Ronald (Ron) C. Pierce began his career with WESCO Gas & Welding Supply in 1966 as a major stockholder and corporate officer. In 1974 he became the majority stockholder, President and CEO before becoming Chairman.

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Pierce’s experience in industrial welding are unmatched.  Pierce has 11 years industrial experience with Lincoln Electric as a Welding Engineer and Sub-Office Manager in the southeast.  His many duties included helping his customers’ welders become certified, demonstrating equipment capabilities, analysis of equipment setup and operations for lowest production costs.

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Pierce is a Life Member (52 years) of the American Welding Society(AWS), and has held many positions with AWS including Chairman of the Board, President, and Vice President.  He is Trustee Emeritus of the AWS Foundation and served as its Chairman from 1993 to 2008.

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A Registered Professional Engineer in both Mississippi and Alabama, Pierce earned a B.S. of Mechanical Engineering from Purdue in 1955.  He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ordnance Officer Course, Lincoln Electric’s Field Engineer training and passed both SMAW and SAW welding certification tests on plate and pipe.

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The recipient of many awards, Pierce was named GSSC 2009 Navigator Award winner and also is a member of the National Maritime Education Council (NMEC).

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