Natural Resources >> CEO Interviews >> November 2, 2003

Glenn Fischer – Airgas Inc (arg)

GLENN M. FISCHER joined Airgas, Inc., in October 2000 as President and Chief Operating Officer. Airgas is the largest distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and welding equipment and one of the largest distributors of safety supplies in the United States. Airgas' integrated distributor network consists of approximately 700 locations, including branches, packaged gas fill plants, distribution centers, and inbound and outbound telemarketing operations. Prior to Airgas, he spent 19 years with The BOC Group in a wide range of positions leading to his appointment in 1997 as President of BOC Gases, North America. In addition to his responsibility for all North American operations, Mr. Fischer served on The BOC Group Executive Management Board and led BOC's global food, glass and environmental market sectors. BOC Gases is the industrial gas business of The BOC Group, a $6 billion company operating in more than 60 countries around the world. In North America, BOC is a leading supplier of industrial gases, with sales last year of well over $1 billion. After joining BOC in 1981 as Director of Finance, Mr. Fischer held a series of positions of increasing responsibility, including President, CO2 Division, Group Manager, Business Development (based in the UK) and Executive Vice President, BOC Gases North America. Previous to his employment with BOC, he was with W.R. Grace in a variety of finance, planning and management roles. Mr. Fischer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and an MBA in Finance. Profile
TWST: Could we begin with a brief historical sketch of the company and a

picture of things you're doing at the present time?

Mr. Fischer: Airgas was founded in 1982 by Peter McCausland,