1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): January 28, 1997 AIRGAS, INC. ______________________________________________________ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-9344 56-0732648 _______________ _______________________ _____________ (State or other (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer jurisdiction of Identification incorporation) No.) 100 Matsonford Road, Suite 550 Radnor, PA 19087 _______________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (610) 687-5253 _______________ 2 Item 5. Other Events. ____________ On January 28, 1997, Airgas, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing it named Thomas C. Deas, Jr., Chief Financial Officer, effective February 24, 1997. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits __________________________________________________________________ (a) None (b) None (c) Exhibits. 99 Press Release dated January 28, 1997 3 Signatures __________ Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. AIRGAS, INC. BY: /s/ Jeffrey P. Cornwell _______________________ (Jeffrey P. Cornwell) Vice President - Finance and Corporate Controller DATED: February 5, 1997