Red-D-Arc 70th Anniversary Spotlight: George Zammit

Red-D-Arc (RDA): When did you start your journey at Red-D-Arc, and what initially drew you to the company and its service operations?

George Zammit (GZ): I began my career at Red-D-Arc in the summer of 1993 at the Toronto branch, originally joining as a painter. A friend who worked there told me about the opening, and with my experience working on lawn mowers, motorcycles, and cars, I saw it as a good opportunity—at least until I found something “better.”

Very quickly, I was asked to help service diesel welders, including 3+3s, 3+10s, 5+15s, and small gas-driven units. My early years included painting, diesel technician work, performing deliveries, service calls, and customer repairs.

In 1999, after moving to the Grimsby area, I transferred to the Head Office. Around 2001, I was asked to return to the Toronto branch as Shop Foreman. The commute became too demanding, so in 2004, I returned to Grimsby as a technician and shortly afterward became Shop Foreman once again. During that time, we established a refurbishing department focused on 3+3s and other equipment for resale.

Around 2006, I took on the additional responsibility of Service Manager for all Canadian branches. In 2007, I began overseeing our refurbishing operations in Houston and Birmingham, and helped launch a new refurbishing facility in Atlanta. These experiences eventually led me to my current role as Research and Development Manager while also overseeing the CCO Department in Grimsby.

RDA: How has equipment service evolved over the past several decades, and what major improvements have you seen firsthand?

GZ: When I first started, Red-D-Arc was privately owned and using an old PIC computer system with extremely limited functionality. There were no digital service records, and tracking what had been done to each unit meant filling out paper forms and storing everything manually. Even our parts inventory required a full week and a large team to complete; something that now takes a single day with just a couple of employees.

Equipment itself was also significantly larger. Before inverter technology became mainstream, most machines were transformer-based, making them heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to work with. Today’s equipment is lighter, smarter, and far easier to maintain.

RDA: What’s one piece of service-related knowledge or practice you share with every technician working with our fleet?

GZ: We have an excellent team of technicians, and one of our greatest strengths is how much we learn from one another. When attending basic service training or manufacturer schools like Miller or Lincoln, I strongly encourage them to maintain relationships with other professionals they meet. Technology makes that easy today, as texting and mobile communication are invaluable. In short: stay connected, share knowledge, and continue learning from each other.

RDA: Red-D-Arc’s equipment reliability is a major differentiator in the market. From your perspective, what core processes or philosophies in the service department make that possible?

GZ: Our reliability starts with the strength of our team. We have highly knowledgeable service technicians supported by a large network of equipment specialists who are always available when needed. And when additional support is required, our strong relationships with manufacturers like Lincoln Electric and Miller allow us to quickly involve their teams as well. It’s a collaborative system built on expertise and trust.

RDA: What is one of the most rewarding service projects or successes you’ve been part of at Red-D-Arc, and what made it stand out for you and your team?

GZ: One of my proudest accomplishments was designing the MOD PAK approximately 12 years ago. It significantly reduced costs and streamlined shipping of multiple paks to branches across the company.

Another milestone was introducing stainless steel pak frames around 10 years ago, which dramatically reduced rust and maintenance while improving the longevity and appearance of our fleet.

More recently, I designed the SPEC PAK, which allows us to integrate our DP25 into the pak. This was a solution originally built for a single customer but is now an essential part of our fleet.

RDA: As equipment continues to get smarter and more connected, how is the Service team preparing for the future of diagnostics, maintenance, and customer support?

GZ: The company continues to invest heavily in advanced tools, laptops, and ongoing training for our technicians. As equipment becomes more sophisticated, maintaining close relationships with manufacturers is increasingly important. These bonds ensure our team always has the knowledge and resources needed to support our customers with the most advanced products and technologies available.

RDA: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for Red-D-Arc’s future?

GZ: I’m excited to see new talent joining the team, including the son of someone I’ve worked with for over 30 years and the nephew of another colleague I’ve known for more than eight. It’s encouraging to see the next generation building their careers here. There are new opportunities everywhere for anyone willing to put in the time and grow with Red-D-Arc.

George’s story demonstrates that Red-D-Arc’s success is built on the people who move the company forward—those who innovate, support one another, and stay committed to quality every step of the way. As we conclude this year’s 70th anniversary spotlight series, we extend our gratitude to George and to all our team members whose dedication and hard work strengthen Red-D-Arc as a whole. Together, we look ahead to the next chapter of growth, innovation, and excellence.