8-K

                               UNITED STATES

                    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                           Washington, DC  20549


                                 FORM 8-K

                              CURRENT REPORT


                    Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
                    the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


             Date of Report (date of earliest event reported):
                             October 23, 2002


                               AIRGAS, INC.
          ______________________________________________________
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



   Delaware                       1-9344                       56-0732648
_______________            _______________________          __________________
(State or other            (Commission File Number)         (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of                                             Identification No.)
incorporation)



                 259 North Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 100
                          Radnor, PA  19087-5283
                 _________________________________________
                 (Address of principal executive offices)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (610) 687-5253
                                                     _____________



Item 5.  Other Events.
         ____________

   On October 23, 2002, Airgas, Inc. reported its earnings for its second
quarter and six months ended September 30, 2002, as described in the press
release attached as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.  Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
         __________________________________________________________________

(a)  None

(b)  None

(c)  Exhibits.

       99.1 - Press Release dated October 23, 2002



                                Signatures
                                __________

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant and Co-Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

AIRGAS, INC.                         AIRGAS EAST, INC.
(Registrant)                         AIRGAS GREAT LAKES, INC.
                                     AIRGAS MID AMERICA, INC.
                                     AIRGAS NORTH CENTRAL, INC.
BY:  /s/ Robert M. McLaughlin        AIRGAS SOUTH, INC.
     Robert M. McLaughlin            AIRGAS GULF STATES, INC.
     Vice President & Controller     AIRGAS MID SOUTH, INC.
                                     AIRGAS INTERMOUNTAIN, INC.
                                     AIRGAS NORPAC, INC.
                                     AIRGAS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA & NEVADA, INC.
                                     AIRGAS SOUTHWEST, INC.
                                     AIRGAS WEST, INC.
                                     AIRGAS SAFETY, INC.
                                     RUTLAND TOOL & SUPPLY CO., INC.
                                     AIRGAS CARBONIC, INC.
                                     AIRGAS SPECIALTY GASES, INC.
                                     NITROUS OXIDE CORP.
                                     PURITAN MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
                                     RED-D-ARC, INC.
                                     AIRGAS REALTY, INC.
                                     AIRGAS DATA, LLC
                                     ________________________________________
                                     (Co-Registrants)


                                    BY:  /s/ Robert M. McLaughlin
                                         Robert M. McLaughlin
                                         Vice President


                                      ATNL, INC.
                                      ________________________________________
                                      (Co-Registrant)



                                    BY:  /s/ James S. Ely
                                         James S. Ely
                                         Vice President and
                                         Quality Control Officer

DATED:  October 24, 2002

EX-99

EXHIBIT 99.1
- ------------
                                           Airgas, Inc.
                                           259 N. Radnor-Chester Rd.
                                           Suite 100
                                           Radnor, PA  19087-5283
AIRGAS News Release                        www.airgas.com
_____________________________________________________________________

Investor Contact:                          Media Contact:
- -----------------                          --------------
Melissa Nigro (610) 902-6206               James Ely (610) 902-6010
melissa.nigro@airgas.com                   jim.ely@airgas.com


For release:  IMMEDIATELY

              AIRGAS SECOND QUARTER EPS INCREASES 29% TO 27 CENTS


RADNOR, PA - October 23, 2002  -- Airgas, Inc., (NYSE: ARG) today
reported earnings for its second quarter ended September 30, 2002.  Net
earnings for the quarter were $19.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share,
compared to $14.6 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the same
period a year ago.

Net earnings for the six months ended September 30, 2002, excluding
certain restructuring and divestiture charges, were $0.49 per diluted
share compared to prior year results of $0.41 per diluted share, on a
pro forma basis.  Results for the six months ended September 30, 2001
exclude a charge for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle related to the accounting for goodwill.  Free cash flow per
diluted share for the six-month period was $0.62 versus $0.40 in the
prior year, driving debt reduction of $40 million.

Including the charges related to the restructuring and divestitures, the
reported net earnings per diluted share for the six months ended
September 30, 2002 were $0.46 versus $0.41 for the comparable prior year
period, on a pro-forma basis.  For the six months ended September 30,
2001, including the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle, the Company reported a net loss of $0.45 per diluted share.

