ESAB Announces Restructuring of Manufacturing Operations in Florence, SC

FLORENCE, S.C., July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has
announced a restructuring of its Florence, SC, manufacturing operations to
advance a global approach to supplying superior product and customer support.
While the changes outlined today will affect the company's employee base in
Florence, ESAB wants to reinforce to its customers that its commitment to the
North American market remains as strong and firm as ever, and they will not be
adversely affected by the new manufacturing strategy.

The following changes are anticipated to be in place by the end of 2009:

The manufacture of gantry cutting machines, arc equipment and plasma power
supplies will be transitioned to other global factories.

The company's North American headquarters in Florence, South Carolina, will
remain the global "center of excellence" for the plasma cutting technology
business. This will include the research and development of plasma processes,
the production of plasma systems, and the manufacture of torches and
consumables for sale to the rest of the ESAB Global Group, as well as to North
American customers.

In addition, the Florence facility will continue to manufacture and sell Steel
Industry Products, gas apparatus equipment and consumables. Mechanized cutting
machine technology in North America will continue to be marketed and supported
with a world-class service and aftermarket organization based in Florence.

The Florence facility will continue to provide centralized services, including
customer service, marketing, accounting, human resources, IT, and supply chain
for North America.

All other facilities in North America, including Hanover, Pennsylvania;
Ashtabula, Ohio; Traverse City, Michigan; and all locations in Canada and
Mexico, along with all North American service and distribution centers are
unaffected by the changes at the Florence facility.

Brendan Colgan, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are
continuing to be cautious about the economic outlook and are therefore moving
forward with re-engineering efforts to optimize our manufacturing base and
focus our product offerings to truly support our customers. ESAB is
financially strong, and we believe these efforts will put us in a better
position to remain profitable and free up additional resources that will be
reinvested in the business to make sure we can take competitive advantage of
opportunities as the economy recovers."

According to ESAB, the goal of the restructuring plan is to focus the
company's efforts on best practices in manufacturing to highlight its
expertise and quality while encouraging growth. By providing a global approach
to product manufacture and performance, ESAB will be better positioned to
achieve its goal to be recognized as the world's welding & cutting authority.
Colgan said, "We are fully committed to the North American market, which
represents about a quarter of ESAB's global revenue. We will continue to honor
our commitments and support our current customer base. We will, in fact, be
better equipped to do this, as we redefine our management and logistical
operations to better serve our customers and their future needs."

The new operating model will maximize the strengths of ESAB's global reach to
provide technology solutions. At the same time, customer service will be
provided locally and regionally, to support ESAB's commitment to provide
quality product, on time and at competitive prices. ESAB will continue to
provide welding and cutting solutions ranging from turnkey applications to
reliable standard products and service.

With more than 100 years of experience, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is one
of the world's largest and most skilled manufacturers of welding and cutting
equipment and welding filler metals. Ensuring customer satisfaction, a wide
range of ESAB products carry the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Recognized as
the technological leader in the industry, ESAB is committed to providing
customized solutions for their customers. For more information on the company,
visit www.esabna.com or call 1-800-ESAB123.

SOURCE ESAB Welding & Cutting Products

CONTACT: Sue Bartholomew, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, +1-843-679-5823,
sbartholomew@esab.com