Fresno Oxygen Executive Wins IWDC Award

In recognition for his contributions to the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC; Indianapolis, IN), the industrial gas and welding industry and surrounding central California community, Mike Barnes was presented the Bob Jackson Memorial Award at the IWDC owners’ meeting in Amelia Island, FL. Barnes is the president of Fresno Oxygen & Welding Suppliers Inc. (Fresno, CA), a fourth-generation company that is one the oldest continuously owned independent gas and welding distributors in North America.

The honor is bestowed annually on a member who has “gone above and beyond” in their support of the organization. Bob Jackson played an integral part in the formation of IWDC and the award is considered their preeminent award. Criteria for the award includes strong volunteer spirit, supportive of independents, viewed internal and externally as a respected leader, engaged in our industry, community and family-centric. Barnes has been leading his company’s growth for over 20 years and, during his leadership, they have doubled their number of locations, quadrupled their business, installed a state-of-the-art cylinder fill plant, expanded into bulk gas delivery and diversified into specialty gases.

The IWDC is a cooperative formed in 1994 that leverages the strengths of their independent welding distributor members across North America. The 139 member companies collectively represent over $2.2 billion in sales serving a wide range of industries. Industries look to them for industrial, specialty, and medical gases, as well as related equipment, hard goods, and consumables.

www.iwdc.coop