February 3, 2006       ESAB Achieves ISO 14001 Group Certification Florence, SC – ESAB announces that it has received group Environmental Management System certification for ISO 14001. The company believes it is the first in the welding and cutting business and in the entire steel industry to achieve group certification for multiple locations worldwide. Audits were performed by Det Norske Veritas at selected units worldwide. To maintain certification, periodic audits will continue at locations in Europe and South America and at ESAB North America locations in Hanover, Pennsylvania; Florence, South Carolina; Astabula, Ohio; Traverse City, Michigan; and Monterrey, Mexico. ISO 14001 certification recognizes a company’s control of environmental impact issues. A certified company has an Environmental Management System in place that provides a systematic approach to minimize the company’s impact on the environment and surrounding community. The standard requires organizations to identify all environmental impacts and associated risks and then implement actions that take a proactive approach to minimize impact, with an emphasis on continual improvement. “ESAB is proud to be one of the first in our industry to achieve ISO 14001 certification,” said Andy Blanchard, president and CEO of ESAB North America. “This demonstrates that we take our environmental responsibility very seriously. ESAB has always worked to be a leader in technology and service to provide the very best welding and cutting solutions to our customers. We now feel assured that we can continue to do this while still being a good neighbor and community member at our plants worldwide.” ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is one of the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturers of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals. Recognized as the technological leader in the industry, ESAB is committed to providing customized solutions for its customers. For more information call 1-800-ESAB-123.