January 13, 2009, Shreveport, LA – Red Ball Oxygen celebrated the opening of its new Liquid Hydrogen pumping facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 8, 2010. On hand for the opening ceremony were many existing and future customers, as well as a number of local dignitaries.

The system will enable Red Ball Oxygen to improve service to its existing customers and expand its coverage into new markets. "Our number one focus is to reducing costs and adding value for our customer partners. This system allows us to do just that." said Gary Kennedy, Chairman and CEO, Red Ball Oxygen. This was a 12 month process from inception to operation and involved many people within Red Ball and its partner Praxair. It was a great team effort and many Red Ball employees played in integral part in every phase of development and execution. Fill Plant Manager Robert Whatley and his team worked tirelessly toward the successful completion of this project.

This system is a first for any independent industrial gas distributor and enhances Red Ball Oxygen's capabilities exponentially. "Becoming a truly independent gas distributor is our goal; this installation is a giant step in that direction. Furthermore, this expansion affords us the ability to keep in our employ 167 of the most talented and dedicated employees in the industry." Bob Ewing, President, Red Ball Oxygen.

Founded in 1969 by the Kennedy family of Shreveport, LA, Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. is a major supplier of welding equipment and supplies, industrial gases, medical gases and safety equipment. The company has expanded its operations to include Red Ball Technical Gas Services – a state of the art ISO 17025:2005 accredited specialty gas laboratory, a modern cylinder filling operation, a full–service welding equipment service center, a palletized cylinder distribution system, and 22 customer service branches servicing Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. For further information, contact Monica Rogers at 800–551–8150.

August 6, 2009, Shreveport, LA - Red Ball Oxygen Company, Inc. has selected a fully-integrated logistics software system from Paragon Software Systems, Inc. The industrial and specialty gas company's decision to implement a comprehensive routing and scheduling optimization solution demonstrates Red Ball Oxygen's commitment to improving efficiencies and enhancing customer service, while reducing distribution costs by 15 per cent.

Paragon's routing, scheduling and transportation optimization solutions will provide Red Ball Oxygen with a fully computerized fleet management solution for strategic and tactical planning of routes and deliveries throughout Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.

"We are committed to making substantial investments in new technology that will help us to better serve our customers and contain costs," says Bob Ewing, President, Red Ball Oxygen Company. "To achieve our aims we knew that we needed a powerful logistics software solution and Paragon was the obvious choice. We now have a transportation management system that will assist us in achieving our goals, both strategically and tactically."

The new system will replace manual planning and will optimize the use of Red Ball Oxygen DCs, trucks and drivers, which jointly complete more than 140,000 deliveries per year. The system will also cater for Red Ball Oxygen's anticipated growth in its truck fleet.

"After reviewing the market, it was clear that Paragon provides the most comprehensive set of software tools to give us the flexibility that will address our requirements going forward. The system will enable us to seize all opportunities to evolve our efficiencies and service offerings," concludes Bob Ewing.

Founded in 1969 by the Kennedy family of Shreveport, LA, Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. is a major supplier of welding equipment and supplies, industrial gases, medical gases and safety equipment. The company has expanded its operations to include Red Ball Technical Gas Services - a state of the art ISO 17025:2005 accredited specialty gas laboratory, a modern cylinder filling operation, a full-service welding equipment service center, a palletized cylinder distribution system, and 22 customer service branches servicing Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. For further information, contact Monica Rogers at 800-551-8150.

May 26, 2009 Shreveport, LA – Red Ball Oxygen Company, a leader in the welding supply and industrial and specialty gas industry, today announced its acquisition of Arc Automation. Owned by Randy Luster and based in Batesville, Arkansas, Arc Automation specializes in the sales and service of industrial robotics.

Randy Luster will remain on board at Arc Automation, now a division of Red Ball Oxygen Company and says, "I feel like we are a great fit – the desire to bring these advanced technologies to market is what makes Red Ball a market leader. I was the missing piece to that puzzle. This merger will allow us to grow the business to a level I never could have reached on my own."

"Robots are extremely reliable and efficient, drastically cutting cycle times and increasing throughput. With proper planning, programming, and training, robot integration produces immediate benefits. Because of our strong solutions focus, we know the time was right to bring these technologies and additional services to our customers," said Jarrod Lipsey, Vice President of Sales, Red Ball Oxygen Co. Inc.

