Representatives from the Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) Program have been invited to conduct an on-site survey of ESAB Welding & Cutting Products in Hanover, Pennsylvania in late 2006. With 26 manufacturing plants that span four continents, ESAB is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of welding and cutting equipment, filler metals, and technology. The company's world-leading expertise in standard welding equipment, welding automation, consumables, and cutting equipment has established a strong position in most of its major markets that serve the transport, offshore, shipbuilding, power, process, aerospace, and construction industries. The Hanover facility produces all types of cored wires and stick electrodes from mild steel through low alloys and stainless products. The facility's products are distributed throughout the North American markets as well as being exported to Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim countries. The BMP Survey Team looks forward to visiting ESAB Welding & Cutting Products and to showcasing the organization's best practices.