Working closely with the customer from our first meetings and also liaising with the local mill builder, Thermatool were able to provide the right specification Welder for DPW’s new production range in a timely delivery to fulfil production requirements. The whole commissioning was completed on time and with acceptance within 3 days of arriving to site.

Fully trained and certified Russian / Ukrainian speaking Thermatool commissioning Engineers were dispatched locally by Inductotherm Group Russia (Moscow). Local service and spare parts will be provided from Moscow as required. During the start up of the HF Welder the technicians provided full operator and maintenance training to customer personnel.

Thus, the tubular variety of DPW’s production capacity has been extended to ERW steel tube and sections within the size range of OD15 – OD70 mm for rounds and 10x10 to 50x50 mm in square and rectangular tube. The high quality tube is destined to mainly supply the construction and industrial sectors. DPW’s market position in Ukraine as a tube producer will be strengthened by this investment, as they sell tube into both domestic and foreign markets.

Thermatool continue to invest in this region, the Moscow office has recently increased the number of staff, in addition we have a local representative and continue to focus in this important region with future exhibitions planned for Mashprom, Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine October 2012.

Thermatool, an Inductotherm Group Company, specialise in the design and manufacture of high quality tube and pipe production equipment. Using the very latest HF Solid State technology, Thermatool offers customers more than 50 years of in-depth process expertise in tube welding, cutting and heating applications.

A total of 16 systems were installed at Tosçelik’s production plant in Iskernderun with 14 induction welding systems ranging from 250kW up to 800kW and 2 Seam Annealing systems powered by rugged 1800kW and 2000kW Inductotherm VIP power supplies. Tosçelik’s new mills are configured to produce tube and pipe for both domestic and export markets.

Thermatool’s range of CFI and CFD induction welders were selected and installed at the Iskernderun plant with notable features including dual welding (Induction & Contact) functionality built in to certain systems.

Thermatool Sales Manager Mr Jon West comments “Thermatool specified two CFD dual induction / contact welders which provides two welding processes in one system, with quick change capability via a welding mode selector switch integrated into the mill operating console”

Mr Ahmet Taskin, Production Executive Officer of Tosçelik adds: “In order to ensure our production quality we always prefer to use hi-tech equipment in our plants. We have used various types of Thermatool heating and welding equipment in our existing tube mills for many years with successful results. We have also been very satisfied with the after-sales support from Thermatool. As a result of this, we chose the new series of Thermatool equipment in our tube mill investment which is the largest tube mill construction at one time ever seen in Europe.

Tosçelik Profile and Sheet Ind. Co. part of the TOSYALI group of companies, are world leading manufacturers of a wide range of precision pipe specifications such as API 5CT – 5L Pipes, Galvanised or Black Water & Gas Pipes, Natural Gas Pipe, Heavy Series Mechanical Tubes, Industrial Pipe, Scaffolding Pipe and Normalised, Polyethylene, Polyurethane, Epoxy, Primer Coated or Galvanised Square, Rectangular, Shaped and Circular Hollow Sections. For further information on their products please visit www.toscelik.com.tr

Thermatool is one of forty companies making up the INDUCTOTHERM GROUP and specialise in the design and manufacture of high quality tube & pipe production equipment. Using the very latest HF solid state technology, Thermatool offers customers more than 50 years of in-depth process expertise in tube welding, cutting and heating applications.

CADD Centre–the largest CAD, CAE, Graphics and Project Management Training Institution in the whole of Asia Pacific – in association with TVS Training offers professional courses that groom students for a career in the manufacturing sector. Industrial Welding Advanced Course, Industrial Manufacturing Course and Industrial Automation Course of well –structured curriculum are being offered in 3 months duration as full time course.

Classes will be conducted every Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. Batches start in March, April, July and October and consists of an intake of 20 a batch for Industrial Welding Advanced Course and 30 a batch for the other two programmes. Courses are open for both male and female candidates and the fee ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000. On completion of the courses, students will be provided placement assistance by Skillease, a division of CADD Centre.

The Industrial Welding Advanced Course trains welding professionals to meet the requirements of the industry. The curriculum covers Gas Welding, ARC Welding, MIG Welding, TIG Welding, Spot Welding and Brazing. The minimum qualification is ITI.

The Industrial Manufacturing course is open to those who have completed ITI, DME, DEEE and DAE. The curriculum covers Applications of CNC Machines, Axes of the machines, JOG and MDI (Manual Data Input), Drawing reading, Absolute Programming, Incremental Programming, ISO codes and Drilling Programming &Machining. Students will be trained in the latest technology with modern production concepts and industry exposure that will help them integrate into the industry easily.

The Industrial Automation Course prepares students to handle automated systems in industries. It is open to those who have completed ITI, DME, DEEE and DAE. The curriculum covers Basics of actuators: Pneumatics, Hydraulics & Electrical; Basics of Sensors and PLC (Programmable logic controller) and the Applications of the same and Basics of SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition). Besides theory, the students will be given plenty of hands –on experience and equipped with the latest Knowledge tools.

“With the increased global competitiveness, the industry is moving towards greater levels of automation and this has increased the demand for skilled professionals to handle such functions. The practical–oriented courses have been designed with a focus on industry requirements and attempt to bridge the skill gap between industry and education. Each course not only introduces to modern concepts and the latest technology employed by industries but also helps in gaining mastery over it. The programmes would give students a valuable qualification and open up opportunities in diverse manufacturing sectors,” said Mr S Karaiadiselvan, Managing Director, CADD Centre.