Founded in 1969 by the Kennedy family of Shreveport, LA, Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. is a major supplier of welding equipment and supplies, industrial gases, medical gases and safety equipment. The company has expanded its operations to include Red Ball Technical Gas Services - a state of the art ISO 17025:2005 accredited specialty gas laboratory, a modern cylinder filling operation, a full-service welding equipment service center, a palletized cylinder distribution system, and 22 customer service branches servicing Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. For further information, contact Monica Rogers at 800-551-8150.

March 23, 2009 Shreveport, LA – Red Ball Oxygen is pleased to announce its further expansion into the medical gas market with the recent acquisition of PBI Medical headquartered in Benton, Arkansas, with branch operations in Monroe, LA and Fayetteville, AR.

"Tom and Jeff Brown have built an exceptional team with a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. They have taken a fresh approach to the medical gas market, listened carefully to their customers, and custom-tailored every aspect of their operation to deliver maximum value. We are very excited to have them lead our charge into this rapidly growing market segment," said Bob Ewing, President, Red Ball Oxygen.

"Teaming up with a company like Red Ball Oxygen was the logical next step for PBI," said Tom Brown. "Red Ball Oxygen will be able to provide the tools and support we need to move forward as an industry trend setter, by allowing us to enhance our focus on customer service, diversify the products and services we can offer, and tap an even greater share of a rapidly growing market place. We are thrilled to become a part of the Red Ball family."

Founded in 1969 by the Kennedy family of Shreveport, LA, Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. is a major supplier of welding equipment and supplies, industrial gases, medical gases and safety equipment. The company has expanded its operations to include a state of the art ISO 17025:2005 accredited specialty gas laboratory, a modern cylinder filling operation, a full-service welding equipment service center, a palletized cylinder distribution system, and 21 customer service branches in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. For further information, contact Monica Rogers at 800-551-8150.

July 15, 2008 Shreveport, LA – Red Ball Technical Gas Services, a division of Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc., focusing its laboratory and production facility on specialty gas manufacturing and distribution excellence, today announces its Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 by Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. Red Ball Technical Gas Services' accomplishment will also be recognized by ILAC, the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperative, insuring credibility in all markets.

"Accreditation attests to the technical capability of a laboratory, it focuses on the technical competence, traceability of measurement and proficiency of the calibration lab. I have never been more proud of our team for meeting the high standards such accreditation demands," said Mark Patten, Director of Red Ball Technical Gas Services. "By becoming ISO 17025 accredited, we can provide our customers with a proven system that promotes quality in every aspect of our day to day operations."

Founded in 1969 by the Kennedy family of Shreveport, LA, Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. has expanded its operations to include a state of the art specialty gas laboratory, a modern cylinder filling operation, a full-service welding equipment service center, a palletized cylinder distribution system, and 18 customer service branches in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. For further information, contact Monica Rogers at 800-551-8150.

April 1, 2008 Shreveport, LA – Supporting the badge is a tradition at Red Ball Oxygen that started years ago. Today, owners Gary and Larry Kennedy once again partnered with the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office unveiling a new automatic license plate recognition system that can quietly do the work of more than 100 deputies in one shift.

A sheriff's vehicle equipped with a license plate reader uses infrared cameras mounted to the top of the car to capture thousands of license plate images gathered during each patrol shift. Using character recognition software, a computer in the patrol car translates the images to text and is then matched to stolen vehicle data downloaded daily by the Caddo Sheriff's Office from a national databank. The computer alerts the deputy driving the car within seconds of passing a possible stolen vehicle. Deputies then verify the information prior to conducting a traffic stop.

The system, acquired through a $30,000 donation from Red Ball Oxygen, will be used to locate stolen cars; over 1,100 vehicles were reported stolen in the Shreveport and Caddo Parish jurisdictions in 2007. However, the system can also check plates against other databases, including those that hold felony warrants, sex offender information, or Amber Alerts. Using GPS satellite information, ALPR technology can also record historical data like the date, time and location of an individual scan, which can be helpful when investigating a crime or drug activity.

