IWDC Awards President of Sutton-Garten

In recognition for his contributions to Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC; Indianapolis, IN), the industrial gas and welding industry and the surrounding Indianapolis community, Pat Garten, the president of Sutton-Garten Company (Indianapolis, IN), was presented the Memorial Bob Jackson Award at IWDC’s September owners’ meeting in Sarasota, FL.

Bob Jackson played an integral part in the formation of IWDC. The honor is bestowed annually on a member who has “gone above and beyond” in their support of the organization. The Bob Jackson is considered the preeminent award of the IWDC. Criteria for the award includes strong volunteer spirit, supportive of independents, viewed internal and externally as a respected leader, community and family centric.

Sutton-Garten is a fourth-generation company headquartered in Indianapolis that is the oldest continuously owned independent gas and welding distributor in North America. Garten has been leading his company’s growth for over 40 years. During his leadership the distributor installed a multi-gas cylinder filling station, expanded their welder repair and rental department and established a recognized welding training and certification center. Sutton-Garten also diversified into bulk liquid carbon dioxide distribution to beverage and industrial customers and production of dry ice for shipping perishables and dry ice blasting applications.

IWDC is a cooperative that was formed in 1994 which leverages the strengths of its independent welding distributor members across North America. Its 135 member companies collectively represent over $2.2 billion in sales, serving a wide range of industries. The common denominator is that these industries look to them for industrial, specialty, and medical gases, as well as related equipment, hard goods, and consumables. End-use customers served by IWDC members benefit from having the unparalleled expertise of a local member distributor who has access to national-scale purchasing and marketing programs.

www.suttongarten.com