Founded in 1993 by Wyatt and Vanessa Wilkinson, HICO has built a reputation as a key player in the Colorado helium market. By absorbing the company's assets, Buckeye Welding Supply aims to transform its Englewood site into a full-service facility capable of supporting a broader range of industrial and specialty gas needs across the south Denver market.

Steven Schwegman, President of Buckeye, noted that the integration of HICO’s staff and customer base is central to expanding their regional service capabilities. Steve Byers, Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions at Meritus, characterized the acquisition as part of a long-term initiative to cultivate a premier independent packaged gas platform. Vanessa Wilkinson will remain involved with the team, citing a shared commitment to the family culture that defined HICO’s growth over the past three decades.