Noble International Ltd. (www.nobleintl.com) acquired Pullman Industries Inc. (www. pullmanind.com), a manufacturer of tubular and shaped structures for the automotive industry, for approximately $120 million.

Pullman uses roll forming and laser welding to make complex, finished impact and structural products designed to improve the safer of vehicles.

Shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems in North America totaled approximately $1.6 billion for the second quarter of 2006, compared to the second quarter 2005, according to the Association of Manufacturing Technology. The shipment data is provided by 37 companies that report to the association's Laser Systems Product Group's statistical program. Exports totaled $20.5 million. Shipments of CO2 laser systems rose 35.7 percent in the second quarter of 2006, compared to the second quarter of 2005, while shipments of Nd:YAG lasers fell 53.6 percent on a year-to-year comparison. Lasers used for cutting applications accounted 75 percent of shipments, the largest segment.

Veridiam (www.veridiam.com) has acquired Advanced EDM Automation Inc. (www.advancededm.com), which changed its name to Veridiam Advanced EDM. Veridian provides welded and drawn tubing; metal and tubular components; and assemblies for aerospace, nuclear power, and other applications. Advanced EDM has precision metal fabrication and electrical discharge machining capabilities.

Valley National Gases Inc. (www.vngas.com) has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investment vehicle affiliated with Caxton-Iseman Capital Inc., a New York-based private investment firm, in a transaction valued at approximately $312 million. Valley National says it is the second-largest independent U.S. distributor of packaged industrial, medical and speciality gases, related welding equipment and supplies, and non-pipeline propane. The company serves more than 225,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers through 75 branches in 14 Eastern and Midwestern states.

The Telegraph in Calcutta, India, reports that a skilled welder in India earns up to $44.18 (2,000 rupees) per day. Skilled welders can earn a minimum of $5,336.70 a year. The mean annual household income in India is $530, according to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (www.unicef.org).