The courses will be held at the well–equipped TVS Vocational Training Services Campus. This has a strong infrastructure and an environment that facilitates experimental learning. Students are trained in modern labs and workshops besides in–plant training in various large industries. The faculty has the right blend of industry experience and knowledge and is skilled in training students to reach high levels of expertise. Hostel facility is available.

A lucky North Carolina homeowner is the now the proud owner of a MetalMan Roofing System courtesy of the MetalBucks Sweepstakes from Advanced Metal Roofing. Hope Voliva of New Bern, N.C. is the winner of the 2012 MetalBucks Sweepstakes which awards one participant with the exclusive MetalMan Roofing System valued at up to $22,500.

The MetalBucks Sweepstakes is an annual drawing that gives participants in North Carolina the chance to win a free installed metal roof, up to $22,500 in value, from Advanced Metal Roofing. No purchase is necessary and entrants do not have to take part in a sales presentation to participate in or win the promotion. Participation in a sales presentation or making a purchase does not increase the chances of winning. Ms. Voliva is the third winner of the MetalBucks Sweepstakes since its inception in 2009.

Advanced Metal Roofing was founded in 1994 and has specialized in residential metal roofing ever since. In July 2008, Advanced Metal Roofing introduced their exclusive product, the MetalMan Roofing System. This product combines all the industry-best elements of metal roofing to create a quality, long lasting, and affordable roofing system. Kynar 500 paint finish ensures vibrant and enduring metal roofing colors. Galvalume sheet metal provides a durability and protection that is resistant to corrosion, mildew, and debris build up. Cool roofing technology means an environmentally friendly product that also saves the homeowner money on energy bills.

Participants in the MetalBucks Sweepstakes may decide to purchase their MetalMan Roofing System before the drawing takes place. Those entrants are still eligible to win the grand prize of an installed MetalMan Roofing System. A full refund of up to $22,500 in amounts paid will be issued to the winner under those circumstances, a situation duplicated by the 2010 MetalBucks Sweepstakes winner.

"We love having the opportunity to award a North Carolina homeowner with a fully installed MetalMan Roofing System," says Advanced Metal Roofing owner James Kenton. "It is a lifetime roof that can not only provide great protection, but should likely increase the resale value of the home, save on homeowners insurance, and save on energy bills. Customers are always excited about the roof colors and appearance and the way it can transform the curb appeal of the home."

After Asia Pacific, the EMEA region has been the second biggest contributor to the revival of the world arc welding equipment and filler metals market, with Eastern Europe and Middle East being the most important markets in the area.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World Arc Welding Equipment and Filler Metals Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $11.70 billion in 2010 and estimates this to reach $19.29 billion in 2017.

The energy industry contributed the most to market growth in 2010, as it was the least affected by the downturn. This was due to the continuous demand for filler metals, as end-users preferred to invest in these lower-priced products during the slowdown. In addition, this industry has considerable infrastructure requirements as well as repairs and maintenance in pipelines, offshore, liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks, wind turbine installations and the nuclear sector.

There is also substantial demand from automotive and transportation, construction and infrastructure, industrial expansion in emerging economies and the expected hike in steel consumption in machinery and equipment. Foreign direct investments (FDI) as well as a rise in emerging technologies – such as energy-saving machines and corrosion-resistant filler metals that save costs – have given a boost to the sales of arc welding equipment and filler metals in these sectors.

“While the Asia Pacific market is likely to benefit the most from the growth in these end-user industries, the EMEA will also experience significant demand from industries in Eastern Europe, Russia, Middle East and Africa,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Ruth Shilpa Sudhakar. “Manufacturers are looking to shift base to these economies to reduce their operational and labour costs and increase productivity.”

Mature economies such as Central and Western Europe and North America are expected to witness lower demand, as they are still shaking off the effects of the downturn. Asia is likely to witness the entry of more participants, particularly in the filler metals market.

The rising base material costs are compelling manufacturers to raise the prices of their products, although customers are seeking more advanced technology, quality and services, at lower prices. A large number of smaller participants from China are able to match this requirement for a wide product range at affordable prices, while the influx of participants from Korea has also helped ease the demand for arc welding equipment and filler metals.

This profusion of companies is fragmenting the market and forcing manufacturers to invest in R&D to develop products that customers require and expand their product portfolio in a bid to retain their market shares. Manufacturers will be under pressure to offer the latest technologies, experimenting with novel base materials to slash the total cost of production and maintenance.

“Manufacturers are increasingly using high-performance alloys in filler metals market to avoid spatter and corrosion, which are useful advantages in the offshore segment,” notes Ruth. “A rising number of arc welding equipment is now portable, light weight, easy-to-use and energy-efficient or battery operated, and this lessens the pricing pressure on customers.”

Most manufacturers have introduced training programs for distributors and customers to enable the most efficient use of the products. They are also looking to strengthen their ties with distribution networks in emerging economies. In Russia, on the other hand, there is a marked acquisition trend.

Arc welding equipment and filler metals companies are backing up their business expansion strategies with excellent customer support. Value-added services, on-time delivery and immediate query clarifications from trained personnel will go a long way in establishing customer loyalty and stand out in this fiercely competitive market.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Anna Zanchi, Corporate Communications, at anna.zanchi@frost.com.

