Lincoln Electric acquires Brazilian brazing products manufacturer

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc., Cleveland, has acquired a 90 percent interest in Brastak, a Brazilian manufacturer of brazing products. The company is based in Sao Paulo and has annual sales of about $30 million.

"The Brastak acquisition represents the expansion of our brazing product line as well as our continued expansion into developing international markets," said John M. Stropki, chairman and CEO.

Founded by the Takemoto family in 1973, Brastak is certified ISO 9001/2000 and ISO 14001.

Lincoln Electric designs, develops, and manufactures arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment, and brazing and soldering alloys.