Hobart Welding Products introduced the Trek 180, a self-contained, battery-powered MIG welding package for “true, off-the-grid welding.” It is designed for MRO professionals who require portable arc performance.

Chart Industries, Garfield Heights, OH, purchased a 15-acre plot in McCarran, NV, to produce, store, and use hydrocarbon and industrial gases. A built-to-suit, 40,000 ft², state-of-the-art repair facility will accommodate the expansion of Chart's low-temp equipment repair services. Construction will be completed by January 2010.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products added two wire-drawing lines at its Ashtabula, OH, plant, to produce wire for high-production SAW applications. The new lines will descale, clean, and draw wire to the proper diameter, coat it with copper, and package it in coil and drum packages.

Linde North America is relocating its national operations center to Stewartsville, NJ. “Moving to Stewartsville enables Linde to put key components of our supply, distribution, and engineering functions under one roof,” said Steve Jennings, who oversees the facility. “That way our people can help each other at a moment's notice to keep customers' businesses operating without a hitch.”

GAWDA members elected a new board of directors and approved changes to by-laws during its annual convention in San Antonio, TX. The board was downsized from 15 to 11 members, eliminating zone vice presidents and director. Six individuals holding the title of vice president filled these posts. The newest members of the 2009-10 Executive Committee are: Jenny McCall (WESCO Gas & Welding Supply); Lloyd Robinson (AWISCO); Bryan Keen (Keen Compressed Gas); Nicholas Britt Lovin (Andy Oxy Co,); Gary Stoneback (Metro Welding Supply).

The board's new six vice presidents are: Randy Anderson (Oxygen Services Co.); Bryan Gentry (GTS-Welco); Ned Lane (Cee Kay Supply); Ned Pontious (Norco Inc.); Richelle Smith-Brecht (S.J. Smith Co.); and James Horvath (Thermadyne Industries).

Lincoln Electric reports that it has introduced 108 new welding products over the last nine months, the most aggressive new product launch in the arc welding industry. The accelerated program was designed to bring the company's improved and more efficient products to the market faster, increasing the breadth of Lincoln Electric's welding solutions to customers. Each product was put through Lincoln's comprehensive testing and review process. Testing also included hands-on use by welders in the field.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. announced that it will extend its popular PowerLINE 0% financing program through December 31, 2009. “After seeing the response generated by the initial PowerLINE offering, we have decided to extend the program through year end,” said v.p. of marketing Tim Swanson. “We want to make sure our customers have access to attractive and valuable ways to acquire our products so they can take full advantage of market opportunities.”

PWS GmbH, an SMS Meer company, has installed a new spiral tube welding line at the Stupp Corporation pipe mill in Baton Rouge, LA. It produces pipes using the submerged-arc welding process and is designed for an annual capacity of 240,000 t.

Jet Edge Inc.'s water jets will be distributed to Western Pennsylvanian customers through Allegheny Machine Tool Systems Inc. AMTSI also carries EDM machines, lathes, mills, CAD-CAM systems, and grinders.