"Our ability to grow earnings per share by 29% and generate strong
cash flow in the quarter demonstrates the resiliency of our gas
business, even during difficult economic times," said Airgas Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland.  "Our underlying
business, reinforced by the Air Products packaged gas acquisition,
remains on track.  We also benefited from much lower than projected
financing costs for the acquisition.  We are improving gross margins,
in part, due to a stronger gas and rent sales mix, and we remain
diligent about controlling costs.  I am also pleased to report that
we continue executing well against our financial goals, increasing
operating margin by almost 100 basis points to 9.4%."



McCausland continued, "We believe that we are still on track to achieve
earnings per share of $0.92 to $0.94 for the full year, although the
environment is tougher than expected.  We remain focused on our
strategic initiatives designed to improve our low-cost position and grow
market share, as these will help drive shareholder value until we see
sustained signs of improvement in the industrial economy."

While the acquisition helped increase second quarter sales 9% to $451
million, total same-store sales declined 3% compared to the same quarter
a year ago, reflecting continued weakness in manufacturing and other
industrial customer segments.  Same-store sales in the Distribution
segment were down 3%, reflecting slight growth for gases and rent and a
7% decline in hardgoods.  Same-store sales for the Gas Operations
segment increased 2%.   Year-to-date capital spending was $34 million
versus $28 million last year.

Free cash flow is defined as after-tax cash flow (net earnings,
excluding certain gains and charges, plus depreciation, amortization and
deferred income taxes), minus capital spending, plus/minus the change in
working capital, excluding the impact of the accounts receivable
securitization and certain gains and charges.

The Company will conduct an earnings teleconference on Thursday, October
24, 2002, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.  Access the
teleconference by calling (877) 272-3821 and entering passcode 5907373.
Slides to be presented during the Company's teleconference and
information about how to access a live and on-demand webcast of the
teleconference are available in the `Investor Info' section on the
Company's Internet site www.airgas.com.  The telephone replay will be
accessible for one week starting October 24th at approximately 11:00
a.m. Eastern Time by calling (800) 642-1687 and entering passcode
5907373.


ABOUT AIRGAS, INC.

Airgas, Inc. is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and
specialty gases, welding, safety and related products.  Its integrated
network of nearly 800 locations includes branches, retail stores, gas
fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution
centers.  Airgas also distributes its products and services through
eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels.  Its national scale and
strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified
customer base.  For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain statements that are forward-looking,
as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its
rules, regulations and releases. These statements include, but are
not limited to, statements regarding: the resiliency of the gas
business; the business remaining on track; improving gross margins
through a stronger gas and rent sales mix; controlling costs;
executing well against financial goals; expected earnings per share
for the full year; and the Company's focus on strategic initiatives
to improve its low-cost position, grow its market share and increase
shareholder value.  Airgas intends that such forward-looking
statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby.  All
forward-looking statements are based on current expectations
regarding important risk factors and should not be regarded as a
representation by the Company or any other person that the results
expressed therein will be achieved.  Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any
forward-looking statement include the success of the Company's
integration of the acquired Air Products packaged gas business; the
success of the Company's strategic initiatives in improving
operational efficiency and growing sales and market share; an
economic downturn (including adverse changes in the specific markets
for our products); increased competition; customer acceptance of the
Company's products; adverse changes in customer buying patterns;
adverse changes in general economic conditions; political and
economic uncertainties associated with current world events; and
other factors described in the Company's reports, including Form 10-K
dated March 31, 2002 and Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2002, filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Consolidated statements of earnings and consolidated condensed
balance sheets follow.




                         AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                 (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
                                  (Unaudited)

                                        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended
                                          September 30,          September 30,
                                        2002         2001     2002         2001
                                        -------------------   -------------------
                                                             
Net sales:
     Distribution                       $410,329   $372,345   $832,384   $750,659
     Gas Operations                       40,724     39,637     76,337     76,998
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------
          Total net sales                451,053    411,982    908,721    827,657
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------

Costs and expenses:
     Cost of products sold
      (excl. deprec.)
        Distribution                     200,750    193,850    412,199    392,753
        Gas Operations                    13,337     14,210     24,154     27,530
     Selling, distribution and
      administrative expenses            174,737    151,235    351,036    303,954
     Depreciation                         18,169     15,774     36,628     31,446
     Amortization                          1,636      2,074      3,376      4,351
     Special charges (a)                      --         --      2,694         --
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------
           Total costs and expenses      408,629    377,143    830,087    760,034
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------

Operating income:
     Distribution                         33,079     27,787     65,779     54,358
     Gas Operations                        9,345      7,052     15,549     13,265
     Special charges (a)                      --         --     (2,694)        --
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------
           Total operating income         42,424     34,839     78,634     67,623

