WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc2506 Market Street , San Diego, California, United States

You want to do business with people that can meet your needs and solve your problems with the least amount of inconvenience.As a family-owned business, WestAir Gases & Equipment has a culture of service and innovation that has helped customers since 1970.WestAir not only hires good people, but WestAir makes them even better with continuous customer service and technical training.WestAir may be an independent family-owned business, but we have the resources, systems and people to make sure that you have the products and services you need, when and where you need them…at cost-effective prices.

History

Since its inception in 1970, WestAir (formerly known as San Diego Welders Supply) quickly became one of the largest independent distributors of gases, gas equipment and welding supplies in the Southwest.Andy-Castiglione-FounderFounder, Andy Castiglione, who previously worked for a larger company, recognized the need for improved customer service in the equipment supply industry. To fulfill his goal, Andy and his wife Sue, took a gamble and founded San Diego Welders Supply and quickly began the process of building on the principle of exceptional customer service. Sales grew exponentially and the company quickly expanded as every employee put into practice the companys philosophy of special, one on one, customer service. Andy and Sue embraced their future and never looked back.Andy and Sues son, Steve Castiglione, joined the company full time in 1980. Prior to joining the business, Steve worked as a welder in the San Diego shipyards, then worked his way up by pumping cylinders and driving a route truck before working on the management team. His experiences working his way throughout the company prepared him to eventually lead the family business and he was named President in 2000. As President, Steve continued to instill the same values of exceptional customer service that guided the company to its success.As the company expanded through acquisition and an added focus on gases and delivery systems, the founders changed the companys name from San Diego Welders Supply to WestAir Gases & Equipment, Inc. The new name became official in 2001 and more accurately described the company and its goals for growth.  

In 2012, then President, Steve Castiglione, decided it was time to embark on significant expansion. He brought on industry veteran Steve Byers, who was eventually named President and COO in 2014 to lead the expansion efforts. Concurrently, Steve Castiglione was named Chief Executive Officer. Andy Castiglione remains as Chairman.

In 2013, WestAir expanded into the North Texas market through an acquisition of Ward Welding, based in Springtown, TX. The year 2014 opened with two more acquisitions: North Texas Welders Supply and Melos Gas & Gear. Based in Fort Worth, TX, North Texas Welders Supply gave WestAir a second location in Texas. Also in 2014, WestAir completed an acquisition in Bakersfield, CA with Melos Gas & Gear. Melos gave WestAir 6 more retail locations, another high pressure pumping facility and acetylene plant.

The Melos and Ward acquisitions brought WestAir the continued atmosphere and spirit of a strong independent company while continuing their focus on exceptional customer service. The overwhelming commitment to traditional values were alive and well in both companies as they united with WestAir.

Today, WestAir is still a family owned business, serving customers in California, Arizona, and Texas with 17 locations and over 200 associates. WestAir generates just over $70M in revenues while it continues to exemplify a simple philosophy of taking care of their employees who are ultimately responsible for taking care of their customers. Everyone in the company embraces their overriding philosophy of "Large Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care."

Customer Service is No Accident

• Every employee undergoes continuous and rigorous customer service training. We post Customer Service Standards in every store so our customers know that they can expect the highest level of service. These standards include some key rules:
• No phone will ring more than 3 times
• A live person will always answer the phone
• No one will be kept on hold more than 20 seconds
• Customers will be greeted immediately on the showroom floo
• Many customers have benefited from the fact that we make true same-day deliveries with no qualifications. If you call at 4:55 pm and you need a same-day delivery, we will deliver that day
• We also take care of the little things that customers tell us count. These little things include ice machines to fill your coolers at some of our locations, electric doors and indoor cylinder docks, elevated loading docks, and free refreshments including fresh coffee in every store. 

Below youll find the WestAir Commitment to Customer Service summarized in 12 Points that you can count on from each WestAir employee.

• Do what you say youre going to do
• Greet guests immediately upon arrival
• Refreshments offered to all of our guests
• Well stocked locations
• Answer all telephones by the third ring
• Maximum customer hold time is 20 seconds
• Respond to all inquiries within 1 hour
• First person who makes contact, owns the experience
• Will-calls ready within 30 minutes
• Same day delivery service available
• Cylinders maintained above industry standards
• The highest standard of professionalism from our employees, vehicles, and all facilities