The ESAB Group

In 1904, Oscar Kjellberg, a Swedish engineer was working on ships and boilers in Gothenburg, Sweden. He was not satisfied with the quality of repair jobs. His quest for a better technology led to the invention of the world's first covered electrode. And thus, Elektriska Svetsnings Aktie Bolaget (ESAB) was born. Today, ESAB employs around 6,700 people of which more than 600 are engaged in Research and Development at centers in Sweden, Holland, UK, Germany, USA, Brazil and India. The ESAB Group is owned by the Charter plc. Group UK, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

ESAB India Limited

ESAB India Limited started its operations in 1987 by acquiring the welding business of Peico Electronics & Electricals Limited (now Philips India Limited). The Company continued its expansion in the Indian market with the purchase of Indian Oxygen Limited's welding business in 1991 and Flotech Welding & Cutting Systems Limited in 1992, followed by the merger of Maharashtra Weldaids Limited in 1994.

ESAB India Limited is owned 55.56% by the ESAB Group. The remainder of its shares are held widely. The company is listed on the stock exchanges of Mumbai and the National Stock Exchange. Mr. Michael Foster is the Chairman of the Company.

Today, ESAB India has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of welding and cutting products in the country. ESAB products are now an integral part of industries like Shipbuilding, Petrochemical, Construction, Transport, Offshore, Energy and Repair and Maintenance.

ESAB India's initiative on Total Quality Management has resulted in ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certifications for four of its principal manufacturing facilities located at Kolkata, Chennai and Nagpur. Further, the skills, know-how and resources at its Research and Development Departments, have helped the Company to offer a wide range of world-class products for diverse applications, cost effectively.