The Welding Industry Forges Ahead
Industry leaders shed light on the current and future state of the welding industry By Katie Pacheco and Mary Ruth Johnsen The welding industry has consistently enjoyed a healthy physique since its nascency during War World I. Valued at $20.67 billion in 2016, the global welding products market is slated to produce $32.63 billion by 2022, with continued growths on the horizon. Not far behind, the global welding equipment, accessories, and consumables market is expected to fetch $24 billion by 2021. Despite projected growths, the welding industry faces some uncertainties due to the ever-growing skilled labor shortage, as well as the recent Section 232 tariffs. To learn more about the current and future state of the welding industry, the Welding Journal reached out to a random selection of its Sustaining Member companies to showcase their unique perspectives. These leaders represent welding equipment and consumables manufacturers as well as those who use those products. What is the state of your company/industry today? Nigel Scotchmer, president, Huys Industries: The welding industry in North America today is in both retreat and expansion. As an advanced and wealthy society, our costs are high, and a great deal of manufacturing has gone overseas — and the need for welding has gone with it. At the same time, the aging population of our welders is exacerbating the issue, as a shortage of welders further encourages offshore welding…however, our aerospace and defense industries, and our high-value technology companies, continue to invest and explore advancements in manufacturing. As such, there are many opportunities for advanced welding, and that segment is expanding.- Zion Market Research. 2018. Welding Products Market to Accrue Revenue Worth US$ 32.63 Billion By 2022.
- Research and Markets. 2016. Welding Equipment, Accessories, and Consumables Market by Technology (Arc Welding and Oxy-Fuel Welding), Equipment Type (Welding Electrode, Filler Metal, and Oxy-fuel Gas), Accessory, Consumable, End-Use Industry, Region — Global Forecast to 2021.