Miller Welding Automation, a new business unit of Miller Electric Mfg. Co., will be the distribution chain for Panasonic robotic welding arms, thanks to a partnership formed by Miller with Panasonic Welding Systems Co. Ltd. Those welding arms will be offered in combination with Miller products as a complete automated welding system package.

“We have aligned ourselves with a global technology leader to bring to market a comprehensive robotic welding automation solution,” explained Miller Electric president Mike Weller.

“This may be the first step for further collaboration between our two companies,” according to Koichiro Masai, president of Panasonic Welding Systems. “We believe the synergy between our two organizations can lead to tremendous technological advancements that will directly benefit end users.”

Miller Electric is a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works that manufactures branded arc welding products. It established Miller Welding Automation specifically to supply and supporting the new automated welding system. “Our new welding automation business will combine top-tier Panasonic robotic and electronic technology with Miller’s industry-leading welding products, services and support,” Weller stated.

Miller Welding Automation will offer a range of pre-integrated systems and standalone automated welding components in cooperation with its distributor partners, and it will support application-specific systems to qualified integrators. It is starting up a dedicated welding automation center in Carol Stream, Ill., and a support office for Canadian customers will be set up in Mississauga, Ont.

As a part of this transaction, Miller purchased the assets of the Panasonic Factory Solutions Co. of America (PFSA) welding automation business. The value of that acquisition was not reported. PFSA robotic welding employees will join the new business.

PFSA president Tom Gebhardt called the new Miller-Panasonic partnership “a natural fit.”

“Miller exemplifies the same performance and customer care culture that PFSA is known for,” according to Gebhardt, “and we are thrilled to begin introducing this new business model to the North American market.”