Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Source for Industrial Gases and Equipment
Central McGowan has been a trusted provider of industrial gases, welding equipment, automation solutions, and specialty products since 1947. Founded in Minnesota, we have grown into a multi-division company serving diverse industries across the Midwest and beyond. Our team of experts combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver tailored solutions for automation, welding, medical gas, beverage carbonation, and dry ice applications.We prioritize customer satisfaction through 24/7 emergency service, factory-authorized repairs, and a commitment to innovation. With retail branches, delivery fleets, and partnerships with leading manufacturers, we ensure reliable access to high-quality equipment, gases, and technical support. Our values of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement drive our mission to empower businesses with the tools and expertise they need to succeed.
Services
Automation Solutions
Welding Equipment
Medical Gas
Beverage CO2
Dry Ice
Equipment Rental
Robot Repair
Plasma Cutting
Gas Delivery
Preventive Maintenance
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of experience in industrial gas and equipment solutions.
- Our FANUC-authorized automation team delivers custom robotic systems for manufacturing.
- 24/7 emergency service available for critical gas and equipment needs.
- Factory-trained technicians provide certified repairs for welding and cutting systems.
- We serve 5 states with a fleet of delivery trucks and 70+ dealer locations.
Associations and certifications
- FANUC
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Excellent customer service
Best welder I've ever used
Quick assistance
Reliable delivery
Services
Automation Solutions
Custom and standard robotic automation solutions for manufacturing, including FANUC-authorized integration. Our systems improve productivity, precision, and safety in welding, material handling, and assembly processes. Clients benefit from reduced downtime and tailored engineering support.
Welding Equipment
Sales, rentals, and repairs of advanced welding equipment from trusted brands. We offer MIG, TIG, stick welders, and plasma cutters alongside consumables and safety gear. Factory-certified technicians ensure optimal performance with 2-3 day turnaround times.
Medical Gas
Reliable supply of medical-grade compressed gases for hospitals, clinics, and dental practices. Our 24/7 emergency delivery ensures uninterrupted access to critical oxygen, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide supplies with compliance to healthcare standards.
Beverage CO2
Complete CO2 solutions for breweries, bars, and restaurants. We provide bulk delivery, cylinder exchange programs, and equipment maintenance to ensure consistent carbonation quality. Our systems eliminate handling costs and guarantee supply reliability.
Dry Ice
Production and delivery of high-quality dry ice in blocks, nuggets, and rice forms. Applications include industrial cleaning, cold shipping, and Halloween effects. ColdZERO blasting services remove contaminants without residue, ideal for machinery and food processing equipment.
People
Joe Francis
CEO & Third Generation Owner
Third-generation owner with 20+ years in the industry. Led company reorganization after family succession in 2011. Focuses on growth strategy and maintaining family-owned values since becoming CEO.
Jason Kirby
President & COO
Industry veteran with extensive operational and strategic leadership experience. Joined in 2024 to drive growth in gases and supplies division. Specializes in scaling service excellence and innovation for industrial clients.
Pete Rogers
VP, Automation
Automation expert with 18 years in FANUC robotic integration. Oversees design and implementation of robotic work cells. Focuses on technical innovation and expanding automation capabilities since joining in 2019.
Questions
What industries do you serve?
We support manufacturing, healthcare, food & beverage, construction, and automotive sectors with tailored gas, welding, and automation solutions.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency gas delivery and equipment repair with dedicated hotlines for urgent needs.
Where are your locations?
We operate in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas with 6 welding branches, 3 beverage CO2 locations, and 70+ dealers.
What payment methods do you accept?
Contact our billing department for payment options. We accommodate business accounts and standard commercial payment terms.
Can I rent welding equipment?
Yes, we offer wire feed, MIG, TIG, and plasma cutters for rent with flexible terms for short-term projects.
Do you provide equipment maintenance?
Our factory-certified technicians offer preventive maintenance, repairs, and 90-day warranties on welding and cutting systems.
Reviews (5)
Jason Kinney
Jun 20, 2021
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Stopped over as I was in the area and needed to swap my 75% argon tanks. I guess my "medium/small" tank is generally not sold, so I got the 20 questions about contracts and/or rental with Toll Gas because he assumed no one sells the tanks in that size. Why would I "rent" a tank and take it else where? Plus those tanks are tagged with paint. Then he mentioned $35 service charge plus the price of gas to exchange it. I told him, "Absolutely not as Toll charges me $45 to exchange" He then told me to go to Toll then. Great customer service! So I did and not only did it cost $40 I was in and out in less
Diane Kieffer
Mar 03, 2021
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I never write reviews but yesterday my husband was there and he was so impressed with Jay's excellent customer service he just couldn't say enough good things. I too have had to go there several times for my husband and I don't know anything about welding but everyone is always very friendly and helpful, so I'm always happy to stop there for him. When it comes to customer service - you guys Rock!
Out Spoken
Sep 03, 2020
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I just stopped into Central McGowan today to see if I could swap out my 40 cuf tank for an 80 cuf lease and i was very surprised with the customer service i received! Very professional and got me back out the door in a matter of minutes!(because I stated I had to be to work soon) will definitely be doing business with them from now on and not just because I have a lease but because that was some of the BEST customer service I've received in a long time! -Richard Pulsifer
Brian Rosenberger
Oct 14, 2017
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I bought my Miller welder there last year. Best welder I've every used. Excellent and friendly service, the guys set me up with exactly what I wanted. Always fast service when I need them to come to my shop. I would highly recommend them for all your welding needs!
Chris Looft
Jun 01, 2014
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Wow, this site is terrible. It took me 20 mins. to search for welding helmets,then I finally gave up.
Looks like I'll be spending my money somewhere else.I would really recommend making the site more user friendly...
Looks like I'll be spending my money somewhere else.I would really recommend making the site more user friendly...
