Company Profile *Company founded in 1895 *Business manufacturer of arc welding products; major producer of premium quality industrial electric motor, robotic welding systems, environmental systems, and plasma and oxy-fuel cutting equipment. *Worldwide operations employ 6,300 *Headquarter in Cleveland, Ohio *Annual sales were over $1 billion in 1995, record profits of $61.5 million, and record employee bonuses of $66 million. *Employee ownership since 1925 *Over 90% of stock owned by employees and Lincoln family members. SWOT Analysis Strength *Brand and Reputation The Lincoln Electric …showed first 75 words of 3729 total…

…showed last 75 words of 3729 total…the precepts of its economic system. However, China offers a huge potential market. While its differences from Western countries are numerous, many international firms perceive Chinese markets as almost virgin markets, without exposure to many modern and sophisticated products. With such exposure, these firms believe that demand will develop. The differences, however, pose serious challenges for Western competitive models that emphasize the need for possession of the skills to manage financial, economic, and political risks.