NEW BUSINESS: OZ-ARC/GAS EXPANDING

Oz-Arc/Gas Equipment and Supply Inc., a wholesale and a retail welding supply company, is expanding its operation at 1021 Southern Expressway.

Oz-Arc/Gas, founded by R.C. and Naomi Garner more than 50 years ago, has been on Independence Street 45 years. The firm operates out of a 3,000-square-foot building. The new building will be a 7,000-square-foot structure that will house a show room, office space, warehouse and repair facility. It will be adjacent to the present building.

The company is owned and operated by Bob Garner and Gary Garner and has 45 employees at five Missouri sites -- Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Arnold, Leadington and Kennett.

The company serves Southeast Missouri, the St. Louis metropolitan area, Southern Illinois and Northeast Arkansas. It also exports to Mexico and South America.