RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) today announced that Pamela Swanson, President – North Central Region, has been recognized for her excellence in the manufacturing industry with the Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Award, presented by The Manufacturing Institute. Swanson was one of 160 female industry recipients honored during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on February 6.
The STEP Awards are a part of The Manufacturing Institute’s larger STEP initiative launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and best practices for attracting, advancing, and retaining strong female talent.
“I am proud to accept this award from The Manufacturing Institute on behalf of Airgas and my female colleagues in the industry,” said Swanson. “Women are now, more than ever, stepping into the dynamic opportunities and roles available in the manufacturing industry and helping to lead the industry into its next generation. I am honored to be a part of that movement – as a woman and as an industry professional.”
Swanson has served as President of Airgas’ North Central region since 2009. The North Central region is one of Airgas’ largest regions, spanning Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa, as well as parts of Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and North Dakota. She joined Airgas in 2004, and has nearly 20 years of experience within the manufacturing industry.
“The 160 female awardees, including Pam, are the faces of exciting careers in manufacturing,” said Jennifer McNelly, President of The Manufacturing Institute. “Pam was selected because of her significant achievements in manufacturing through the positive impact she has had on her company, Airgas, and on the industry as a whole.”
Swanson is the second Airgas associate to receive a STEP Award. Karen Gilgenbach, Advanced Fabrication Manager in Airgas’ North Central, was recognized in 2013.
About The Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. As a non-partisan organization, the Institute is committed to delivering leading-edge information and services to the nation’s manufacturers. The Institute is the authority on the attraction, qualification and development of world-class manufacturing talent. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation’s leading suppliers of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and related products. Airgas is a leading U.S. producer of atmospheric gases with 16 air separation plants, a leading producer of carbon dioxide, dry ice, and nitrous oxide, one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products, and a leading U.S. supplier of refrigerants, ammonia products, and process chemicals. More than 15,000 associates work in approximately 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities, and distribution centers. Airgas also markets its products and services through e-Business, 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.
