Our story began back in 1947 as a small welding shop in downtown St. Cloud, Minnesota-steadily growing to where we are today. In 2011, we began a major transformation from a 55-person, 2-location welding supply company to the nearly a 140-person, 8-location, diversified company we are today. Our business includes: Distribution (Industrial, Welding, Medical & Specialty Gases & Supply), CO2 Solutions (Beverage Carbonation, Bulk CO2 & ColdZERO Dry Ice), and Automation and Robotics.Oct 22, 2018 1951-54 Central Welding Supply moves to current 3,200-sq.ft. location. Leo Henkemeyer (grandfather of current CEO) joins Central Welding as a salesman. He and Leo Rahm purchase Central Welding. Company has 6 employees.Central Welding Supply moves to current 3,200-sq.ft. location. Leo Henkemeyer (grandfather of current CEO) joins Central Welding as a salesman. He and Leo Rahm purchase Central Welding. Company has 6 employees.Central McGowan is formed when Central Welding Supply merges with McGowan Welding of Little Falls. The company is owned by Leo Henkemeyer and Frank McGowan.Central McGowan Inc. (CMI). Major expansion (17,600 sq. ft.) including remodel that adds 14,600 sq. ft. and purchase of adjacent building for an additional 3,000 sq. ft.Nov 2, 2018 1995 Ray Kosel retires. Pete Breer, Jeff Skumautz, and Al Prozinski become Vice President and Management Team. Company has 24 employees.Ray Kosel retires. Pete Breer, Jeff Skumautz, and Al Prozinski become Vice President and Management Team. Company has 24 employees.Nov 2, 2018 1996-2004 CMI adds cryogenic pumping system, lab, and bulk storage, and ability to pump on-site. Major expansion and remodel in St. Cloud add 13,000 sq. ft. Two warehouse additions in Little Falls add another 10,000 sq. ft.CMI adds cryogenic pumping system, lab, and bulk storage, and ability to pump on-site. Major expansion and remodel in St. Cloud add 13,000 sq. ft. Two warehouse additions in Little Falls add another 10,000 sq. ft.Nov 15, 2018 2005 Company has 49 employees, 50,000 sq. ft. in St. Cloud and 10,500 sq. ft. in Little Falls. Joe Francis, the company's present CEO/President, joins the customer service team.Company has 49 employees, 50,000 sq. ft. in St. Cloud and 10,500 sq. ft. in Little Falls. Joe Francis, the company's present CEO/President, joins the customer service team.Nov 28, 2018 2011 Cindy Francis returns as CEO after the sudden and unfortunate passing of Jeff Francis, then CEO/CFO. Joe Francis accepts the position of VP and CFO. He works with the management team to lead the company through succession planning and a new leadership/company structure.