World Arc Welding Equipment and Filler Metals Market is part of the Industrial Automation & Process Control Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes research in the following markets: Economic Outlook of the Global Welding Industry, Strategic Analysis of the Global Welding Market in Energy Generation, Global Welding Market for Automotive Applications and Strategic Analysis of the Global Equipment and Consumables Market for Pipeline Industry. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

Geographical territories have long been the standard for sales models in the gases and welding industry. However, distributors are looking more and more at customer segmentation—where salespeople are responsible for specific customer types or product lines, rather than a geographical territory. In a competitive world driven by product knowledge, some distributors are looking at market segmentation as a way to get ahead. Distributors discuss the merits of each sales model in “Jack Of All Trades Or Master Of One,” an article appearing on Welding & Gases Today Online, the online home of the leading magazine for the gases and welding equipment industry.

Rather than asking salespeople to have encyclopedic knowledge of every product, aligning salespeople with customer segments allows them to specialize and become expert in a specific area. Says Jack Butler, president of Butler Gas Products (Pittsburgh, PA), “A typical welding supply salesperson may not be as knowledgeable in the areas of specialty gas or medical. Segmentation gives us an advantage in those areas.”

“We live in an information-based society, and today’s customers are better informed,” says Earlbeck Gases & Technologies (Baltimore, MD) President Jim Earlbeck. “We have to be better informed to keep up with the customer. Salespeople need to understand the customer’s needs.” With segmentation, salespeople get to know much more than the products—they become students of customer culture. “Calling on a steel mill is much different than calling on a hospital,” adds Earlbeck.

However, Earlbeck points out that doing away with territories also means that the potential coverage area for a salesperson is much larger. “Windshield time achieves nothing for a salesperson, other than spending corporate assets,” he says.

With the breadth of industries served by gases and welding distributors, the territory-based salesperson is at risk of becoming a jack of all trades—and a master of none. To weigh in on the debate over sales territories versus market segmentation, read “Jack Of All Trades Or Master Of One” (http://www.weldingandgasestoday.org/index.php/2011/11/ja ...) at Welding & Gases Today Online. For more information, contact Devin O’Toole, content editor at Welding & Gases Today at devin@weldingandgasestoday.org or 315-445-2347.

About GAWDA
Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (http://www.weldingandgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (http://www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry’s voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.

As the nation emerges from the global recession of the past two years, welding technologies and personnel will play a crucial role in keeping the economy on track, according to Ray Shook, executive director of the American Welding Society. Shook offers his outlook for the welding industry in “Five Welding Growth Areas,” an article appearing in the Winter 2011 issue of Welding & Gases Today, the leading magazine for the gases and welding equipment industry.

While 2011 presents some economic challenges to North American industry, the future is bright for those involved in welding occupations. “The need for welding technology is growing in many fields, and opportunities abound for those with the needed skill sets,” says Shook. An aging highway infrastructure and agricultural growth are two areas of growth for welding technologies and personnel.

Another major growth area for welding is energy production. “A growing population coupled with the highest per capita energy use in the world will drive refurbishment and expansion of our nationwide energy grid of fossil-fueled and nuclear power plants,” says AWS’ Shook. “Increasing reliance on green technologies for energy production will ramp up production of wind power farms, solar energy systems and other natural energy sources.”

In addition to the opportunities for welding technology growth, the shortage of welders continues to be a challenge facing the industry. Shook cites a recent report released by the National Center for Welding Education and Training (Weld-Ed) in cooperation with AWS, which predicts a need for nearly 240,000 new and replacement welding professionals between 2009 and 2019.

For Shook’s complete welding industry forecast for 2011, read “Five Welding Growth Areas” (http://www.weldingandgasestoday.org/index.php/2011/01/fi ...) at Welding & Gases Today online. For more information, contact Devin O’Toole, contributing editor at Welding & Gases Today at devin@weldingandgasestoday.org or 315-445-2347.

Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (www.weldingandgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry’s voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.

As a part of its continued effort to keep the gases and welding industry informed of the latest rulings and judgments involving welding fume litigation, the Third Quarter issue of Welding & Gases Today features an article from Michael Degan. Degan is GAWDA’s joint defense fund coordinating counsel for welding litigation and a partner with Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP. His article is called “Fume Trial Win Underscores Need For Indemnification Agreements,” and it focuses on what a recent welding fume litigation decision means for distributors.

According to Degan, the year started off on a positive note with another defense verdict for the industry in the first welding fume trial of 2010. On March 26, an Ohio jury returned a verdict in favor of Hobart Brothers, Co., after rejecting the claims of Texas welder Ruben Arroyo. After being diagnosed with manganism, Arroyo sued Hobart Brothers for failing to adequately warn of the dangers of being exposed to welding fumes, in addition to other theories. After a one-week trial, the jury found in favor of Hobart Brothers on all counts. The Arroyo case was the 24th overall win for the industry in the 29 welding fume cases that have been tried thus far in state and federal courts.

He tells readers that the win is certainly good news. However, Arroyo did not begin welding until 2005, which underscores that welding fume lawsuits will continue to be prosecuted and are not going away anytime soon

Later in the article, Degan explains the need for distributors to obtain indemnification agreements and additional insured endorsements from manufacturers whose products they carry.

The only way to find out all of this valuable information is to head over to www.weldingandgasestoday.org and check out Welding & Gases Today, the online resource for the gases and welding industry.

