The week of May 13-18, 2025, presented a dynamic snapshot of the welding industry, marked by strategic business maneuvers and a continued emphasis on fostering talent within the field. News emerged of companies expanding their reach through acquisitions, while educational institutions proudly celebrated the achievements of their latest welding graduates. The connection between welding expertise and community engagement was also evident, showcasing the diverse applications and impact of this essential trade. This period underscores an industry that is not only evolving through business growth but also actively investing in its future workforce and maintaining ties with the broader community.
Key Welding News & Trends:
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Northland Pioneer College Celebrates 2025 Welding Graduates
The achievements of the 2025 welding graduates at Northland Pioneer College (NPC) in Arizona were recognized during a ceremony held on May 8, 2025, at Taylor’s Rodeo Park. The event featured Jason Sangster from the Ironworkers Union Local 75 as the guest speaker, highlighting the connection between education and industry. The graduating cohort has successfully completed programs earning them valuable certifications, academic degrees, and essential OSHA qualifications. This comprehensive preparation equips them with the necessary skills and safety knowledge to embark on diverse careers within the welding industry. NPC proudly acknowledged the accomplishments of its graduates from the Holbrook, Show Low, and St. Johns campuses, underscoring the effectiveness of its welding program in developing competent and safety-conscious welding professionals.
Published: May 13, 2025
NPC Celebrates 2025 Welding Graduates | Northland Pioneer College, Arizona -
Millerbernd Acquires C4 Welding to Expand Capabilities
On May 16, 2025, Millerbernd Manufacturing, a company based in Winsted, Minnesota, known for providing DOT traffic and lighting infrastructure and circular products, announced its acquisition of C4 Welding. C4 Welding, located in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, is a certified precision welding and machining manufacturer. This acquisition is a strategic move for Millerbernd, as it will significantly increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and broaden its product offerings to include ASME-certified pressure vessels. Notably, all of C4 Welding’s existing workforce will remain employed, and the facility will continue its operations under the new name of Millerbernd Circular Products. This development signifies Millerbernd’s commitment to growth and diversification within the manufacturing sector, leveraging the established expertise of C4 Welding in precision welding and machining.
Published: May 16, 2025
https://www.thefabricator.com/thefabricator/news/shopmanagement/millerbernd-acquires-c4-welding -
USU Blanding Welding Program Sees Rise in Female Enrollment
The welding program at Utah State University (USU) Blanding has demonstrated notable success in attracting female students, with enrollment reaching 35%, a significant increase compared to the national average of 5-10%. This achievement, reported on May 16, 2025, is largely credited to the efforts of instructor Chloe Wilson. The program’s design, which offers a relatively quick pathway to employment in high-demand welding roles through its two-to-three-semester structure, has proven particularly appealing to students from diverse backgrounds, including those from low-income households and individuals seeking to transition into a new career. This highlights the program’s commitment to accessibility and its effectiveness in fostering a more inclusive environment within welding education.
Published: May 16, 2025
From Sparks to Success: Welding Program Grows at USU Blanding
Tools & Tips:
Miller Simplifies TIG Welding with the New Syncrowave®️ 212
Miller Electric Mfg. LLC recently introduced the Syncrowave®️ 212, an innovative AC/DC TIG welder launched on May 5, 2025. This new machine is engineered to simplify the complexities often associated with TIG welding, making it more approachable for a wider range of users. The Syncrowave 212 incorporates advanced technology to ensure a consistently smooth and stable welding arc, which is crucial for achieving high-quality welds across various metals, including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and titanium. Key features of this welder include user-friendly controls and enhanced arc performance, specifically designed to empower both novice and experienced welders to undertake TIG welding projects with greater confidence and precision. The development of such equipment reflects an ongoing effort within the industry to address the demand for skilled welders by providing tools that are both capable and easier to operate.
Fun Fact:
- Fun Fact: Here’s an intriguing fact: in the vast emptiness of space, if two pieces of clean metal come into contact, they will instantly and permanently bond together! This phenomenon, aptly named cold welding, occurs because the absence of atmosphere prevents the formation of an oxide layer on the metal surfaces. On Earth, this oxide layer typically inhibits such direct bonding. However, in the vacuum of space, the atoms of the two metal pieces can directly interact, resulting in a weld without any need for heat or pressure in the traditional sense. This has significant implications for spacecraft design and operation.
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