"Our father instilled in us a great sense of responsibility toward our community and the men and women who serve to protect us. We are proud to walk in his footsteps and carry on the work he began so long ago," said Gary Kennedy, Chairman and CEO at Red Ball Oxygen. In 1989, Red Ball Oxygen founder Craig Kennedy started a successful drive to supply the Shreveport Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Deputies, and Troop G State Police with bullet proof vests, which prompted State Legislators to pass a bill which provided for the purchase of vest for officers throughout the state. Craig continued his work for the community and in 2003 the Mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City proclaimed the day as "Craig Kennedy Day" in the two cities, citing his civic and humanitarian deeds.

April 16, 2008 Shreveport, LA – Gary Kennedy has been named as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. Kennedy, who co-owns Red Ball Oxygen along with Larry Kennedy, has been with the company since 1975 and has served as President since 1987. He is a 1974 (B.A.) and 1975 (M.A. English) graduate of LA Tech University. A Shreveport native, Kennedy is married and has 3 children.

Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. is a multi-state manufacturer and distributor of industrial, specialty, and medical gases, welding and safety supplies, and fire extinguishers. The company services over 15,000 customers and has 140 employees.

For further information, contact Monica Rogers at 800-551-8150.

April 2008 Shreveport, LA – In addition to its current line of welding and industrial gas supplies, Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. is proud to announce it will now offer fire extinguisher sales and service, as well as a full line of safety products.

Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. recently acquired A & B Safety, which has been a leader in the sales and servicing of fire extinguishers. A distributor of Buckeye and Badger extinguishers, Red Ball Oxygen is fully licensed to service and install portable and industrial fire suppression systems. A fully equipped workshop allows technicians to service walk-in customers and fire extinguishers on site.

Now offering a total package of safety supplies, Red Ball Oxygen brings to the market protective wear, eye protection, hearing protection, first aid, gas detection equipment and respiratory protection. All products are of the highest quality and are competitively priced.

Red Ball Oxygen offers a line of Indura Cotton clothing to accommodate its industrial customers and their need for flame-retardant garments that are lighter and cooler than Nomex but still meet OSHA and ANSI requirements. Because in Louisiana rainwear is an absolute necessity to those working hard in the out of doors, a wide selection of rain suits and raincoats are also on hand.

Red Ball Oxygen has an expanded line of safety eye protection such as glasses and goggles. Hearing protection is available in ear plugs and earmuffs with a selection of noise reduction ratings.

First aid products are available in 10, 25, 50 and 100 unit kits. Other first aid products include spill kits, eye wash stations, eyeglass cleaning stations and emergency burn stations.

Gas detection is essential in industrial environments when working near hazardous materials and in confined spaces. Red Ball offers personal gas alarms and detection monitors from reputable companies for sale or rent. Respiratory protection is available from escape respirators, to half masks, to full masks.

Red Ball Oxygen is excited about the opportunity to offer the best safety products and service available, keeping its customers satisfied and in full compliance. Visit us today in Shreveport at 609 N. Market Street. For more information or to find a branch location near you, please call 318-425-3211.

Shreveport, LA (March 18, 2008) – Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. today announced the promotion of Bob Ewing to President.

“We are lucky to have a person of the quality of Bob Ewing with our company. Bob exemplifies honesty, loyalty, and patriotism, and his intelligence and leadership have helped to emphasize those core values as a part of Red Ball’s culture,” said Gary Kennedy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc.

Mr. Ewing joined the company in 1995 as logistics coordinator and has worked his way through many positions, quickly rising into the ranks of management, most recently as Vice President Sales and Operations.

Attending Princeton University, Mr. Ewing graduated with a commission in the U.S. Army where he served his country for four years. His last post was Ft. Hood, in Temple, TX, where he was honorably discharged at the rank of 1st Lieutenant of the 7th Cavalry. Married to Dr. Jacque Ewing of Shreveport, LA, Mr. Ewing will continue to office at the corporate headquarters.

Founded in 1969 by the Kennedy family of Shreveport, LA, Red Ball Oxygen Co., Inc. has expanded its operations to include a state of the art specialty gas laboratory, a modern cylinder filling operation, a full-service welding equipment service center, a palletized cylinder distribution system, and 18 customer service branches in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. For further information, contact Monica Rogers at 800-551-8150.