A Century of Service: Celebrating 100 Years of Growth, Innovation, Our Customers, and Community

A century, spanning a full hundred years, is a remarkable stretch of time that serves as a canvas for profound change, cultural evolution, and the intricate tapestry of human experience. The last hundred years have seen dramatic transformations across various domains, including technology, society, politics, and the environment. Here’s a brief overview:

Technology

– Digital Revolution: The rise of computers, the internet, and smartphones has transformed communication, commerce, and daily life.

– Medical Advancements: Significant progress in medical science, including vaccines, antibiotics, and advanced surgical techniques, has improved public health and increased life expectancy.

– Space Exploration: Human beings have landed on the Moon, sent probes to other planets, and established space stations.

Society

– Civil Rights Movements: Social justice movements for racial equality, gender rights, and LGBTQ+ rights have reshaped societal norms and laws globally.

– Globalization: Increased interconnectivity of economies and cultures, driven by trade, transportation, and communication, have reshaped identities and economies.

– Demographic Changes: Urbanization and shifts in population demographics, including aging populations in many countries, have significant socio-economic implications.

Politics

– World Wars and Conflicts: Two world wars, the Cold War, and various regional conflicts have shaped international relations and national boundaries.

– Global Governance: Institutions like the United Nations have been established to promote peace and cooperation.

Environment

– Climate Change: Increased awareness of global warming and environmental degradation have led to international agreements like the Paris Accord.

– Conservation Movements: Growing efforts to protect biodiversity and natural resources in response to pollution and habitat destruction.

Overall, the past century has been marked by rapid change and complexity. Progress is intertwined with challenges, laying the groundwork for ongoing societal evolution, and Rocky Mountain Air has been here for it all. As a company founded on commitment to excellent customer service, we have been showing up every day to provide essential lifesaving, life-affirming and life-enhancing atmospheric gas to our communities.

Our History

The United States Welding Works Company was founded in 1924 by Charles Lofgren and Adam Schmick as a partnership in downtown Denver. Initially focused on specialized welding services, the demand for oxygen and acetylene led them to pivot into a supply house for atmospheric gases and welding supplies. This strategic decision enabled the company to grow, particularly during World War II.

Over time, the business transitioned to the next generation of the Lofgren family, with Robert Lofgren Sr. and Walter Lofgren taking over. The company expanded its operations to cover Colorado, western Kansas, Nebraska, and Casper, Wyoming and Utah. After Robert Sr.’s health declined, his son Robert Jr. stepped in as CEO, leading to substantial growth and a rebranding to United States Welding, Inc. during his tenure, which lasted until 2000.

The business remained within the Lofgren family when Rick and Kathy Lofgren acquired it from Robert and Barbara Lofgren. Both Rick and Kathy brought diverse professional backgrounds to the company—Kathy in land negotiations for oil and gas and Rick in the atmospheric gas sector.

With a focus on building sustainable partnerships, the company has evolved while maintaining a family-owned ethos. Renamed Rocky Mountain Air in 2017, we operate 14 branches across the Rocky Mountain Region, ensuring efficient product availability and delivery for customers in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. We pride ourselves on adapting to market changes while remaining committed to integrity and exceptional customer service, viewing these principles as the key drivers of enduring success.

Our Celebration

To celebrate our 100 years in business, we organized a special gathering for our employees in Denver over Labor Day weekend. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for team members who typically connect over the phone to meet face-to-face.

The highlight of the celebration was a grand dinner held at the Colorado Museum of Nature and Science, where we were honored to have Robert Lofgren Jr. in attendance. His presence made the occasion even more meaningful as we acknowledged the hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to our success over the years.

This milestone allowed us to reflect on our history while also looking forward. Together, we recognized that we are laying the foundation for the next generation of this company, setting the stage for the next 100 years. It was truly a memorable occasion filled with camaraderie, gratitude, and a shared vision for the future.

Our Future at Rocky Mountain Air

We have lived a lot of life for one company, but we know there is still a lot more for us to provide and achieve!

We remain an atmospheric gas provider while evolving to seize opportunities in the changing business environment. We’re currently building a dry ice production facility in Denver, with plans to expand this capability to other branches once it’s established.  We’re positioning ourselves accordingly, in anticipation.

Our state-of-the-art automated fill plant in Utah features a large fill capacity, and we operate a full-service cylinder maintenance facility there, becoming a trusted maintenance provider for many industrial distribution companies. Additionally, we have a department for fire extinguishers and acetylene requalification, while continuing to manufacture acetylene gas for welding, brazing, and cutting—one of the few facilities in the U.S. producing this specialized product.

We’ve achieved certification as a Purity Plus Specialty Gas manufacturer and we can rapidly fill even the most sophisticated gas mixtures. We continue to be vigilant in meeting the demands of our diversified customer base.

Our focus on customer needs is the foundation of delivering unmatched customer service as we plan for and move toward a bright and exciting future. We are looking forward to another century of service and providing you with flawless dependability!