Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) has announced the reorganization of its North Central distribution region, effective immediately, into two separate regions within the company’s North Division — a redefined North Central region, headquartered in Appleton, WI, and a new Midwest region, headquartered in the Chicagoland area.

“We are optimistic about the long-term prospects for the U.S. manufacturing industry, as structural drivers like the abundant supply of low-cost energy and higher shipping costs from overseas should favor the U.S. for years to come. U.S. manufacturing should also benefit from future growth in the non-residential construction and energy industries,” said Michael L. Molinini, Airgas president and chief executive officer. “We’re positioning our resources in this area of the country to enhance our competitive position and assure that we fully capitalize on these long-term growth prospects in what is already one of the largest industrial gas markets in the U.S.”