Welding & Gases Today Online Tackles Industry Issues
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New online magazine feature covers the industry's hottest topics.
Dewitt, NY - October 18, 2010: As a part of its continued effort to provide the gases and welding industry with the most current, relevant information possible, the newly redesigned Welding & Gases Today Online includes a new feature called "On The Edge." The section focuses on cutting-edge, potentially controversial topics that are affecting the industry right now. Every few weeks a new On The Edge article will be posted, so visit the site often to keep up.
The most recent article published for the section is a piece called "Is Now The Time To Expand." It focuses on the current economic climate and its effect on mergers and acquisitions. According to the article, The last few weeks have been marked by major acquisitions in the welding and gases industry, involving several large manufacturers. First, GAWDA member MAXAL joined forces with Miller Electric as the newest member of Illinois Tool Works Welding North America. Then it was Thermadyne, parent company to such brands as Tweco, Stoody, Victor and Thermal Arc, who agreed to be acquired by a private equity firm. Meanwhile, distributors have quietly continued to expand in 2010.
Should we be surprised at the rate of acquisitions, given the current state of the economy? The article addresses this questions and the answer is-maybe not. Jenny McCall, president of WESCO Gas & Welding Supply (Prichard, AL), was in tune with the industry when recently asked what was in store for gases and welding. "We must keep an eye on future consolidation of industry companies and we must continue to find ways of drawing people to the gases and welding industry."
To learn even more about this topic and what it means for gases and welding distributors, head over to www.weldingandgasestoday.org and check out the premiere online resource for the gases and welding industry.
For more information, contact Dan Vest, editor of Welding And Gases Today at dan@datakey.org or 315-445-2347.
About GAWDA
Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (www.weldingandgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry's voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.
