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Industry expertise
How The Harris Products Group continues to create the right products to meet customer demand
Beginning in 1899 , John Harris discovered the oxy-acetylene method of cutting while conducting research on the manufacture of synthetic rubies . While working on the materials , he accidentally cut the metal plate beneath the synthetic ruby , discovering the world ’ s first flamecutting torch . He exhibited the torch at the 1904 St . Louis World ’ s Fair and started Harris Calorific in 1905 .
Meanwhile , in 1914 , Joseph W . Harris founded the J . W . Harris Company , specializing in the distribution and repair of specialized parts for automotive and farm vehicles . The company later expanded into welding alloys and accessories .
Recognizing the complementary products that Harris Calorific and J . W . Harris had to offer , Lincoln Electric acquired both companies , and The Harris Products Group
( HPG ) was formed in 2006 . Today , as a segment of Lincoln Electric , HPG is a world leader in metal working products used in the brazing , soldering , cutting , and gas distribution industries . Since its formation , additional companies have strengthened the company ’ s portfolio , with HPG currently operating 11 manufacturing facilities in six countries .
Gregory ( Greg ) Doria , Senior Vice President and President of The Harris Products Group , joins Manufacturing Today to share the organization ’ s story . “ The business today is comprised of everything to do with brazing and gas equipment ,” he begins . “ We have several manufacturing facilities around the world , and we ’ ve separated the business into gas control equipment and brazing and fabricated parts , which includes consumables , as well as component parts that require brazing to create the finished goods .
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