FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A-OX/A&B Welcomes Jason Gross as Metfab Productivity Specialist

September 22, 2025 – Sioux Falls, SD –  A-OX/A&B is pleased to announce that Jason Gross has accepted the role of Metfab Productivity Specialist (MPS). In this position, Jason will play an integral part in supporting the company’s growth and value propositions we deliver to our customers.

Jason brings nearly three decades of experience in welding, sales, and technical training to this role.
Born in Huron, South Dakota, and a 1994 graduate of Menno High School, Jason began his career as a certified welder with Feterl Manufacturing Company in Salem, SD (1994–1999). He went on to serve as a Route Driver for LinWeld in Sioux Falls, SD (1999–2007), before advancing into an Outside Sales Representative role in Des Moines, IA (2007–2012), covering two store locations. In 2010, he was appointed Regional Process Specialist, overseeing operations across the state of Iowa. He’s been an Outside Sales Representative with A-OX since 2012.

Jason has also pursued extensive professional training, earning recognition as a Miller Master Certified specialist, completing ESAB Filler Metals certification, Hypertherm Training in Hanover, NH, and Hobart Filler Metals Training. His technical expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in supporting the company’s continued growth and success.

Outside of his professional achievements, Jason is an avid golfer and a dedicated family man. He and his wife Amy, whom he met in 2000 and married in April 2004, reside in Sioux Falls. Together, they have three children: Callista (26), a graduate of SDSU and early childhood educator; Madison (20), currently pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene at USD; and Carter (18), who is beginning his career in the welding industry with A-OX.

“Jason’s deep technical knowledge, sales experience, and commitment to excellence make him uniquely qualified for this new role,” said Kelly Kleinwolterink the President of A-OX/A&B. “We are excited to see the contributions he will continue to bring to A-OX/A&B as our Metfab Productivity Specialist.”

Please join us in congratulating Jason on this well-deserved advancement.

Media Contact

Allen Jezouit
Vice President – Marketing
Meritus Gas Partners LP
c/o AEA Investors LP
520 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10022 USA
allenjezouit@meritusgas.com
+1 413 265-8266

In welding and fabrication, small inefficiencies can add up to big challenges. Extra time on a weld, wasted material, or outdated processes can all affect the bottom line. At Atlas Welding Supply, we believe that looking closely at day-to-day operations is one of the best ways to uncover opportunities for improvement. That’s why we offer a Performance Improvement Consultation—a structured review that helps businesses see where changes can make the biggest impact.

A Step-By-Step Look at Operations

The consultation is straightforward and designed to fit into your normal workflow. It includes:

• Conversation with your team to understand current goals and challenges.
• On-site review using tools to measure gas usage, weld cycle times, and other process data.
• Analysis and recommendations tailored to your facility’s needs.
• Follow-up discussion to review results and talk through realistic next steps.

Why It Matters

Even well-run operations can benefit from a fresh perspective. The review often highlights:

• Ways to shorten weld cycle times
• Opportunities to reduce waste and rework
• Adjustments that improve weld consistency
• Options for more efficient gas supply and delivery

The goal isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, but rather practical changes that align with your team’s goals.

Who Finds It Helpful

Facilities of all sizes—whether focused on fabrication, CNC cutting, or other metalworking—tend to benefit most when they use large amounts of industrial gases, face labor shortages, or simply want to boost efficiency without large capital investments.

A Collaborative Approach

Think of the consultation less as a “service” and more as a partnership. Our role is to bring tools, data, and industry experience; your role is to provide insight into how your shop works best. Together, we identify changes that can save time, reduce costs, and improve quality in a way that makes sense for your operation.

NEW YORK, NY – Friday, August 22, 2025 — Meritus Gas Partners announced today strategic hires to the leadership teams at its operating partners.

Steven Schwegman has been appointed President of Buckeye Welding Supply, Meritus’ newest platform business based in Henderson, Colorado. Schwegman has more than a decade of experience in the industrial gases sector, with expertise spanning both merchant and packaged gases, most recently with Matheson.

