A-Ox Welding Supply and A&B Welding Supply join Meritus Gas Partners

Meritus Gas Partners has entered into a partnership with A-Ox Welding Supply Co. Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D., and A&B Welding Supply Co. Inc., Rapid City, S.D. Both companies are independent distributors of industrial gases and welding and safety supplies with eight combined locations in North and South Dakota and Iowa.

A-Ox and A&B have been owned by the Elliott family since their inception and operated as separate businesses. Co-owners and brothers, Tom and Michael Elliott, and their family will continue to lead the companies while maintaining significant equity ownership in Meritus.

"We are excited about the future of A-Ox and A&B," said Michael Elliott, president of A&B. "Our businesses are thriving and growing, yet we are also facing business challenges like other industrial gas distributors—customer consolidation, hyperinflation with respect to our product and operating costs, and increasing regulatory complexities. As a member of Meritus, we will be a part of a larger organization which will help us accelerate our growth as well as navigate the challenges we face. We will work with our partners at Meritus to share best practices, leverage buying relationships, and exchange growth ideas."