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Since 1938 Purity Cylinder Gases, Inc., was organized in 1938 and incorporated in the State of Michigan in October of that year. The first store was at 721 S. Division Avenue in Grand Rapids. In a short while a move was made to 574 S. Division Avenue where the company offices and store remained until 1956 when the move was made to 2580 28th ST SW. In the first few years, stores were added in Kalamazoo and Lansing, MI and in Warsaw, IN. The founders and first officers of the company were Edward Butterfield, Glenn G. Garman, and Howard W. Sweet. These original officers were also involved in the formation of the National Welding Supply Association in 1945. The company is a charter member of the Association. In 1950 Glenn Garman served as president of the NWSA/GAWDA and other Purity employees have been active in the NWSA over the years. Purity is also a supportive member of the American Welding Society, several Chambers of Commerce, credit groups, and others who promote worthwhile business activities and community services. In the mid-60s three employees became the new officers of the company. Glenn DeVries, Ken Nyhuis, and Don Wyngarden built onto the solid foundation left by the founders. They guided the company through several expansions of buildings, personnel and computers. In 1980 Purity purchased Airway Oxygen, Inc. Airway sells and rents Home Medical Equipment in the State of Michigan. They have since grown to fourteen locations. Also in 1980 Purity began manufacturing acetylene in Grand Rapids and has continued to supply the western Michigan and northern Indiana areas. Since the mid-80s a third generation of employees has continued the tradition. In the last few years Purity has added acetylene cylinder requalification, a specialty gas lab, a branch in Mt. Pleasant, Cadillac, and Traverse City, Michigan and pumps that can fill up to 6000 psi. Purity is now ISO certified. Purity and Airway presently employ a total of over 300 people. Many are the sons and daughters of retired employees. The most important reason the company has succeeded and grown since 1938 is the many loyal employees who understood the value of service to customers. Purity is proud that 40 people have retired after working the majority of their careers for Purity Cylinder Gases.
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