ESAB Opens New Manufacturing Facility

To support steady growth in the North American market, this new plant is responsible for the production of high-performance MIG and submerged arc welding wires, along with premium brand AristoRod and copper-coated wires.

ESAB Welding and Cutting Products (Florence, SC) opened a new manufacturing facility in Union County, South Carolina facility on June 20. The 260,000 sq ft plant on Midway Drive is the company’s state-of-the-art production site for the manufacture of welding wires.

Daniel Young of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, along with other state and local lawmakers and Union County dignitaries, was on hand to celebrate the plant, which brings 101 new jobs to South Carolina.

“We believe that we will continue to see steady growth in the North American market, and this move to Union County represents an increase in production capacity and the transfer of lines that were being manufactured overseas,” explained Sue Bartholomew, the global marketing firector for ESAB. “We remain committed to consistent delivery of our premium-quality wires, and to leading the industry in technology and support service.”

This facility will house the production of high-performance MIG and submerged arc welding wires. Two new production lines of the company’s premium brand AristoRod and copper-coated wires will also be housed at the Midway Facility.

While the Midway Drive plant was originally built in the 1970s, ESAB invested millions of dollars to completely refit the building. Brand new power distribution, new piping, and a complete fume collection system were among the improvements. The fire suppression infrastructure was upgraded, and the office has been remodeled and equipped with new furnishings. New lab equipment and new material handling equipment were installed, and the entire interior was given a fresh coat of paint.

“Thanks to the support of Governor Nikki Haley and her office, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and the people of Union County, we have opened this multi-million dollar facility,” said Lanny Pickens, the vice president of operations for ESAB North America. “This Midway Facility has created 101 new jobs here, in addition to the investment in the community resulting from our complete upgrade of the facility.”

Among the jobs created were full teams of maintenance and electrical staff, operations team members, and safety and quality team members. Nineteen of the manufacturing lead operators completed a rigorous 12-week training program at established ESAB facilities around the globe.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is one of the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturers of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals. Recognized as the technological leader in the industry, the company is committed to providing cost effective solutions for its customers. www.esabna.com