The Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC) proudly announces the 20th anniversary of its PurityPlus Specialty Gas Program, a milestone that underscores two decades of commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. Since its inception in 2005, PurityPlus has established itself as the premier brand for high-purity specialty gases, serving industries ranging from life sciences and environmental testing to food and beverage production and manufacturing.
"For 20 years, PurityPlus has been a trusted source for specialty gases, providing independently verified quality and unmatched reliability through our nationwide network of independent distributors," said Ashley Bivins, Director of PurityPlus Program at IWDC. "This anniversary is a testament to the strength of our cooperative, the dedication of our Members, and the trust our customers place in us."
PurityPlus Members offer certified, laboratory-tested specialty gases produced locally by independently owned and operated gas distributors. The program ensures consistent product quality, adherence to industry standards, and a personal level of service that distinguishes PurityPlus® from large-scale gas suppliers. The cooperative model allows IWDC Members to deliver high-quality specialty gases with the support of a unified national brand while maintaining the agility and customer focus of independent businesses.
The milestone was celebrated at IWDC's February Gas Meeting, hosted by PurityPlus®. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from PurityPlus® Founding Partners Charlie Wright (Wright Brothers, Inc.) and Ed Pyle (formerly IWDC), who shared insights into the program's inception in 2005 and key milestones, including the selection of the name "PurityPlus" and the adoption of the PurityPlus® Green cylinder color. The event also featured a 20th-anniversary Founding Partner panel session with industry leaders Tom Badstubner (Asterisk), Don Renner (formerly Weldcoa), and Ashley Madray (Gas Innovations), who reflected on the program's evolution and impact.
As part of the celebration, founding partners Charlie Wright, Ed Pyle, Roger Nue (IWDC), Tom Badstubner, Don Renner, and Ashley Madray were honored with the PurityPlus® Founding Partner Award in recognition of their contributions to the program's success.
The IWDC is a cooperative, formed in 1994, which leverages the strengths of its independent welding distributor Members across North America. IWDC Member companies collectively represent over $4.2B 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, welding hardgoods, 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. You can learn more about IWDC at www.iwdc.coop.
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