Lincoln Electric Acquires Custom Tooling Provider

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. has acquired Detroit, Michigan-based Baker Industries Inc. and its related assets. Baker is a provider of custom tooling, parts and fixtures primarily serving automotive and aerospace markets. Baker has in-house design and manufacturing capabilities including machining, fabricating, assembly and additive manufacturing. Its operations adhere to stringent aerospace quality management standards and are AS9100D-certified and Nadcap-accredited.

Baker is expected to complement Lincoln Electric’s automation portfolio and its new metal additive manufacturing (AM) service business that will launch in mid-2019.

Leveraging Lincoln Electric’s core competencies in automation, software development and metallurgy, the new metal AM business will manufacture large-scale printed metal parts, prototypes and tooling for industrial and aerospace customers. Baker Industries, along with a new Cleveland, Ohio, additive manufacturing development center, will provide an AM platform to help customers improve their lead times, designs and operational quality.

“Additive manufacturing is a key strategic growth area in automation, and Baker’s expertise and capabilities will assist in scaling our additive manufacturing services and expand our presence in attractive aerospace and automotive end markets,” says Christopher L. Mapes, chairman, president and CEO of Lincoln Electric.