Cutting Welding
Cutting and Welding is the largest business area in the GCE Group and one of the company’s original activities. GCE’s main customers in this area are wholesalers and local distributors, though in some markets gas companies also distribute hardware and can thus represent GCE. Key end-customers such as shipyards, repair shops and OEM customers, e.g. welding machine manufacturers, account for a smaller yet significant part of the sales volume.
The Western European cutting and welding market is slowly declining as a result of offshoring in the metal-working industry. On the other hand, the Eastern European market's potential is increasing thanks to the region's rapidly growing construction sector. GCE's strategy is to maintain its European leadership while expanding to other parts of the world as opportunities arise. This will be accomplished through provision of a complete range of top-quality products, a world-class distribution system and knowledgeable local sales support.
GCE is one of the world's leading producers of industrial regulators. The company's line in this area consists of a broad spectrum of products for different uses, which have been designed according to the requirements of most European standards such as DIN, Afnor, BSI and Nordic. The torch range includes products for heating, cutting, brazing and flame-cleaning applications designed in accordance with the preferences of each individual European market. Regulators, torches and other products are also increasingly combined in sets and sold to customers in a single package.
GCE is a pioneerin the field of safety equipment and as such currently produces a comprehensive range of flashback arrestors and check valves. Through the acquisition of Lorch some years ago, GCE further developed its range of propane products, which are now available in various styles for different uses. GCE is Europe's largest distributor of gas hoses, for example, and has recently introduced an expanding range of accessories such as MIG/TIG equipment, consumables and protective clothing. A range of nozzles, including the long-life Coolex nozzle, completes GCE's C&W range.