Mindy Geiser has joined as Vice President of Sales for A-OX Welding Supply, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Geiser began her career with Metroplex Welding in Fort Worth, Texas, where she advanced to General Manager prior to the company’s acquisition by Airgas. She subsequently served as Area Manager for Airgas in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Vince Biagiotti has been appointed Chief Financial Officer for Meritus’ California operations. Biagiotti brings over 30 years of finance leadership experience, including more than 15 years with Praxair Distribution, Inc. on the West Coast.

“Meritus is recruiting aggressively to build the talent depth of our organization and these individuals, all of whom are well regarded in our industry, represent valuable additions to the leadership teams at our operating partners,” said Rob D’Alessandro, President and Chief Operating Officer of Meritus Gas Partners.

About Meritus Gas Partners

Founded in December 2020, Meritus is a portfolio company of AEA Investors Small Business Private Equity. Meritus is assembling a national network of high-quality independent distributors of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and welding and safety supplies, located in diverse geographies and serving growing end-markets. Meritus will partner with exceptional businesses and management teams, allow them to remain independent and entrepreneurial, and support them to accelerate growth, improve business quality, and enhance value. Owners are invited to invest meaningful equity into the Meritus holding company to allow them to share in the success of the overall platform. Visit us online at www.MeritusGas.com.

Media Contact

Allen Jezouit
Vice President – Marketing
Meritus Gas Partners LP
c/o AEA Investors LP
520 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10022 USA
allenjezouit@meritusgas.com
+1 413 265-8266

NEW YORK — August 5, 2025 (PRNEWSWIRE) — Meritus Gas Partners (“Meritus”) today announced partnerships with Cameron Welding Supply, based in Stanton, California, and Buckeye Welding Supply, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Cameron Welding Supply, founded in 1963 by Cameron and Betsy Perry, is a leading provider of industrial, specialty, and beverage gases in Southern California, operating four locations. The company is led by Joe Churilla, who has worked at Cameron for more than 50 years and served as president for over 27 years. Following the transaction, Churilla will remain in his role as president and maintain significant equity ownership in Meritus.

“I’m excited to join forces with Meritus and continue building the Cameron brand across California,” said Churilla. “It was important to me and the Perry family that we chose a successor for Cameron that would respect the integrity and culture of the company. We know that Meritus, based on its model and track record to date with approximately 30 companies across the U.S., will be a great steward for our dedicated employees and loyal customers.”

Buckeye Welding Supply, founded in 1979 by Herb Brack, operates three locations across Colorado. The partnership provides Meritus with a new platform to expand its presence in the Rocky Mountain region. Co-owners Bill and Ken Brack will both remain equity investors in Meritus.

“Meritus has a unique offering,” said Brack. “My brother and I cared deeply about honoring the legacy of Buckeye. By partnering with Meritus, we can preserve our company’s culture and brand and be a member of a larger, more diversified business. We look forward to utilizing Meritus’ resources and expertise to accelerate Buckeye’s growth and better serve our customers in the region.”

“Both Cameron and Buckeye will be exceptional platform businesses for Meritus and their owners will be great partners,” commented Rob D’Alessandro, President and COO of Meritus. “Cameron represents a transformative opportunity to strengthen our West Coast footprint and expand our gas production and distribution capabilities. Its recently renovated and expanded gas fill plant in Stanton, California, includes a brand new specialty gas laboratory, and it continues to invest in microbulk capacity.”

“Buckeye will be our first foray into Colorado,” D’Alessandro continued. “The Brack family has built a great business which positions us for growth in the Denver market and surrounding areas. We are confident that we can expand Buckeye’s capabilities and reach into new markets.”

About Meritus Gas Partners

Founded in December 2020, Meritus is a portfolio company of AEA Investors Small Business Private Equity. Meritus is assembling a national network of high-quality independent distributors of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and welding and safety supplies, located in diverse geographies and serving growing end-markets. Meritus will partner with exceptional businesses and management teams, allow them to remain independent and entrepreneurial, and support them to accelerate growth, improve business quality, and enhance value. Owners are invited to invest meaningful equity into the Meritus holding company to allow them to share in the success of the overall platform. Visit us online at www.MeritusGas.com.

