New data compiled this week by IndustryNet takes a closer look at U.S. welding companies to gain perspective on current trends and compare performance.
With multiple processes such as laser welding, spot welding, and resistance welding, the sector has developed into a multibillion dollar industry and many industry representatives express optimism for the future of welding. Modern technologies have facilitated applications that extend beyond traditional metal-to-metal surfaces and into plastics, composites, and alloys.
Additionally, as manufacturing of supersonic airliners, marine equipment, and other emerging technologies grow, the demand for specialized welding companies will only increase.
Dramatic job growth
According to IndustryNet’s most recent analysis, there are 3,552 welding companies in the U.S. employing 43,686. Job growth has increased dramatically in this sector over the past year at 7.85 percent.
Spot welding experienced astronomical employment growth year-over-year at 38 percent. Resistance welding comes in at a close second with employment growth of 21 percent. Other welding industries to report growth included welding supplies (up 4.55%) welded fabrications (up 2.2%) and welding machinery (up 1%). Interestingly, welding automation systems reported a 1% decline in employment, while most other sub-industries remained constant.
Sales inch up
Sales in the industry also edged up, though not as dramatically as employment. Overall, welding sales inched up one percent to $47 billion. Welding equipment and supplies top sales at over $13 billion annually. General welding is a distant second, tied with welding electrodes, with sales of approximately $1 billion annually.
Midwest leads gains
Regionally, differences emerge in the welding sector. The Midwest and the South account for the most welding companies. The Midwest is marginally ahead of the pack, accounting for 38 percent of welding companies, with the South only 10 percentage points behind at 28 percent.
The West is next in line with 19 percent, and the Northeast is slightly further back at 16 percent.
Not surprisingly, the Midwest also leads the country in welding job growth, with 32% of comapnies reporting growth located in the Midwest. The South again comes in second with 30 percent. The West and the Northeast also hold their positions with 22 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
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