Airgas signs five-year services agreement with UPHS

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), today announced it has signed a five-year services agreement with the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) located in Philadelphia, PA. Under the terms of the agreement, Airgas provides off-site cryogenic repository services for long-term storage of research samples. Airgas cryogenic storage systems use nitrogen-cooled freezers with a temperature of minus 300 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the integrity of samples for future research.

“We were running out of viable options for finding additional space for storing critical research samples”

"As a leading clinical research organization, UPHS needed to expand their existing cryogenic storage, but lacked the needed space," said Tony Simonetta, Airgas East vice president and general manager for eastern Pennsylvania. "Airgas established an off-site cryogenic repository, complete with freezers, liquid nitrogen bulk tanks, monitoring, monthly reporting, and double-layered security systems. The facility is owned by Airgas, operated by Airgas cryogenic technicians, and provides the right solution for UPHS needs. UPHS joins a wide range of life sciences customers across the country that rely on Airgas cryogenic gases, services, and expertise every day."

"We were running out of viable options for finding additional space for storing critical research samples," said Wayne Smith, UPHS associate vice president, corporate materials management. "Airgas offers a completely turn-key solution for us."

Airgas maintains a strategic organization focusing on specific market segments to fully understand customer challenges and provide custom-tailored solutions. Airgas market segment leaders work with account managers and teams within Airgas' business units, including 12 Airgas regional organizations and more than 850 branch locations nationwide to provide the right solutions for a broad array of customers. Along with Airgas East, the Airgas universities, commercial labs, and nanotechnology group is working with the University of Pennsylvania.