From Spartanburg, with love
[excerpt]

The Lincoln Electric and National Welders Supply team provide the welding machines, supplies, and the expertise to help produce James Bond's new care – the BMW Z3 roadster

You know the sun has set on the British empire when James Bond drives an import. In the 007 film "Goldeneye," the master of hidden munitions, Q, introduces Bond to his new automobile: a BMW Z3.

It's lean and low and sleek and fast. It's Bond personified. But the star of this story isn't an agent of British Intelligence, it's National Welders and Lincoln Electric, for without those firms, Bond might have to take the bus.

BMW builds in U.S.
BMW Manufacturing Corp. took an historic step in the creation of this sports car. It decided to build its first manufacturing plant in the U.S., and that plant's sole product would be the Z3 roadster. Plant construction began in 1992.

The production facility is located in Greer, S.C., along Interstate 85 between Greenville and Spartanburg near the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Construction continued through 1993.

From the time BMW announced plans to build the plant, Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, and National Welders Supply Company, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., worked to lay the groundwork for sales of welding equipment, consumables, and supplies to the German auto manufacturer.

Lamb Technicon, Warren, Mich,, an automotive design / engineering contractor had the responsibility of outfitting BMW's body shop production line with fixtures, spot welders, arc welders, and related equipment.

Representatives from National Welders' Greenville-Spartanburg district and Lincoln Electric did their homework.

"Reconnaissance" operation
"We determined that the best way to get BMW's business was to learn everything we could about what they needed in arc welding products and services and show them first-hand what we had to offer," said Mark Yost, National Welders' Greenville-Spartanburg district manager.

The first step in the sales process was for Lincoln and National Welders to contact the representatives of BMW and Lamb Technicon. Through letters and calls, National Welders representatives began to acquaint key BMW and Lamb Technicon people with its extensive distribution network and service and technical expertise.

National Welders has 48 sales and service . . .

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