Lincoln electric aquires Torchmate

The acquisition of Torchmate by Lincoln Electric Holdings of Cleveland last week was prompted mainly by the rapid growth of sales of Torchmate's small, computer-numeric-controlled cutting machines, says Bill Kunze, chief executive officer of Reno-based Torchmate.

In 2009 Torchmate introduced a two-by-two-foot CNC cutting machine, and later added a four-by-four-foot cutting machine marketed to small and mid-size fabricators. The machines quickly became the company's best-selling product lines. Torchmate's trailing twelve-month sales were approximately $13 million, Lincoln Electric said.

Tom.