ST. LOUIS - Thermadyne Industries Inc. is launching its TurboTorch line of air-fuel and oxy-fuel products as a separate operating unit. The change is a result of TurboTorch's desire to expand its market share by increasing focus on new product development, customer service and support, and better service to the plumbing and HVAC market.

Paul Minter will head the new business unit, and has been named vice president and general manager of TurboTorch. For the last year, Minter has been the leader of Thermadyne’s Specialty Markets group.

“Paul will have full management responsibility for the sales and profitability of TurboTorch and establishing the required business and operating structure,” said Martin Quinn, executive vice president, Thermadyne. “Paul is a seasoned executive and strong leader with a proven track record in senior management positions with prior employers and more recently with Thermadyne in the sales and marketing of TurboTorch.”

“Professionals have come to count on TurboTorch’s innovative design, engineering, and manufacturing,” said Minter. “I am looking forward to taking TurboTorch to its next level of success in the dynamic HVAC and plumbing industries.”

For more information, visit www.thermadyne.com.

Publication date: 04/30/2007