Lincoln Electric Increases Middle East Presence with New Regional Headquarters
Plans to Open Strategically Located Satellite Offices Throughout Region
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - The Lincoln Electric Company, the world leader in the production of arc welding equipment, is building a new regional headquarters and training facility in Dubai to support sales and customer service throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
The move is the first step toward an overall plan to increase Lincoln's presence and service throughout the Middle East and North Africa with several additional satellite offices planned in strategic locations.
The 5,500-square-foot (550 square meters) headquarters will be located in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone. Set for completion in May 2006, it will feature a state-of-the-art training facility and auditorium, where Lincoln Electric engineers can demonstrate new equipment, technology and techniques to customers, distributors and sales personnel.
With advanced video monitoring equipment for each welding station and integrated teleconferencing capabilities, the facility will be able to reach customers and distributors throughout the region for training and support purposes as well as deliver live audio/visual contact with Lincoln's welding experts around the world to training participants on site in the new facility.
"This is an exciting step for us because this region has been an important part of Lincoln's global success, and we will be better positioned to serve this market," said Richard Seif, senior vice president for Lincoln's Middle East and North African Region.
With significant market share, Lincoln's Middle Eastern sales have steadily increased from growth in offshore drilling, gas and oil exploration, pipeline construction and general steel fabrication as a result of regional development.
"We are committed to providing this region with the best service and support in the industry," Mr. Seif said. "Lincoln leads the industry in welding technology, and we are excited to be in a position to better share our expertise. We look forward to both delivering increased support for our distribution channel and enhanced quality and productivity gains for the end users of this region."
The Lincoln Electric Company, is a subsidiary of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc-welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. It has a leading position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has operations, manufacturing alliances and joint ventures in 18 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric, its products and services, visit the Company's Web site at www.lincolnelectric.com.
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