More than welding technology Babcock and Lincoln Electric bring capability closer to customers

What happens when world-class welding technology meets decades of practical experience, local technical expertise and a commitment to developing skills?

That was the story behind the recent launch of Babcock’s preferred partnership with Lincoln Electric for welding products across Sub-Saharan Africa and the opening of Babcock’s new Welding Solutions Centre in Johannesburg. Bringing together customers and teams from both organisations, the launch offered a first-hand look at what the partnership means beyond product supply – from advanced welding technologies and technical support to applications expertise, training and skills development. 

For Lincoln Electric, Babcock was a natural fit. The relationship between the two companies stretches back decades, with Babcock not only supplying and servicing Lincoln Electric equipment, but using it extensively within its own operations. As Lincoln Electric’s Mazen Melhem explains in the video, that practical product knowledge, combined with Babcock’s established footprint and shared approach to customer support, made the appointment of Babcock as preferred partner an easy decision.

A place to solve real welding challenges

At the heart of the partnership is Babcock’s new Welding Solutions Centre – a practical environment where customers can experience technologies including robotic and advanced welding systems, participate in demonstrations and work directly with Babcock’s welding specialists. Importantly, customers can bring their own materials and applications to the Centre to explore how different solutions could improve productivity, overcome welding challenges and add value to their operations.

“The Welding Solutions Centre is something unique,” says Babcock’s Dhurusha Chetty. “What makes this centre different isn’t only the technology – it’s the expertise behind it.”

That support extends beyond the initial equipment purchase. Customer Francois Beukes highlights the importance of technical expertise and after-sales support, reinforcing the value of having knowledgeable people available throughout the equipment lifecycle.

Technology powered by people

The Centre also creates opportunities to develop welding skills through practical training and technologies such as virtual welding. For Babcock Chief of Staff and HR Director Kereshma Naidoo, that investment in people is as important as investment in technology. “Technology alone doesn’t build industries – people do. That’s why investing in skills development is just as important as investing in world-class technology,” says Naidoo. It is this combination that ultimately defines the partnership: Lincoln Electric’s welding technology and innovation, backed by Babcock’s practical experience, technical capability, customer support and commitment to developing skills. 

As Babcock Plant Services Managing Director Hendrik du Toit puts it, the ambition extends well beyond supplying welding products. It is about strengthening welding capability across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Watch the video to meet the people behind the partnership and see Babcock’s new Welding Solutions Centre in action.