For more information, contact Dan Vest, editor of Welding And Gases Today at dan@datakey.org or 315-445-2347.

“The Goscor Group has become a powerful entity and we wanted to strongly show that we are part of that entity,” says Goscor Arc managing director Rob Pirie. “There are many benefits to being part of a large, powerful organisation especially in challenging trading times. People, with some justification, trust in bigger organisations having more faith in their ability to deliver a service long after the deal is done.”

Pirie adds that, in any event, he wanted to get away from the ‘engineering’ label as it has been at least ten years since Goscor Arc built any engineering products. “We have focssed on welding and cutting solutions and the decision to do so has paid off handsomely,” he says.

Goscor Arc has become one of the leading solutions providers to the welding industry in southern Africa. It originally built its name in southern Africa on the quality of its service and the ESAB brand. More recently it took on the Lincoln Electric agency for this region.

Pirie says that despite the fact that Goscor Arc is expert in the two leading brand names in welding, it will be emphasising more the fact that it provides total solutions to welding challenges.

“In essence we will continue to do what we have been doing in the past,” says Pirie, “which is providing our customers with the most cost effective and efficient solution for their welding needs irrespective of what equipment or service is required.”

One of these services is training from its dedicated training centre in Richards Bay, where the central goal is to supply industry with sufficiently qualified welders for specific jobs. “The centre is capable of accommodating up to 40 trainees in courses lasting from a week to three months or more,” says Pirie. “They are then tested in-house and under-go a third-party inspection test before returning to the workplace.”

The centre also offers advanced training for previously certified welders and can supply Goscor Arc customers with lists of those who have successfully passed the respective courses.

Pirie adds that the centre also helps previously disadvantaged people in the surrounding area to gain skills over a short period of time at a reasonable price. “In so doing, the centre is empowering individuals while, at the same time, benefiting the welding industry as a whole,” he said.

Debby Parsonson, Goscor group marketing manager says that Goscor Arc’s new image is line with the group’s realignment of all its divisions. “We have a conglomeration of outstanding performers and the rebranding will help bring about the advantages of economies of scale,” she says.

Apart from Goscor Arc, the Goscor Group has Goscor Lift Truck Company, distributor of Crown and Doosan lift trucks, Goscor Cleaning Equipment, distributor of industrial, commercial and specialised cleaning equipment, Goscor Power Products, distributors of Robin Subaru, Meiwa, Grasshopper and Sullair in the construction, agricultural and industrial markets, Goscor Rental Company, which deals with short-term rental of forklifts, industrial cleaning equipment and compressors and Goscor Finance which provides creative financial solutions for its customers.

Dewitt, NY – Gases and welding equipment distributors often spend significant money researching leads and learning about new customers and competitive accounts. Much of the very same valuable information is available for free on the Internet. Finding this information can be difficult, given the large quantity of unrelated information. The summer issue of Welding & Gases Today features an article by sales expert Sam Richter, called “Know-More Selling,” that offers an array of cost-free resources to learn about customers.

According to a study by CSO Insights, sales intelligence is one of the most effective tools for improving a salesperson’s, and a company’s, sales effectiveness. In today’s value-oriented business marketplace, research—or “the fourth R,” as Richter calls it—is the tool that truly differentiates one business and one salesperson from the next.

From company proposals to vendor and client lists, companies think that the files they post online for colleagues to download are secure. But if not properly protected, Google can index the data and make them available to people who know how to look. Richter illustrates how Google’s advanced filetype search can uncover Excel spreadsheets and Powerpoint presentations hidden on a company’s website. A Google timeline search will show company news and press releases for any time period you select. Using advanced search functions will make Google your go-to resource for customer research.

Most people don’t know it, but one of the most powerful business research resources around is your local public library. Big companies with big budgets pay for expensive databases and list-building services. What you probably didn’t realize is most libraries have the same or similar databases that you can use for free.
Even better, you can often access most of these databases at no charge via your own home or work computer, any time you’d like.

Having a detailed understanding of your customer will better equip you to understand the company and will go a long way toward building a strong relationship. Want to learn how to harness the power of the Internet to learn about potential customers? Visit Welding & Gases Today Online, the leading journal for the welding equipment and industrial, medical and specialty gases industry.

For more information, contact Carole Jesiolowski, Editor of Welding & Gases Today, at editor@weldingandgasestoday.org or 315-445-2347.

AKRON, Ohio & WASHINGTON--John Beisner, partner in the Washington office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and attorney for several current and former welding consumable manufacturers, today issued the following statement regarding the defense verdict in the Mann case, which was returned today after a three-week trial in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, in Akron, Ohio:

“We are pleased with this defense verdict which demonstrates, once again, that these claims cannot withstand jury scrutiny. Jurors who have heard these cases have overwhelmingly sided with the defendants. With today’s verdict, defendants have now prevailed in 25 of the last 30 cases tried.”

“As the broader welding fume litigation has progressed, it has become abundantly clear that plaintiffs’ claims have no merit. Plaintiffs have dismissed thousands of claims in the federal MDL proceeding, and recently dismissed more than two-thirds of the MDL cases they had certified as trial-worthy. Moreover, plaintiffs have been forced to dismiss six cases in the advanced stages of trial preparation due to outright fraud.

