>>ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has announced a restructuring of its Florence, SC manufacturing operations. 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 will remain the hub of the company’s plasma cutting technology business; ESAB will continue to research and develop plasma processes, produce plasma systems, and manufacture torches and consumables. 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 by a 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.>>