ESAB to relocate GMAW, sub-arc wire manufacturing to South Carolina

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has announced a commitment to open a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Union County, S.C., to manufacture its line of GMAW and sub-arc welding wire. The company intends to invest significant capital in the 250,000-sq.-ft. facility and employ more than 100 people. Initial lines are planned to be in production by the end of 2011.

This commitment to relocate and invest considerable new capital in this business will result in the phasing out and eventual closing of production at ESAB's Ashtabula, Ohio, facility.

"This decision was not made hastily nor taken lightly," said Andrew Masterman, president and CEO, ESAB North America. "The Ashtabula workforce has proven to be a tremendous asset to ESAB, and the decision to relocate manufacturing is not a criticism of that workforce. The transfer of this operation is necessary for the continued success of our company. It is our intention to work diligently with our employees and the hourly employees' union representatives during the transition process to provide a smooth transition to the new site and to show respect to those who will not be coming with us."

Manufacturing will continue at the Ashtabula facility until the new facility is up and running, making this change seamless to customers, according to ESAB.