Ahhhh crud! Sims welding supply company in Cali is up for sale!

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My good friend who's a regional sales guy for them says the owner (old man) is selling the company.  They have several locations all over the SoCal area and I've found them far better to deal with and just  down-to-earth, unlike Airgas or Praxair.  If Sims sells out to one of those big conglomerates, I'll quite welding!!!! (Not really).   I'll just be pizzed off!    Airgas is a disease and I hate the fact that all of their consumables are "Radnor" crap.  At least Sims sells Lincoln consumables and has a large selection of Miller parts & accessories.  The two Airgas locations and one Praxair near me doesn't have even 10% of what Sims carries on the shelves!  Neither Airgas nor Praxair list their prices on their merchandise! Sims deals with the "little" guy and has far better customer service in my opinion.   Dang it all!!!
Reply:I asked the guys at airgas about a spool of outershield .045 Told me 200.00 and something and they would order it ...told them forget itWent to actiongas for a piece of steel and there it sits on the shelf 102.00 along with 4 other boxes...they do carry a cheap generic line of rod and wire but they have the other name brands alsoI'm about done with airgasSent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11I asked the guys at airgas about a spool of outershield .045 Told me 200.00 and something and they would order it ...told them forget itWent to actiongas for a piece of steel and there it sits on the shelf 102.00 along with 4 other boxes...they do carry a cheap generic line of rod and wire but they have the other name brands alsoI'm about done with airgasSent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2
Reply:Originally Posted by JD955SCAirgas pissed me off for good when they tried to tell me their radnor **** rods were repackaged Lincoln.
Reply:My radnor flow meter is a victor. Got it with hose for 70$ ish. my local airgas has a really good counter guy though if he's not there I turn around and walk out. The rest of em are d!€{s. Unwilling to help a man out.Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:I hate no price tags....Cant shop without them.Unless you have a guy walking around the store with you, carrying his labtop, checking the pricing for you....CL, eBay, Yard Sales, and Auctions.PERIOD!!!!!!Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Even though it sold, my understanding is it's one company buying it, I don't believe it will be split up to Airgas etc.  I know the Sims personally I'll pass on concerns. It may be a done deal.
Reply:My airgas has Miller consumables. In fact only "name" brand stuff they have in stock is ITW brands. Everything else is Radnor or Forney brand. Dont buy anything Forney from them since the hardware store carries it too and there a bit cheaper. People who run airgas here are really nice honost people and will tell you all the prices are to high them self. There a metal supply shop but guess they are a Airgas supplier too. I only buy metal from them and once a year grab a free miller catalog. lolHH140---------------------------https://www.facebook.com/brandon.pike.9
Reply:Originally Posted by TaylorJenkinsActually most of Radnor's products are from other reputable brands. For example, their flux core wire is actually made by hobart.
Reply:Sims rescued me from Airgas. Im gonna cry if it goes to them. Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Apparently the sale would not be to the big two, which would mean closing stores. The talks are between Sims and another chain looking to expand in SoCal.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I sent a copy of this thread to Mr Sims, he will appreciate the views on the reputation his company has earned over the years.  He didn't tell me yet who is buying it.
Reply:Matheson is buying it, not Airgas.
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartI sent a copy of this thread to Mr Sims, he will appreciate the views on the reputation his company has earned over the years.  He didn't tell me yet who is buying it.
Reply:He is trying.  It went to public knowledge sooner than intended which made for some miscommunication, so some left, but the Sims is a family of integrity and their employees are very important to them. I am passing on everything that was written n this post to him, which encouraged him some.
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartMatheson is buying it, not Airgas.
Reply:That is sad news to hear. Does he know why he is selling the company? and Who is your friend? maybe he can talk to the oldman and let him know that he has alot of customers that loves the service, and knowledge that his employees has. I just started learning how to weld!!!!!!! They hook me up on some good prices on my welding gear..   ********
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartMatheson is buying it, not Airgas.
Reply:Simms family told me but said there had been some delays because of contracts with some gas subcontractors. I don't think I can go deeper than that without checking with them. They are trying hard to be fair to their employees, and I believe it is a family with deep integrity that I trust. They were upset that rumors (not here) got out early and upset some of their top employees before they could discuss it with them. They were encouraged when i sent them a copy of this thread.   This was the case when this thread started. There may be changes since then. I haven't talked to them since then.Last edited by blackbart; 07-29-2014 at 08:12 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonApparently the sale would not be to the big two, which would mean closing stores. The talks are between Sims and another chain looking to expand in SoCal.
