ESAB Welding and Cutting Products opened a new manufacturing facility in Union County, S.C. on Wednesday, June 20. The 260,000 square foot plant on Midway Drive is ESAB’s state-of-the-art production site for the manufacture of welding wires.
Daniel Young of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, state and local lawmakers, and Union County dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the opening, 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," said Sue Bartholomew, ESAB’s global marketing director. "ESAB remains committed to consistent delivery of our premium-quality wires and to leading the industry in technology and
support service."
This manufacturing location will house the production of ESAB’s 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 facility was originally built in the 1970s, ESAB invested millions of dollars to completely re-fit 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, ESAB has opened this multi-million dollar facility," said Lanny Pickens, vice president of operations for ESAB North America. "The Midway Facility has created 101 new jobs here, in addition to the investment in the community resulting from our complete upgrade of the site."
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.
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