Central McGowan and Minneapolis Oxygen Announce Historic Merger

St. Cloud, MN and Minneapolis, MN – March 10, 2025 – Central McGowan, a family-owned leader in industrial, bulk, medical and specialty gas supply, welding equipment, and automation solutions, is thrilled to announce its merger with Minneapolis Oxygen, another renowned family-owned business with over 75 years of experience serving Minnesota and beyond. This merger represents a unique partnership that brings together two strong, locally rooted companies to better serve our customers, employees, and communities.

A Rare and Exciting Union Mergers of this kind are exceptionally rare in the industry, making this a momentous occasion. By joining forces, Central McGowan and Minneapolis Oxygen combine decades of expertise, expanded product offerings, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

“This merger marks a historic milestone for both of our companies,” said Joe Francis, CEO of Central McGowan. “Together, we’re uniting our shared values of family ownership, community involvement, and a relentless focus on delivering exceptional service. We couldn’t be more excited about what this means for our employees, customers, and future growth.”

Honoring Our Shared Histories Central McGowan, founded in 1947, has a rich legacy of growth and innovation. The company has always prioritized community and customer relationships, as exemplified by its first merger in 1965, when McGowan Welding acquired Central Welding to form the business known today.

Since 1946, family-owned Minneapolis Oxygen (MO2) has been a trusted provider of gas and welding supplies. Operating across five locations with a team of over 50 customer-focused employees, MO2 serves the Twin Cities, Western Wisconsin, and the Duluth/Iron Range. As a partial owner of the Absolute Air plant—the only independently co-owned plant in the country—MO2 ensures a reliable, high-quality gas supply. For nearly eight decades, MO2 has been recognized for innovation, exceptional service, and the family-oriented values its customer’s trust. Their commitment to innovation, exceptional service, and family-oriented values adds significant strength and expertise to this partnership.

“This merger builds on a foundation of mutual respect and shared goals,” said Kevin Falconer, President of Minneapolis Oxygen. “We’re excited for our teams to come together under a new roof and build a new legacy together based on our shared commitment to our employees and customers.”

What This Means for Customers For the first year, both companies will operate as usual under their respective names, ensuring continuity for customers. No changes to day-to-day operations are anticipated, and customers can continue to rely on the exceptional service they have come to expect. This ensures a seamless transition that prioritizes stability and reliability.

Expanding Our Reach and Capabilities Minneapolis Oxygen and Central McGowan are coming together to form a stronger, more dynamic company, uniting our expertise and resources to better serve our customers. With locations across Ham Lake, Minneapolis, Shakopee, Hibbing, and Duluth, alongside Central McGowan’s existing sites, we are building a more robust network of service and supply across Minnesota. Customers can look forward to expanded access to a broader range of products, services, and industry expertise—all backed by a shared commitment to excellence.

Looking Ahead This partnership represents the next chapter in a shared vision for growth, innovation, and exceptional customer service. Together, Central McGowan and Minneapolis Oxygen are poised to set a new standard in the industry while staying true to their family-owned values and community roots.

To learn more about Central McGowan, visit www.centralmcgowan.com. For more information about Minneapolis Oxygen, visit www.mplso2.com.