Lincoln Electric Acquires Wayne Trail Technologies

The welding OEM strategically strengthens its welding automation position in North America by adding this Ohio-based manufacturer of flexible, automated systems that are used in a variety of metal forming, fabricating and joining industries.

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (Cleveland, OH) acquired Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc. (Ft. Loramie, OH) in May. Wayne Trail is a privately held Ohio-based manufacturer of automated systems and tooling, serving a wide range of applications in the metal processing market.

“The addition of Wayne Trail Technologies strengthens our already strong position as a market leader in welding automation in North America,” said John M. Stropki, the chairman and chief executive officer of Lincoln Electric.”Wayne Trail brings extensive design and system building experience, and we are particularly excited about the company’s proven capabilities and continued commercial success in the area of laser welding systems.”

“We look forward to expanding our ability to serve customers in the U.S. and international markets as part of Lincoln’s broad portfolio of welding and automated solutions for its global customer base,” said David M. Knapke, the president and chief executive officer of Wayne Trail Technologies, which employs 162 people at its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Ft. Loramie, and has an annual sales of approximately $50 million.

Terms were not disclosed.

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Headquartered in Cleveland, Lincoln has 45 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 20 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. www.lincolnelectric.com