About AEA Investors

AEA Investors (“AEA”) was founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. as a private investment vehicle for a select group of industrial family offices with substantial assets. AEA has an extraordinary global network built over many years which includes leading industrial families, business executives, and leaders, many of whom invest with AEA as active individual investors, join its portfolio company boards, or act in other advisory roles. Today, AEA’s over 120 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Stamford, Jacksonville, San Francisco, London, Munich, and Shanghai. The firm manages funds that have approximately $18 billion of invested and committed capital including the leveraged buyouts of middle market and small business companies, growth capital, and private debt investments. For more information, visit www.aeainvestors.com.

Contact

Meritus Gas Partners
Allen Jezouit
(413) 265-8266
allenjezouit@meritusgas.com

Meritus Gas Partners President and COO Rob D’Alessandro was interviewed at GAWDA SMC earlier in May.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HSjHsIDYfI 

Strengthens Senior Leadership Team with New Appointment and Formation of First Operating Council to Position Company for Next Chapter of Growth

NEW YORK, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Meritus Gas Partners LP (“Meritus”) today announced the appointment of Robert (“Rob”) D’Alessandro, who has served as Vice Chairman of the Meritus Board since 2021, as President and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). In this expanded role, D’Alessandro will work closely with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Scott Kaltrider to oversee the Meritus portfolio of operating companies and overall strategic direction of the company. D’Alessandro will continue to lead the company’s mergers and acquisitions efforts led by recently appointed Vice President of M&A, Steve Byers, while Kaltrider will spearhead the development of Meritus’ strategy and manage its engineering and large capital projects and supplier relationships.

Meritus also announced today the formation of its first Operating Council, comprised of key leaders from across the Meritus operating companies. The Council, along with the Meritus leadership team, will identify and drive the adoption of best practices among the operating companies, while establishing new policies and operating initiatives designed to inspire growth across the business. The initial members of the Council include:

• Steve Bogard, Chair – Vice President, Meritus West Region
• Ryan Diekow – President and CEO, Oxygen Service Company
• Jeff Palmer – Vice President, Meritus Texas
• Steve Stobaugh – President, Meritus Great Plains
• James Garner – President, Ozarc Gas and Equipment

“Rob, as a co-founder of Meritus, has the industry experience and leadership qualities needed for this expanded role,” said Kaltrider. “He has spent his entire career building best-in-class gas businesses, and I look forward to working with Rob and our talented Operating Council members as we navigate the next phase of Meritus’ growth.”

“I’m excited to take on this expanded role and have the opportunity to engage with our operating company partners,” said D’Alessandro. “Meritus is poised for tremendous growth – both organically, through the efforts of our operating companies, and inorganically, by adding new partner companies to our family. In just four years, we have acquired 30 well-respected companies with over 90 locations and continue to seek platform partners to fill our geographic gaps. We are well on our way to building a nationwide network of independent distributors, and I look forward to executing on our growth plans in this new role.”

D’Alessandro continued, “The Operating Council is an important milestone in Meritus’ continued growth trajectory. The Council will be instrumental in defining the direction of Meritus. It will ensure we are making the best decisions for our partners, capitalizing on best practices and realizing the advantages of being a multi-region player.”

The Meritus executive team provides direction and support for Meritus’ operating companies, which continue to operate independently under their legacy brands. The team includes:

• Cherly Bares – Vice President, Specialty Gases
• Steve Bogard – Vice President, West
• Rich Burke – Director, Human Resources
• Steve Byers – Vice President, M&A
• Allen Jezouit – Vice President, Product Management & Digital Marketing
• Mike Mossbarger – Chief Financial Officer

About Meritus Gas Partners

Founded in December 2020, Meritus is a portfolio company of AEA Investors Small Business Private Equity. Meritus is assembling a national network of high-quality independent distributors of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and welding and safety supplies, located in diverse geographies and serving growing end-markets. Meritus will partner with exceptional businesses and management teams, allow them to remain independent and entrepreneurial, and support them to accelerate growth, improve business quality, and enhance value. Owners are invited to invest meaningful equity into the Meritus holding company to allow them to share in the success of the overall platform. Visit us online at www.MeritusGas.com.

