Babcock has been named the Preferred Partner for Lincoln Electric across Sub-Saharan Africa, a landmark appointment that signals a significant shift in how world-class welding technology will be delivered across the region.

Under this agreement, Babcock will manage Lincoln Electric's full product portfolio and also provide relevant technical support through its established branch network and a selected network of sub-distributors. This appointment builds on a long-standing relationship. Babcock has for years delivered comprehensive welding solutions, spanning equipment, consumables, automation, and robotic systems, as part of a multi-brand distribution model including Lincoln.

"As Preferred Partner, we will offer Lincoln Electric's full product range, covering every dimension of welding, from equipment and filler metals to automation, fume control, safety, and PPE," says Hendrik du Toit, Managing Director - Plant Services, at Babcock. "We will initially leverage Babcock’s existing business presence in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Lesotho to ensure immediate product availability and technical support."

Looking ahead, Babcock will bring Lincoln Electric’s products to new areas through expanding its specialized welding capability in selected territories and further developing a strong agencynetwork in markets without direct representation, serving the mining, power generation, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors.

Welding remains a critical and increasingly scarce skill in South Africa. In recognition of this, Babcock will establish a dedicated training and demonstration centre to drive meaningful skills development across the industry.

"As a major supplier of welding products, we are committed to advancing modern technology and equipping the workforce with the technical skills and knowledge needed for efficient and safe welding operations in Africa," says Dhurusha Chetty, Head of Welding at Babcock.

Du Toit adds: "Our collaboration with Lincoln Electric is a powerful demonstration of what becomes possible when innovation meets strong sales and service support, delivering excellence at every stage of welding equipment procurement."