IABCO History - suppliers of welding wires since 1982

IABCO Ltd was established in 1982 by Ian Barnes and today is recognised as a leading supplier of Low and Medium Alloy Welding Wires to the Welding Industry.

Prior to our establishment Ian Barnes had a career spanning over 20 years with GKN Lincoln Electric. During Ian’s time with GKN Lincoln, alongside the chief metallurgists of one of the largest Engineering Companies of that time, they developed a range of Submerged Arc wire analyses that would rely on a basic flux. These new breed wires became known as Engineered Wires and set the way for what have become standard products available today.

Ian was then appointed Group Commercial Manager for Welding Wires and the wire division became one of the most important wire drawing mills in the UK. In 1981 the wire division was sold and the site closed and sold for development.

Over the years Ian Barnes had previous contact with Henning Fliess of Hermann Fliess & GmbH and it was at the time of the closure of the GKN site, with the market and product knowledge that Ian had gained and the manufacturing capabilities of the Fliess Company a friendship and partnership of shared interest followed.

This ongoing development continues today. IABCO is run by Ian’s daughter Mandy Barnes who today has in excess of 15 years in the Welding Industry and has helped increase our product range to allow IABCO Ltd to offer one of the largest range of Quality Assured Low and Medium Alloy Welding Wires available on the market today.