“The welding industry has always worked to ensure the health and safety of its welders and until the plaintiffs decide to withdraw these claims – or are forced by the courts to do so – the defendants will continue to defend themselves vigorously against the remaining suits.”

Rick Sarver of Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, LLC and Eric Kennedy of Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. represented the defendant in this case.

For additional information about this litigation, please go to www.weldinginfonetwork.com.

SAND SPRINGS, Okla. Webco Industries, Inc. (OTC: WEBC) today reported results for its fiscal 2010 second quarter, which ended January 31, 2010.

For its fiscal 2010 second quarter, the Company reported net income of $124,000, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4,993,000, or a loss of $6.55 per diluted share, for the same quarter in fiscal 2009. Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 were $64.5 million, a 24.1 percent decrease from the $84.9 million of sales in last year’s second quarter. Current quarter results included a $0.2 million non-cash pre-tax loss in the value of interest rate swap contracts versus a non-cash pre-tax loss of $5.0 million in the same quarter in fiscal 2009. The prior year’s second fiscal quarter included a $3.7 million pre-tax charge for inventory reserves. The significant decline in current quarter to same prior year quarter sales reflects the global economic crisis that affected business levels for most of our customers.

For the first six months of fiscal year 2010, the Company generated net income of $626,000, or $0.82 per diluted share, compared to net income of $90,000, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the same period in fiscal 2009. Net sales for the first six months of the current year amounted to $132.5 million, a 32.3 percent decrease from the $195.6 million in sales for the same six-month period of last year. The current and prior year six-month results reflect $0.9 million and $6.3 million, respectively, in non-cash pre-tax charges related to the interest rate swap contracts. The prior year’s six month results were also impacted by $6.6 million in inventory reserve charges. The first quarter in the prior year six-month period, which preceded the onset of the global economic crisis, was one of the most profitable quarters in the Company’s history.

F. William Weber, Webco’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “While we have mostly liquidated high priced inventories resulting from the precipitous declines in steel cost experienced in 2009, we continue to sell into a lower demand environment. The dedication of our employees and plans implemented by management helped us make tremendous progress toward putting the challenges from the global economic crisis behind us. Our financial health has placed us in a position to pursue strategic organic growth investments, which we plan to undertake without sacrificing the quality of our balance sheet. Our current investments support our long-term niche strategy, which we believe is appropriate even in the current economic environment.”

Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was $5.6 million, or 8.8 percent of net sales, compared to $1.9 million, or 2.2 percent of net sales, for the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Gross profit for the first six months of fiscal 2010 was $11.8 million, or 8.9 percent of net sales, compared to $18.4 million, or 9.4 percent of net sales, in the same six-month period in 2009. The current quarter’s gross profit percentage increased from the comparable prior year quarter because of the impacts of high priced inventories on the prior year quarter. The prior year six-month gross profit percentage and amount were higher because steel cost declines only affected the second half of that prior year six-month period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 were $4.3 million, compared to $3.5 million in the second quarter of the prior year. SG&A costs in the first six-months of fiscal 2010 decreased to $8.1 million, from the $10.0 million reported for the same six-month period in 2009. SG&A expenses remain at low levels due to continued cost reductions related to current financial performance.

Interest expense, which includes monthly settlements on interest swap contracts, was $0.9 million and $1.0 million in the current and prior year quarter, respectively. Interest expense totaled $1.9 million in each of the first six-month periods in fiscal 2010 and 2009. In the spring of 2008, the Company entered into a five-year swap arrangement that changed the variable interest rate for $75 million of the Company’s debt to a fixed rate, concluding that the fixed rates available for that period were preferred to the exposure to significant interest rate increases in the future. The global economic crisis that began in October 2008 resulted in significant decreases in interest rates and, therefore current rates are less than the swapped rates. Because of significant debt reductions, the $75 million swap exceeds the outstanding long-term debt on which the interest rate was swapped. Monthly swap settlements, which are included in interest expense, amounted to $0.7 million and $0.4 million in the current and prior year quarter, respectively, and $1.4 million and $0.4 million in the current and prior year six-month periods, respectively. The Company records interest rate swap contracts at fair market value and the non-cash changes in value from period to period are reported as unrealized gains or losses on interest contracts. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 and 2009, fair value adjustments on the interest contracts resulted in non-cash charges of $0.2 million and $5.0 million, respectively. At January 31, 2010, the Company had a liability of $5.3 million related to the negative fair value of the interest rate swap contracts.

Capital expenditures incurred equaled $3.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010. We expect incurred capital spending for fiscal year 2010 to be in the range of $7 million to $8 million.

Webco is a manufacturer and value added distributor of high-quality carbon steel, stainless steel and other metal tubular products designed to industry and customer specifications. Webco's tubing products consist primarily of pressure tubing and specialty tubing for use in durable and capital goods. Webco's long-term strategy involves the pursuit of niche markets within the metal tubing industry through the deployment of leading-edge manufacturing and information technology. Webco has five production facilities in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania and five value-added distribution facilities in Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois and Michigan, serving more than 1,000 customers throughout North America.

