products. Airgas is a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases with 16 air separation plants, a leading producer of carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 16,000 associates 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 e-Business, 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.