The American Welding Society (AWS) and the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) have arrived at an agreement whereby AWS will manage the daily business operations of GAWDA.

The move was anticipated earlier this year when GAWDA announced it would end its long contract with the firm that managed its daily business operations, Fernley & Fernley. GAWDA said the two sides disagreed on the terms of their management and administrative services arrangement for the future.

GAWDA is the national trade association representing distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment and supplies. AWS is a professional society for welders.

"AWS and GAWDA serve and are committed to the same industry, and we believe this partnership will establish an even stronger relationship with welding distributors, manufacturers and end users," stated GAWDA president Jenny McCall.

"We are honored to have been chosen by GAWDA to manage their daily business affairs," said John Bruskotter, AWS president. "With AWS and GAWDA working together, members of both associations will be able to greatly benefit in a number of ways, including welder workforce development, access to more networking and access to on-site training and certifications."