4
                                             EXHIBIT 99.1

AIRGAS, INC. NAMES SCOTT MELMAN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER


      RADNOR, PA, MAY 26, 1998 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE-ARG) announced
the
appointment of Scott M. Melman, 41, as Vice President and Chief
Financial
Officer effective today. Mr. Melman, who had been Vice President
and Chief
Administrative Officer, succeeds Thomas C. Deas, Jr. who is leaving
Airgas and
will be pursuing other interests.

      "This appointment recognizes Scott's strong financial
background as well
as his administrative and leadership skills," said Peter
McCausland, Chief
Executive Officer of Airgas. "We look forward to Scott's broadened
contributions as Airgas progresses toward its goal of becoming a
multi-billion
dollar, world-class distribution company."

      Mr. Melman joined Airgas as Controller in 1986 and became
Vice President
and Chief Administrative Officer in 1995. Prior to joining Airgas,
Mr. Melman
was Controller for Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc. and, before
that, was Tax
Manager at KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. A native of Philadelphia, he is
a graduate
of Drexel University.

      Airgas is the largest distributor of industrial, medical and
specialty
gases and related equipment in North America with over $1.5 billion
in sales.
Its distributor network includes approximately 700 locations in 43
states,
Canada and Mexico.

      CONTACT: James R. Rapp at 610-902-6224. Airgas, Inc.'s press
releases
are available through CompanyNews On-Call by fax, 800-758-5804,
ext. 025050,
or at http://www.prnewswire.com and the company's web site at
http://www.airgas.com.