Construction on Lincoln Electric’s new $30 million Welding Technology Center project continues to progress toward a projected 2017 opening. Crews placed the final beam on Feb. 8, completing the structural frame of the building on the company’s Euclid, Ohio, campus. The next phase will focus on the building’s façade, interior, electrical and plumbing work.
“Construction is progressing rapidly – structural framing just wrapped up, allowing us to move on to the next phase of construction,” said John Mueller, director of facility planning and development, Lincoln Electric. “We look forward to opening the facility later this year.”
Before crews hoisted and placed the beam into position, representatives from Lincoln Electric and other companies working on the project participated in a beam-signing ceremony. On hand to sign the beam were Chris Mapes, George Blankenship and Doug Lance from Lincoln Electric’s senior management. Members of the Lincoln Electric facilities team and representatives from Panzica Construction Co., Structura Architects Ltd. and Ironworker Local Union No. 17 also added signatures.
Multiple northeast Ohio contractors are working on the project including: Contemporary Electric Co.; Fire Protection Inc.; Geauga Mechanical; Harner Plumbing Inc.; Mr. Excavator Inc.; Nova Structural Steel; Panzica Construction Co.; Phoenix Cement Contracting LLC; and Valentine Contractor Inc.
“We are proud to be using tradesmen from the same trades organizations we actively help to train at a variety of sites around the country,” said Jason Scales, manager, Education Solutions, Lincoln Electric. “General contractor Panzica Construction Co., Steel fabricator Nova Structural Steel and other contractors on the site employ skilled trades workers typically trained on Lincoln Electric equipment in their skilled trade schools.”
The new Welding Technology Center opening marks the centennial anniversary of the company’s legacy welding school, one of the longest-operating in the United States. The facility further reflects Lincoln Electric’s 100-year commitment to leading welding education and innovation in an era of strong demand for skilled trades.
The new 130,000-square-foot center will double Lincoln’s welding education capacity to 180 welding booths and will include high-tech classroom and seminar spaces. It also will showcase and integrate Lincoln Electric’s latest technologies and solutions into a comprehensive welding curriculum.
In addition to training for new and seasoned industry welders, programming also will include train-the-trainer courses and certification activities, as well as resources to support welding training for veterans.
For more information on Lincoln Electric, visit lincolnelectric.com.
