GERMANTOWN, Wis. — Equipro, a subsidiary of Wacker, and a nationwide network of independently owned light construction equipment service centers, recently announced its strategic alliance with Lincoln Electric, a provider of arc welding products, robotic welding systems, and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment.

“[Lincoln Electric's] commitment to providing the most innovative, cost-effective, quality welding and cutting solutions for more than 100 years, coupled with its technological leadership and worldwide manufacturing and distribution resources, is a perfect addition to Equipro's nationwide service alliance of original equipment manufacturing partners,” said Equipro president Peter Liesch.

Equipro will start providing service to Lincoln Electric products as early as this month at its 12 service centers nationwide.

In other company news, Equipro recently opened a location in Poway, a suburb of San Diego, the company's 12^th facility.

Company officials said Equipro plans an aggressive expansion campaign to add 21 new franchise locations by the end of the year. The company hopes to total 150 locations within five to seven years.

Equipro's service centers and OEM-trained technicians provide support for ICS, Mi-T-M, MK Diamond, Sullair, Wacker and Lincoln Electric. Franchises are full-service dealers for Honda, Briggs & Stratton, Subaru Robin, Wacker and Kohler engines. It also has service centers in Cerritos and Sacramento, Calif.; Lawrenceville, Ga.; Elko, Minn.; Raleigh, N.C.; Fredericksburg, Va.; Las Vegas; Fort Mill, N.C.; Phoenix; Houston and Fort Worth, Texas.