Lincoln Electric Co. has invested $30 million in a new 130,000-square-foot welding technology center on its Euclid, Ohio, campus. The center will focus on the training of welding teachers and industry leaders to meet demand for industry vocational training.

Lincoln Electric will also dedicate resources to support welding training for veterans at the facility, the company said.

“This investment reflects our commitment to being at the forefront of welding innovation and education,” said company Chairman and CEO Christopher Mapes. “The increased demand from customers, the skilled trades and technical schools to help develop the next generation of industry-ready welders has accelerated our investment in education, and our new welding technology center will allow us to demonstrate how our technical expertise and the value of our solutions can have a measurable impact on educators, students and customers.”

The facility is expected to open in 2017. The new center will include classroom and seminar spaces.