About AEA Investors

AEA Investors (“AEA”) was founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. as a private investment vehicle for a select group of industrial family offices with substantial assets. AEA has an extraordinary global network built over many years which includes leading industrial families, business executives, and leaders, many of whom invest with AEA as active individual investors, join its portfolio company boards, or act in other advisory roles. Today, AEA’s over 120 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Stamford, San Francisco, London, Munich, and Shanghai. The firm manages funds that have approximately $18 billion of invested and committed capital including the leveraged buyouts of middle market and small business companies, growth capital, and private debt investments. For more information, visit www.aeainvestors.com.

Contact

Meritus Gas Partners
Allen Jezouit
(413) 265-8266
allenjezouit@meritusgas.com 

SOURCE Meritus Gas Partners

April is National Welding Month—a time to recognize the hardworking professionals who keep industries moving and celebrate the educational programs shaping the next generation of welders. At Atlas Welding Supply, we believe supporting welding education is one of the most important ways we can invest in the future of our industry.

That’s why we’re proud to spotlight our longtime partnership with the Tuscaloosa County School System’s (TCSS) Welding Technology Program and its dedicated instructor, Dustin Wright, whose passion for teaching and welding has transformed lives.

From Classroom to Career: Building a Program That Works

Launched in 2012, the TCSS Welding Program was born from a vision to do more for students who needed a different path to success. Wright, a former classroom teacher and coach, began a small welding program while teaching at the Tuscaloosa Juvenile Detention Center.

“I have always welded and been around welding my entire life,” Wright noted. “I always took the AG and trade classes. However, my path took me to the University of Alabama and into public
education as a classroom teacher and coach. As a teacher at the Tuscaloosa juvenile
Detention Center for 15 years, I saw where regular education was just not working and began a
small welding program with the help of many people.”

With help from community partners—including Atlas Welding Supply—the program grew into what it is today: a thriving training ground for future welders.

“Without their support our program would have never survived and thrived in the way that it has,” Wright said. “Atlas Welding and their employees are like family to us.”

Welding instructors often face challenges with limited budgets and the need for reliable service, especially in urgent situations.

“Atlas is outstanding at having everyone in their organization be aware of us as instructors and the challenges we face,” Wright explained. “Because of their dedication, we’re never in a situation where we cannot get what we need to keep our programs running.”

From emergency orders to ongoing support, our team is committed to helping schools like TCSS Welding stay equipped and operational.

Why It Matters—Now and in the Future

The need for skilled welders continues to grow, and welding programs like TCSS are critical to filling that pipeline. Wright sees this firsthand every day.

“The most rewarding part is watching students come into the program knowing nothing and seeing them leave with a skillset and wealth of knowledge,” Wright said. “Many times they leave employed or with a short-term certificate through dual enrollment.”

In both the short and long term, we hope our support of TCSS helps ensure these students have the tools they need to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in life.

Celebrating National Welding Month

As we celebrate National Welding Month, we asked Wright to reflect on his journey and share advice for aspiring welders:

“Work extremely hard and always strive to be the best you can be. Never stop trying to learn. You never know so much that there isn’t something new you can learn!” Wright said. He also encourages the community to show up and support local welding programs—whether by attending student events or helping instructors meet specific needs.

At Atlas Welding Supply, we’re proud to stand behind the educators shaping tomorrow’s welding workforce. This National Welding Month, we salute the TCSS Welding Program and every school, teacher, and student who is forging a future in metal.

