Airgas, Inc., (NYSE:ARG) today announced that Frederick E. Manley has been named president of Airgas East, one of the 13 regional companies that make up Airgas' distribution business.

Manley, who had been area vice president and general manager for Northern New England for the past three years, brings more than 20 years of business and sales management experience, including the last six years with Airgas East, based in Salem, NH.

?Fred's performance in the marketplace and his leadership within the Airgas East organization over the years stood out as we looked to replace Jim Muller as president, who recently accepted a new role in Airgas as senior vice president ? specialty gases and life sciences,? said Shaun Powers, division president ? East, for Airgas, Inc. ?I know Fred has the drive and enthusiasm to lead Airgas East in the years ahead.?

As president, Manley will lead one of the largest regions within Airgas, serving customers in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and northern Virginia.

Manley joined Airgas in May 2001 as sales manager for Northern New England and was promoted to vice president of sales in July 2002. In 2004, he was promoted to area vice president and general manager.

Prior to joining Airgas, Fred served in a series of sales and management roles with independent distributor WESCO from 1992 until its acquisition by AGA in 1997, and then with AGA until its acquisition by Linde Gases in 2000, serving finally as New England district manager for Linde.

He began his sales career with Lincoln Electric for six years. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland with a bachelor's of science in electrical engineering and earned his MBA from Southern New Hampshire University.

About Airgas, Inc.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and related hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also the third-largest U.S. distributor of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants and ammonia products. More than 11,000 employees work in about 900 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities, and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes 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.