Forward-looking statements: Certain statements in this release, including, but not limited to, those preceded by or predicated upon the words "anticipates," "appears," "believes," “can,” “considering,” "expects," "hopes," "plans," “pursuing,” "should," "would," or similar words constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied herein. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include the factors discussed above and, among others: general economic and business conditions, including global recessions and disruptions in the global credit markets, competition from imports, changes in manufacturing technology, banking environment, including availability of adequate financing, monetary policy, raw material costs and availability, industry capacity, domestic competition, loss of significant customers and customer work stoppages, customer claims, technical and data processing capabilities, and insurance costs and availability. The Company assumes no obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG) announced its aggressive plan to have 400 to 500 diesel-engine trucks with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology in its fleet by year end. Airgas maintains one of the nation’s largest truck fleets and will use its own recently-launched Airgas AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in the SCR-equipped trucks.

“In an effort to reduce our fleet emissions, we took a close look at SCR technology and advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation, EGR, technology”

SCR technology reduces diesel exhaust pollutants by injecting diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust stream to breakdown harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) into inert nitrogen and water.

“In an effort to reduce our fleet emissions, we took a close look at SCR technology and advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation, EGR, technology,” said Tuffy Baum, national fleet manager for Airgas. “For us, SCR technology is the right choice as we can reduce each vehicle’s NOx emissions by as much as 90%. We’re also expecting to increase fuel economy by 5%. And, with SCR technology we’ll be able to improve the service life of engine lubricants and filters which means reduced maintenance costs.”

According to Baum, Airgas maintains an active fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles. He added that as diesel-engine trucks reach the end of their service life at Airgas, they will be replaced with new models using SCR systems. Beginning in January, new federal clean air regulations reduced allowable NOx emissions by new heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Most engine manufacturers (OEMs) are addressing the new EPA regulations by implementing SCR technology.

“Transitioning SCR technology into the Airgas fleet also gives us the opportunity to take an industry leadership position using the same diesel exhaust fluid we market to truck stops, fuel retailers, private fleets, and lubricant/fuel distributors undergoing this important change nationwide,” Baum added. “Our extensive distribution network allows us to supply our own fleet in every corner of the country, just as we can with our new customers.”

Airgas AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid is certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). API certification verifies that manufacturers and distributors are operating in compliance with industry standards and that DEF meets quality standards. Airgas markets Airgas AiRx through Airgas Specialty Products. Customers can get more information by calling 1-866-977-4DEF.

About Airgas, Inc.

Based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, the fifth largest producer of atmospheric merchant gases in North America, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities, and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog, and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.

Welding & Gases Today Magazine asked North American distributors to reveal how they are surviving in the current economic climate.

Dewitt, NY – In order to survive the current economic crisis, many members of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association developed new approaches.
In the current issue of Welding & Gases Today Magazine, the leading provider of information to the welding and gases supply business, several distributors discussed 10 ways to “Beat the Business Slump.” Those strategies are:

• Expanding your market
• Focus on training
• Purchase more inventory
• Pump up sales tactics
• Improve internal processes and procedures
• Make it easy for customers to find you
• Offer new products and services
• Get the right people in the right seats
• Lead with a strong battle plan
• Sell the added value of distribution

Each segment includes quotes from distributors detailing what they are doing to survive or even thrive in what is widely considered the most difficult economic period since the Great Depression.

Many distributors are focused on finding new customers or developing new sales strategies.

“Ten small customers, instead of one large customer, that is our target,” said Marvin E. Rodgers III, president of Alliance Welding Supplies in San Jose, CA.

Others are using the downtime to improve employee performance through training or to examine their internal processes to make them more streamlined.

“A slowdown is a good time to re-examine the day-to-day operations to make sure we’re as efficient as possible, not ‘accidentally’ doing things right, but making sure things are being done correctly and with a purpose,” said Ike Spriensma, the president of Lake Welding Supply in Muskegon, MI.

The distributors forecast can be found in its entirety at Welding & Gases Today Online.
For more information, contact Carole Jesiolowski, Editor of Welding & Gases Today, (315) 445-2347; e-mail editor@weldingandgasestoday.org.

About GAWDA
Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (http://www.weldingandgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (http://www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry’s voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.

Stephen Harburg, partner in the Washington office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and attorney for several current and former welding consumable manufacturers, today announced that the Court overseeing the federal multidistrict litigation (“MDL”) in Cleveland, Ohio, has dismissed the Ray case, which was slated to be tried in the MDL court this month. Plaintiffs were forced to move to dismiss the Ray case after plaintiff’s claims of severe disability were refuted by Internet photos discovered by defendants that showed plaintiff competing in high-speed powerboat races. In addition, discovery revealed numerous other discrepancies between Mr. Ray’s sworn testimony and the factual record.

“This latest development is more disturbing than it is surprising”

“This latest development is more disturbing than it is surprising,” stated Mr. Harburg. “Over the past four years, a pattern of fraudulent and meritless claims has defined this litigation, culminating most recently with the Ray case. This is the sixth trial-ready case plaintiffs have been forced to dismiss due to fraud uncovered by the defendants.”

In 2006, after defendants discovered fraud in the Morgan case -- one of the plaintiffs’ first handpicked MDL trial candidates -- the Court implemented a new case evaluation process to ensure that only “trial-worthy” cases were brought to the later stages of litigation. This process, which required medical records collection and a certification by plaintiffs’ attorneys that cases were trial-worthy, prompted plaintiffs to dismiss thousands of cases. And in June 2009, after defendants raised questions about the cases plaintiffs were certifying under this procedure, plaintiffs dismissed 29 of the 43 cases they had selected as trial-worthy.