NEW YORK — March 10, 2025 (PRNEWSWIRE) — Meritus Gas Partners (“Meritus”) announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Oxygen Service Company (“OSC”), a leading independent distributor of packaged gases and welding supplies headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1959, OSC is a 100% employee-owned company serving the US Midwest through multiple locations in Minnesota (6) and Wisconsin (3). Its comprehensive product and service offerings include industrial, specialty, and medical gases; automation equipment and integration services; and a vast array of welding and safety supplies. The company is well regarded for its commitment to quality and customer service, and its broad customer base represents various industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, manufacturing, and construction.

“OSC has earned a reputation as one of the premier welding and gas distributors not just in the Midwest, but in the entire US,” said Ryan Diekow, OSC’s President & CEO. “Our success is directly attributable to the efforts of our dedicated employee owners and a deeply committed senior management team.”

“We chose to partner with Meritus because we believe its model is compatible with OSC’s priorities,” Diekow added. “When we contemplated OSC’s future, it was important to us to protect the integrity of the business we have built over the past 65 years. Meritus’ model allows its partner companies to continue to operate independently and maintain their legacy brands. Meritus also encourages co-investment and employee ownership. Partnering with Meritus will allow OSC to operate as it has historically while our employees can remain owners of the business.”

Meritus Chairman Scott Kaltrider echoed Diekow’s sentiments, stating, “OSC is the epitome of a Meritus platform company, and we are excited to welcome their team into the Meritus family. OSC has a well-earned reputation for customer service and quality and a demonstrated record of strong organic growth, the products of a well-articulated, multi-faceted vision and strategic plan ingrained throughout the organization by a sophisticated leadership team. OSC’s continued success is also derived from its existing ESOP structure, which dovetails with Meritus’ commitment to deep employee ownership. We look forward to supporting Ryan, his senior team, and their employees.”

OSC will expand Meritus’ geographic footprint into Minnesota and Wisconsin and provide the foundation for further expansion in the US Midwest region.

“Minnesota and Wisconsin are diverse markets with concentrated manufacturing and strong economic outlooks,” added Kaltrider. “OSC has historically invested in its infrastructure, including its gas production and distribution capabilities. We believe OSC is poised to continue its exciting growth trajectory, including through tuck in acquisitions in the areas it serves.”

“We are excited to be a part of the national network of Meritus companies,” concluded Diekow. “While our business is thriving and growing, as a member of Meritus, we will be a part of a larger, more diverse organization. We look forward to leveraging Meritus’ resources and expertise to accelerate our growth while sharing our best practices with our partners.”

About Meritus Gas Partners

Founded in December 2020, Meritus is a portfolio company of AEA Investors Small Business Private Equity. Meritus is assembling a national network of high-quality independent distributors of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and welding and safety supplies, located in diverse geographies and serving growing end-markets. Meritus will partner with exceptional businesses and management teams, allow them to remain independent and entrepreneurial, and support them to accelerate growth, improve business quality, and enhance value. Owners are invited to invest meaningful equity into the Meritus holding company to allow them to share in the success of the overall platform. Visit us online at www.MeritusGas.com.

About AEA Investors

AEA Investors was founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. as a private investment vehicle for a select group of industrial family offices with substantial assets. AEA has an extraordinary global network built over many years which includes leading industrial families, business executives, and leaders, many of whom invest with AEA as active individual investors, join its portfolio company boards, or act in other advisory roles. Today, AEA’s over 120 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Stamford, San Francisco, London, Munich, and Shanghai. The firm manages funds that have approximately $19 billion of invested and committed capital including the leveraged buyouts of middle market and small business companies, growth capital, and private debt investments. AEA Small Business Private Equity (“AEA SBPE”) is a strategy within AEA that currently manages $3.5 billion of invested and committed capital. The team seeks to help grow and transform companies at the lower end of the middle market by sponsoring growing companies with proven management teams and superior business models. For more information, visit www.aeainvestors.com.

Contacts

AEA Investors
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson
+1 (212) 355-4449
AEA-JF@joelefrank.com

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meritus-gas-partners-announces-partnership-with-oxygen-service-company-302396505.html