Immersive hubs for welding and cutting innovation
Leslah Garland 25 March 2026 
ESAB has announced the grand openings of its NextLabs demonstration centres at its facilities in Gothenburg and Laxå, Sweden.
The company says representing a multi-million Euro investment, the purpose-built facilities showcase its broad portfolio of welding and cutting equipment, automation, filler metals and digital solutions in an immersive, hands-on environment.
“NextLabs Gothenburg demonstrates the strength of ESAB’s complete portfolio — from power sources and automation to filler metals and digital solutions — working together as integrated workflow solutions,” said Peter Burchfield, General Manager for ESAB’s Global Equipment Solutions Group. “By investing in infrastructure such as welding studios, automation cells, and digital solution displays, NextLabs strengthens our ability to educate, inspire, and demonstrate how ESAB solves real-world challenges across industry.”
Antonio León, ESAB’s Vice President Global Partnerships, added, “NextLabs elevates our sites into true destination centres for customers, partners, and employees. Laxå gives customers a dedicated environment to explore advanced submerged arc solutions in action. We built this space for dialogue, technical exchange, application-focused problem-solving and skills development to support fabricators and our distribution partners.”
Interactive Innovations
Founded in Gothenburg in 1904, ESAB (Elektriska Svetsnings-Aktiebolaget) has long focused on research, development and process innovation. The 750-square-metre NextLabs facility in Gothenburg features eight to 10 demonstration cells and capacity for up to 30 training participants. The facility showcases a broad range of ESAB technologies, including ESAB’s Ultimate Lineup of light and heavy industrial equipment, automated and mechanised solutions (including the new ROBBI 360 cobot welding cell and Aristo Edge 500R power source and RoboFeed Edge feeder), laser welders, innovative filler metals and the InduSuite portfolio of digital productivity solutions.
The Laxå facility is a central hub for ESAB’s engineering and production of heavy-duty welding automation systems. The 600-square-metre NextLabs in Laxå serves as ESAB’s new Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Solutions Centre, highlighting the company’s SAW leadership. The Laxå facility features:
- A fully equipped SAW Column and Boom (CaB) system with Aristo 1001 AC/DC power sources, wire, flux and roller beds.
- A tractor package including Versotrac EWT 1000 and Versotrac Cadet tractor systems with LAF 1001 power source and trolley.
- Three to six demonstration cells.
- Seating for up to 30 training participants, with additional capacity in the demonstration area for larger groups.
ESAB says the decision to launch NextLabs in Sweden reflects its commitment to modernising the customer experience and accelerating innovation. The facilities will host a full calendar of training sessions, distributor programmes, product launches and application workshops throughout 2026 and beyond. Customers may also request demonstrations of newly launched or soon-to-be-launched products, allowing ESAB to tailor sessions to specific application needs.