Mr. Harburg continued, “While the Ray case had no merit and should never have been brought before the Court in the first place, we find it deeply troubling that it was able to make it to such an advanced stage of trial preparation. The fraud was ‘caught’ not by plaintiff's counsel, who had certified the case, but by defendants, and occurred months after the extensive re-review and decertification of previously certified cases which occurred in June of last year.

“The fact remains that over the last several years, thousands of plaintiffs have abandoned their claims. The total number of welding fume claims has dropped by over 80 percent, and there are 85 percent fewer cases in the MDL. The defendants are confident they will ultimately prevail in these cases, and will continue to try those cases not dismissed on other grounds. Ensuring the health and safety of welders has always been a top priority of the defendants and they have been unfairly targeted in these baseless lawsuits.”

For additional information about this litigation, please go to www.weldinginfonetwork.com.

The Australian steel industry is recovering from record lows in March, but the depth of the recession makes it unlikely that the industry will return to previous output levels until 2013, according to BMI's latest Australia Metals Report.

In H109, crude steel output fell 52% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 1.92mn tonnes. Output grew month-onmonth (m-o-m) from the March low of 238,000 tonnes (down 66% y-o-y), rising to 361,000 tonnes by June (down 45%). This came after a 3.9% fall in output to 7.63mn tonnes in 2008 when key markets, particularly China, as well as the domestic market, witnessed a steep decline in demand in Q408. Export markets appear to be reviving as stimulus programmes in China and the US begin to take effect. Meanwhile, domestic confidence is growing. Australian steelmakers Bluescope and OneSteel both reported improvements in Q209. Recovery is slow but will be stimulated by the budget unveiled in May 2009, which includes a multi-billion-dollar provision for infrastructure projects. Combined, the government has pledged more than US$45bn for infrastructure for 2009-2011. We now believe that real growth in Australia's construction industry will register a contraction of -0.8% in 2009, compared with our previous forecast (made last quarter) of -1.2%. In 2010, we believe the sector will undergo real growth of 0.3%, before accelerating to 1.8% in 2011. This compares favourably with our earlier forecasts of -1.1% in 2010 and 0.9% in 2011. As such, the biggest upward revisions apply to 2009 and 2010, when the impact of the new infrastructure package is likely to be most pronounced.

For 2009 as a whole, steel output should reach 4.72mn tonnes, down 38% y-o-y, while domestic finished steel use should total 5.61mn tonnes, down 35%. The gradual recovery should be led by exports, particularly to China, although there are downside risks associated with over-supply and volatile demand. In the event of a more pronounced recovery in privately generated domestic construction activity, the steel industry should be boosted accordingly. Australian exporters will seek to diversify markets and the Chinese downturn could provide new opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asia. With Chinese production likely to be more domestically-oriented over the short-to-medium term and its export tax on steel longs set to remain at 25%, China's share of the billet market is expected to drop, giving Australian producers the chance to exploit the situation. Aside from the downturn in demand, Australian metals production is faced with heightened risk from a stricter regulatory environment. Steel and aluminium producers have voiced their opposition to the government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), which they say will increase costs and put jobs and investment at risk. Based on these uncertainties and continuing lacklustre performance in the domestic market, BMI does not believe that steel output will fully recover to its 2007 peak within the next five years. By 2013, output should reach 7.05mn tonnes, 11.2% down on 2008. However, a projected improvement in steel prices should see production in value terms reaching US$6.31bn, a fall of 3.8% over 2008. Growth should be stimulated by exports as the Chinese market revives. Although export growth will be limited by Chinese surplus capacity, Australian semis and finished steel producers are generally more competitive than many of their Chinese competitors. The downside risk is the impact of costly environmental regulations. BMI believes exports will return to around 2008 levels by 2013.

About Business Monitor International

Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.

BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports. Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including Daily Alerts, monthly regional Insights, and in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports. View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

With plentiful iron ore and coal resources to exploit, Iran is set to become a leading steel producer in the years ahead, but BMI's Iran Metals Report identifies a number of economic, political and infrastructural hurdles to overcome before it achieves its aspiration of doubling capacity to 40.5mn tonnes per annum (tpa) by 2012. Iran will not escape the effects of the global economic downturn, although the forecast decline in steel output will not be as severe as in other producing nations.

In 2008, Iran's steel output fell 0.9% to 9.96mn tonnes, with most of the fall in output occurring in Q3 rather than Q4, in contrast to the global trend. Combined output in the first two months of 2009 actually rose 20% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 1.9mn tonnes, amid strong demand from construction, particularly in relation to ongoing projects in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industries. This is not a situation that BMI believes can be sustained in an increasingly difficult economic and political environment. Through its dependence on oil export revenue, Iran's economic health is intrinsically tied to the state of the global economy.

