ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is restructuring its Florence, SC manufacturing operations “to advance a global approach to supplying superior product and customer support.”

Among the changes, ESAB will transfer the manufacturing of gantry cutting machines, arc equipment, and plasma power supplies to other global factories. The Florence facility will remain the center for research and development for plasma processes, and will continue to manufacture and sell to steel industry products. The site will also remain the source of centralized services, including customer service, marketing, accounting, HR, IT, and supply chain for North America. None of the other North American facilities are affected by the restructuring.

ESAB's plan will focus the company's efforts on best practices in manufacturing “to highlight its expertise and quality while encouraging growth.”