Members of the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative set a new spending record in 2025, IWDC officials announced Thursday.
Members' spend under the cooperative crossed the $400 million threshold for the first time last year, and an additional $150 million not invoiced through IWDC brought members' overall combined spend to over $550 million.
IWDC officials also noted a record year for net income distributed to its members, the addition of three more affiliate members during the year, and a net addition of 40 combined locations across its membership.
The co-op highlighted an expansion of its PurityPlus specialty gases program, “significant traction” in its EDI platform, and the May launch of its full-line distribution center catalog, as well.
"We are proud to have set a new milestone, and we are looking forward to raising the bar again in 2026," IWDC President and CEO Frank Kasnick said in a statement. "This is a testament to the strength and resilience of the independents in our welding and gas industry and reflects the strong support from our vendor partners."
The group will hold its 2026 sales and purchasing convention in Louisville, Kentucky, beginning May 31. Officials said that the event will include the introduction of veterans welder training organization Forged by Valor as the IWDC’s charity partner for the year.
