Even though things are constantly changing and evolving, the New Year is always a good time to reflect on changes. Here at Arc-Zone we’re getting new computers, we just launched the redesign of our website, and we’re adding new products to our store. For some people change is scary, it’s a negative thing–but for me, change has always been a way to expand my network, find new opportunities, and learn more.
One big change happening this year is the further consolidation of Weldcraft and Miller. They announced this back in November, but you should start seeing these changes now. Here’s the official word from Miller:
APPLETON, Wis. (Nov. 14, 2013) —Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has announced the consolidation of the TIG torch and accessory lines from Weldcraft under the Miller brand. The consolidation allows Miller to better serve distributor and end user needs by offering best-in-class TIG torches and accessories as part of a total TIG welding system.
“Both Miller and Weldcraft are market leading brands and ones with a proven history of success across many industries,” said Mike Weller, president, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. “Consolidating the Weldcraft brand under Miller puts us in a position to not only grow our TIG welding business, but also — and more importantly — to ensure we are providing the best TIG welding solutions in the marketplace.”
Weldcraft will remain as the TIG torches and accessories product line name after the consolidation and will continue to be manufactured in Appleton, Wis. under the same high quality standards. The only change will be the addition of the Miller name on products, labels and packaging. Torch bodies have also transitioned from red to black (excluding the Redhead™ Series). New Miller | Weldcraft literature and product web pages can be found at MillerWelds.com/tigtorches.
Miller holds a leadership position as a preeminent manufacturer of TIG welding equipment. The addition of TIG torches and accessories — including tungsten electrodes, consumables and more — strengthens the company’s offering, simplifies business and creates a “one stop shop” experience for innovative TIG welding solutions for industries including aerospace, general fabrication, petrochemical, food processing, motorsports and more.
This is really just a continuation of a process that began years ago….
You may or may not know that I worked for Weldcraft when it was a small manufacturer in Burbank, California. When I started I worked in the machine shop and was attending engineering and welding classes at a local college at night, and working on a Sprint car racing team on the side. We were just seven employees, most of us working on various automotive projects: Joe was building a custom chopper, Randy was building a roadster, and Dick, the owner, was working on a midget car.
I moved from the machine shop to production supervisor to—everything but the front office! By the end of my run with Weldcraft I was the Director of Manufacturing with 69 direct reports! And it was an amazing experience. I stayed with Weldcraft through its transition from a privately held family-owned business to a publicly traded corporation on the New York Stock Exchange and I took advantage of opportunities to learn every step of the way. A SoCal boy at heart, I even moved to the Midwest where I took an outside sales position. I visited every kind of fabrication shop and manufacturing plant you can imagine!
This latest change is the final step in fully incorporating Weldcraft into the Miller family. Instead of many brands with many teams (engineering, marketing, etc), the TIG torch line will be part of one brand, Miller, with access to a large pool of resources, and improved internal and external communication. It will be the same great product, though you may see improvements to packaging, documentation, safety manuals, product literature, and product support.
With this consolidation some products are discontinued. If you had something special made at Weldcraft, and you need it today, give me a call. We’ll make sure you get the TIG welding equipment you need to get YOUR job done! And Arc-Zone’s customer service team is ready to help you. Give us a call at 800-944-2243 (toll free) or 760-931-1500 (worldwide).
I hope all the changes in your life this year are as positive as ours at Arc-Zone.com!
