As a part of its continued effort to provide professionals in the gases and welding industry with the most relevant and updated information, the Winter 2011 issue of Welding & Gases Today features the gases and welding supplier business forecast. The article entitled, “Suppliers See A Slow, Upward Climb,” highlights suppliers’ outlooks and strategies for growth in 2011.

In a poll of industry suppliers, Welding & Gases Today found that respondents are expecting an overall increase of 8.9% in 2011. The unpredictable economy remains the number one challenge for suppliers, and many are developing strategies to encourage growth. “If the economy grows at a more rapid pace than expected, whoever has the inventory will win the battle for market share growth,” says Don Mottinger, president of Superior Products.

As suppliers look ahead to 2011 for Welding & Gases Today’s Supplier Business Forecast, several trends emerge. “Increased globalization is a trend that is not going to change,” says Thermco Instrument Corporation VP of sales and marketing, Dennis Richardson. In order to grow sales in 2011, gases and welding suppliers are concentrating on growth markets and introducing new products. Communication with the distribution channel also ranks high on supplier priorities for the year.

To find out what suppliers are projecting for 2011, read “Suppliers See A Slow, Upward Climb” at www.WeldingAndGasesToday.org. For more information, contact Devin O’Toole, contributing editor at Welding & Gases Today at devin@datakey.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 (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.