Interest expense, net                    (12,040)   (11,850)   (25,161)   (22,763)
Discount on securitization of
 trade receivables                          (899)    (1,492)    (1,750)    (2,984)
Other income (expense), net (b)             (129)        15       (252)      (178)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated
 affiliates                                1,364      1,317      2,296      2,230
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------
  Earnings before income taxes and the
   cumulative effect of a change in
   accounting principle                   30,720     22,829     53,767     43,928

Income tax expense                        11,520      8,276     20,523     15,924
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------

  Earnings before the cumulative effect
   of a change in accounting principle    19,200     14,553     33,244     28,004

Cumulative effect of a change in
 accounting principle (c)                     --         --         --    (59,000)
                                        --------   --------   --------   --------
Net earnings (loss)                     $ 19,200   $ 14,553   $ 33,244   $(30,996)
                                        ========   ========   ========   ========
Per share data:
   Basic earnings (loss) per share      $    .27   $    .21   $    .47   $   (.46)
   Diluted earnings (loss) per share    $    .27   $    .21   $    .46   $   (.45)

Net earnings (excluding certain charges
 and the cumulative effect of a change
 in accounting principle) (d)           $ 19,200   $ 14,553   $ 35,439   $ 28,004
                                        ========   ========   ========   ========
Per share data (excluding certain
 charges and the cumulative effect of
 a change in accounting principle) (d):
   Basic earnings per share             $    .27   $    .21   $    .51   $    .41
   Diluted earnings per share           $    .27   $    .21   $    .49   $    .41

Weighted average shares outstanding:
   Basic                                  70,400     67,900     70,100     67,600
   Diluted                                71,900     69,500     72,000     68,900

See attached notes.




                         AIRGAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                            (Amounts in thousands)

                                            (Unaudited)
                                            September 30,    March 31,
                                                2002           2002
                                            -------------   ----------
                                                      
ASSETS
Trade accounts receivable, net (e)           $   85,777     $   88,634
Inventories, net                                145,580        154,045
Deferred income tax asset, net                   13,583         13,210
Prepaids and other current assets                28,891         47,654
                                             ----------     ----------
    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                        273,831        303,543

Property, plant and equipment, net              871,889        893,015
Goodwill                                        421,331        406,548
Other non-current assets, net                   128,223        113,951
                                             ----------     ----------
    TOTAL ASSETS                             $1,695,274     $1,717,057
                                             ==========     ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable, trade                      $   83,449     $   82,485
Accrued expenses and
 other current liabilities                      116,804        136,390
Current portion of long-term debt                 2,671          2,456
                                             ----------     ----------
    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                   202,924        221,331

Long-term debt (e)                              719,337        764,124
Deferred income taxes                           195,678        198,173
Other non-current liabilities                    26,955         30,343

Stockholders' equity                            550,380        503,086
                                             ----------     ----------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
     STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                    $1,695,274     $1,717,057
                                             ==========     ==========

See attached notes.



Notes:


(a)  Special charges of $2.7 million ($1.7 million after-tax) for the six
   months ended September 30, 2002 consist of a restructuring charge related
   to the integration of the business acquired from Air Products in the fourth
   quarter of fiscal 2002 and costs related to the consolidation of certain of
   the Company's procurement functions.  The special charges include facility
   exit costs associated with the closure of certain Airgas facilities and
   severance for approximately 130 employees.

(b)  Other income (expense), net, for the six months ended September 30, 2002
   includes a net non-recurring loss of approximately $200 thousand ($500
   thousand after-tax) related to divestitures.

(c)  In connection with the adoption of SFAS 142, the six months ended
   September 30, 2001 includes a $59 million non-cash charge recorded as the
   cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the write-down of
   goodwill to its fair value.  The impaired goodwill was not deductible for
   taxes, and consequently, no tax benefit was recorded in relation to the
   charge.

(d)  Net earnings, adjusted to exclude the items described in notes (a), (b)
   and (c).

(e)  The Company participates in a securitization agreement with two
   commercial banks to sell up to $175 million of qualified trade receivables.
   Net proceeds from the securitization were used to reduce borrowings under
   the Company's revolving credit facilities.  The amount of outstanding
   receivables under the agreement was $154.5 million and $134 million at
   September 30, 2002 and March 31, 2002, respectively.