The Lincoln Electric Company was honored by Cleveland-based Inside Business magazine in May with the Manny Award in the New Product Development category for the VRTEX® 360 virtual reality arc welding trainer. Since 1998, the Manny Awards have been committed to recognizing Northeast Ohio companies for their innovation and best practices in areas such as product development, green initiatives and workplace environment.

The VRTEX 360 is a virtual reality arc welding training system that allows students to practice their welding technique in a simulated environment. It promotes the efficient transfer of welding skills to the welding booth, while reducing material waste associated with traditional welding training. The combination of realistic welding puddle simulation and arc welding sound tied to the welder's movement provides a realistic and exciting, hands-on training experience.

Lincoln Electric co-developed the VRTEX 360 with partner company, VRSim Inc. (East Hartford, CT), a leader in the development of training software and graphic simulation for industry and academia.

"We are honored to be recognized by Inside Business magazine for the development of a revolutionary tool that is helping to attract new students to an exciting career in the field of welding," said Chris Bailey, general manager of Lincoln Electric's Automation Division, who accepted the award for the company.

www.lincolnelectric.com/vrtex360