Reply:Well, my LWS has changed names many times over the last 50+years... It is now a Matheson store.  Matheson seems much better than local Airgas stores.  I also stumbled on a new LWS run by a number of the people from the store bought out by Metheson.  I deal with them when I can, however, is is difficult for new small stores to get accounts with some manufacturers.Most of the "Store Brand" products are in fact OEM labeling of name brand manufacturer products (no way they could manufacture the products) I too hate the no item prices!!!  I am a hobbyist and base purchases on prices....  how much is this, how much is this one, what about this one.... yea, I hate that... so I start shopping on the internet.From Craigslist, I fount a great Praxair store manager in Salinas, CA who is great in trying to find used/reconditioned equipment at reasonable prices... and making deals!!GlenMiller Dynasty 200DX - Millermatic 350P - Hypertherm Powermax 45Want to sell!! - Hobart Handler 150
Reply:Well, the subject was brought up in May.  Things may have changed, but until I get an OK, I don't feel comfortable sharing them.  Last I heard was what I posted.  I'll ask the family if things changed.
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartWell, the subject was brought up in May.  Things may have changed, but until I get an OK, I don't feel comfortable sharing them.  Last I heard was what I posted.  I'll ask the family if things changed.
Reply:Originally Posted by KnightHawkI really do hope they don't close any of their stores. One of them is not far from me, but why sell the company if it's doing well? That's the part that I don't understand. Maybe it's a money issue?
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonThe owner is in his 80s. His kids are not interested.Cameron is around and a decent place. Lately I have been buying gas at Angelus.
Reply:Won't set foot in Cameron again ..They were to busy discussing their weekend to answer questions about the TB 302 i wanted to buy so i went some place that i could get answers and help...they missed out on an over 7 grand sale due to lack of interestThis was not the first time that i had this problem at their Temecula locationBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonThe owner is in his 80s. His kids are not interested.
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartActually his older(55) kids have been very interested in making sure it maintains it's reputation , in my opinion. It was a done deal until some of the gas contracts had a conflict of interest. Things may have changed because of that. I'm not sure, I know it slowed down the changing of hands.
Reply:Well I hope the original deal went through, I just know they hit lome bumps with gs supplier contracts.  I'm not sure where it left them.
Reply:Well I just heard the selling price was $55 million, but there is still a hitch.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonWell I just heard the selling price was $55 million, but there is still a hitch.
Reply:What's the hitch?!!Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:My LWS is really hit and miss with the customer service. Sometimes I get all the help in the world. Then sometimes I can't get any help at all unless I hang around the store for twenty or more minutes. I never go any LWS without some time to kill.
Reply:I hate that feeling you get when you go into a specialty store like a LWS and you know more than the kid/guy behind the counter....GlenMiller Dynasty 200DX - Millermatic 350P - Hypertherm Powermax 45Want to sell!! - Hobart Handler 150
Reply:Originally Posted by GlenCI hate that feeling you get when you go into a specialty store like a LWS and you know more than the kid/guy behind the counter....
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawThat's cuz it takes more than minimum wage to keep good people behind the counter
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcFirst, you gotta find me a "qualified" young person these days that's worthy of anything higher than minimum wage.  Someone that doesn't need to look down at their smart phone for answers, during a job interview would be truly refreshing as well!
Reply:I wish I could say more, but be careful to seperate fact from rumor.  With a business deal as big as they are dealing with, some things just can't be disclosed.  Just believe me when I say their integrity means a lot, and they are trying to keep it good.  Just don't spread unfounded rumors.
Reply:Went to one of the LWS and it sure reminded me why I like to shop the internet!GlenMiller Dynasty 200DX - Millermatic 350P - Hypertherm Powermax 45Want to sell!! - Hobart Handler 150
Reply:Originally Posted by GlenCWent to one of the LWS and it sure reminded me why I like to shop the internet!
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartI wish I could say more, but be careful to seperate fact from rumor.  With a business deal as big as they are dealing with, some things just can't be disclosed.  Just believe me when I say their integrity means a lot, and they are trying to keep it good.  Just don't spread unfounded rumors.
Reply:The first generation creates. The second generation maintains. The third generation destroys. Better they get rid of it than run it into the ground.
Reply:Originally Posted by atgThe first generation creates. The second generation maintains. The third generation destroys. Better they get rid of it than run it into the ground.
Reply:Originally Posted by atgThe first generation creates. The second generation maintains. The third generation destroys. Better they get rid of it than run it into the ground.
Reply:I'm sure it's been discused before, but what are the "go to" internet suppliers for you guy's? Accuracy and fast delivery are what I look for. As far as Simms, The owner still had his hand in the buisiness and the son seemed to be doing it well, there was just an offer that did not make sense to turn down. I, and they, hope the quality and service will be maintained.  I am in N Ca, so I don't deal with them, I just know them well as friends. Originally Posted by GlenCWent to one of the LWS and it sure reminded me why I like to shop the internet!
Reply:Weldingsupply.com is by far my favorite.   If you have a manufacturer part number,  they usually have it listed with a good price.   But their website is really cluttered and hard to searchTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Well it is done as of Wednesday 3-4-15. Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonWell it is done as of Wednesday 3-4-15.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawMATHESON now?