As a result of the credit crunch and declining oil revenue, steel consumers - particularly in the construction and automotive industries - will run out of cash and financial support as well as being faced with low demand for their products. BMI forecasts an 8.7% drop in steel production in 2009. Although this may seem bearish, it is not a worst case scenario. If Iran enters into recession in 2009 or 2010 and oil prices are lower than we expect, output in metals could plunge further. BMI also envisages a late recovery in the industry, with signs of growth unlikely until H210. However, when the recovery does occur in 2011, growth will be in double digits and BMI believes that Iranian crude steel production will comfortably exceed 20mn tonnes in 2013. In an effort to boost domestic production, almost US$5bn worth of steel projects were underway in Iran by Q109, around half the total in the Gulf. Eighteen projects are currently under construction in Iran, although many of the schemes face delay or cancellation due to the reluctance of international companies to provide technology and finance. In November 2008, three large-scale steel projects came on stream in Khuzestan province. Around US$170mn has been spent on the projects which will increase the province's annual steel production capacity to 3.4mn tpa from the current 2.4mn tpa. In October 2008, a contract for the construction of a second blast furnace at Khorasan Steel Complex (Rural Insurance Investment Fund (41.7%), the Mines and Development Investment Company (27%), and the Steel Industry Pension Fund (20%), smaller investors (11.3%)) was signed. At the same time, the first furnace will be increased from 750,000tpa to 850,000tpa. The completion of the project will increase its capacity 1.8mn tpa. The company is constructing two 800,000tpa direct reduction units one of which was to be commissioned by the end of the 2008/09 Iranian year and the other by mid-June 2009. Also in October 2008, the South Steel Complex came onstream as a joint venture between the Iranian private sector and Indian investors in the Khalij-e Fars (Persian Gulf) Special Economic Zone. The project has four phases, which are set to bring capacity to 800,000tpa with a total investment of US$330mn. In the aluminium industry, capacity is also expanding rapidly, led by the Iran Aluminum Company (Iralco). Construction of the 147,000tpa Hormozgan Aluminium Plant (Hormozal) is underway. The project is scheduled to come onstream in October 2009, but the government is confident it will be operation before then. In October 2008, Iralco announced the completion of the second phase of the Arak Aluminum Company renovation plan with production capacity of 36,000tpa coming on stream. The final third phase is underway and is set to boost the company's annual production capacity to 110,000tpa of aluminium bars.

About Business Monitor International

Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.

BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports. Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including Daily Alerts, monthly regional Insights, and in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports. View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

About Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

PARIS--ESI Group (ISIN FR0004110310), pioneer and world-leading supplier of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes, announced today the release of its Sheet Metal Forming Simulation Suite Version 2009, including PAM-STAMP 2G and PAM-TUBE 2G. Dedicated to all engineers involved in the Sheet Metal Forming process, the main objective of the simulation suite is to significantly shorten time to market by allowing users to make fast decisions from an early stage of the design right through to production in a continuous improvement process and within a collaborative environment.

PAM-STAMP 2G, ESI’s complete and integrated streamlined stamping solution, covers the entire tooling process and provides a trade-oriented application for Automotive, Aerospace, and general Sheet Metal Forming applications.

While PAM-STAMP 2G Version 2009 keeps on improving the accuracy of the simulation with precise springback results and capabilities extension, this latest release includes several new process simulations, such as:

* Rollhemming, enabling the simulation of the real robotic roller movement
* Superplastic forming
* Buckling analysis for stamping process instability analysis

In addition, as well as offering a number of optimization tools including Blank outline optimization, Trim line optimization and Die compensation which drastically reduce cost and time, PAM-STAMP 2G’s performance has been improved thanks to the set-up simplification through automatic tools, multi-layer material dedicated set-up and new post-process functionalities.

PAM-TUBE 2G Version 2009 also hosts a variety of enhancements based on users’ feedback from the last version, among which:

* Design of the pre-forming tools, providing the end-user with a more complete end-to-end solution for complicated hydroforming parts;
* Functionalities improvements and simplifications in Tubemaker, such as a true one-click solution for the addendum creation;
* Interactive creation of tailored tube as well as the subsequent simulation through all stages for bending and hydroforming to meet the growing demand for special parts with tailored material and/or thickness;
* Automated bending macro creator to simulate multi-stage processes;
* Support for 3 new variations of bending: stretch-, press- and freeform bending.

The Sheet Metal Forming Simulation Suite’s latest release thereby offers an accurate and realistic modeling tool for tube forming simulation, which includes an intuitive pre-processing module leading the user through process design in order to ensure better forming results.

“The most significant state-of-the-art physical parameters identified by PSA’s hemming specialists were integrated into PAM-STAMP 2G,” said Patrice Auger, R&D Manager for Assembly processes PSA-Peugeot-Citroën. “Validated through real-life industrial cases, this new tool has quickly become essential to guarantee successful product definition and process reliability.”

“The enhancements within PAM-STAMP 2G Version 2009 represent a significant advancement in the software’s modeling capabilities. The usage of simulation for predicting new industrial processes is also enlarged thanks to the set up focusing on real industrial data,” said Caroline Borot, Sheet Metal Forming Product Manager, ESI Group. “Those benefits, coupled with continuous improvements in our core strengths which are stamping accuracy and springback prediction, deliver great value to ESI’s customers”.

For more information, please visit: www.esi-group.com/products/metal-forming

About ESI Group

ESI is a world-leading supplier and pioneer of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes that take into account the physics of materials. ESI has developed an extensive suite of coherent, industry-oriented applications to realistically simulate a product’s behavior during testing, to fine-tune manufacturing processes in accordance with desired product performance, and to evaluate the environment’s impact on product performance. ESI’s products represent a unique collaborative and open environment for Simulation-Based Design, enabling virtual prototypes to be improved in a continuous and collaborative manner while eliminating the need for physical prototypes during product development. The company employs over 750 high-level specialists worldwide covering more than 30 countries. ESI Group is listed in compartment C of NYSE Euronext Paris. For further information, visit www.esi-group.com.