Thermadyne Industries Partners with DaimlerChrysler to Provide Welders with the Latest Technology and Training

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thermadyne Industries, Inc., a global leader in cutting and welding products, has become the single source provider of state-of-the-art welding equipment and welder training at the United Auto Workers (UAW) National Training Center for DaimlerChrysler, outside of Detroit, in Warren, Mich.

Thermadyne Chairman and CEO Paul Melnuk announced, “Thermadyne is pleased to be partnering in this venture with DaimlerChrysler, one of the world’s premier automobile manufacturers. DaimlerChrysler’s decision to expand its welding training capabilities further demonstrates its commitment to excellence. It is utilizing the highest level of technology available in the welding market today to advance the automotive industry. We are honored that DaimlerChrysler has chosen Thermadyne to be its training equipment provider.”

The training facility features 12 welding stations and 2 cutting stations, and equipment from Thermadyne’s Thermal Arc®, Thermal Dynamics®, Victor® and Tweco® product lines. The equipment is being used by a wide range of DaimlerChrysler employees from line workers and skilled tradesmen to engineering personnel. Approximately 650 individuals annually are trained at the facility, where they receive everything from safety presentations to welder certification.

“Thermal Arc inverters have become popular favorites at the DaimlerChrysler facility,” said Melnuk. “The employees like the versatility, along with the space and power consumption that are saved by inverter welders. We are told that our ArcMaster 300 and ArcMaster 400 MST inverters are especially popular because of their performance and versatility. The addition of our new Ultrafeed 2000 A and Ultrafeed 4000 A wire feeders enables the employees to weld with any process at any time. Instructors also praise Victor torches and Thermal Dynamics plasma cutters for reducing time and cost of operation in the facility."

Thermadyne is also involved with DaimlerChrysler’s facility in Toledo where Thermal Arc’s PowerMaster 500 and 500 P products make helium-tested, leak-free welds in torque-converters. Employees at this facility use the Thermadyne Ultima 150 to weld the counter balance on their torque converters so that they are balanced and ready to put on vehicles.

Melnuk concluded, “I commend the instructors at DaimlerChrysler in facilitating the Thermadyne equipment installation and their dedication to improving welding performance in the automotive industry. DaimlerChrysler has a team of knowledgeable and innovative trainers who are enabling welders to improve their skills and performance in ways that will set new standards for all engaged in this field.”