Jack Butler, Chairman of Butler Gas Products Company
2025 Bob Jackson Memorial Award Winner
Indianapolis, IN – Wednesday, November 12, 2025
In recognition of his contributions to IWDC, the Industrial Gas & Welding Industry, and the surrounding greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, community, Jack Butler, Butler Gas Products Company, was presented the Bob Jackson Memorial Award at IWDC's November 4-6 Owners' Meeting in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Bob Jackson played an integral part in the formation of the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC). The honor is bestowed annually upon a Member who has "gone above and beyond" in their support of the organization. The Bob Jackson Award is considered the preeminent award of the IWDC. Criteria for the award include a strong volunteer spirit, support for independent candidates, being viewed both internally and externally as a respected leader, engagement in our industry and community, and a family-centric approach.
Butler Gas Products was founded in 1948 by John A. (Jack) Butler, Jack's father. Jack became president at the early age of 25 in 1977, following his father's passing. During his leadership, Butler Gas Products focused more on industrial, medical, and specialty gas markets. They opened a specialty gas division and began filling and analyzing pure gases and specialty mixtures. Jack invested in cylinder barcoding, palletization, and automated fill plants to improve service quality, shorten lead times, and increase safety. Butler Gas Products' operations have received numerous awards and recognition from CGA, GAWDA, and IWDC.
As a testament to supporting our industry, Jack has served as the:
- President of the National Welding Supply Association, now known as GAWDA (1993)
- two-term President of the International Oxygen Manufacturers Association, IOMA (2003–2004)
- President of the national Buying and Information Group, BIG (2010–2011)
- Chairman of the Compressed Gas Association, CGA (2018)
He has been a long-term IWDC Gas Committee member and a leading participant in IWDC's PurityPlus® specialty gas program.
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.
Thank you,
Frank Kasnick, President and CEO
Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative