In 1977, Kemppi, the Lahti, Finland based welding equipment designer and manufacturer, introduced the world’s first inverter based arc welding power source, HILARC 250, at the international welding exhibition, “Schweissen & Schneiden” in Essen, Germany and over the past 30 years this technology has become the global market standard in the welding industry.
In 1993, Kemppi introduced the first digitally controlled arc welding system, the Kemppi PRO, again at Essen, leading the way in the development of industrial arc welding equipment through to to-day’s equipment.
In addition to the dramatically reduced size and weight of welding equipment and significantly improved welding characteristics, inverter technology has made it possible to reduce energy consumption up to 80% in MMA welding, compared to traditional transformer technology. This innovation has over the years made a remarkable environmental impact. 
Kemppi’s arc welding equipment business over the last 4 years has enjoyed very strong growth and this growth continues. Kemppi Oy, together with the parent company Kemppi Capital Oy, will invest about 15 M€ during the next 2-3 years in a brand new 8,500 m2 electronics factory and a 3,500 m2 expansion of its headquarters in Lahti, Finland, including a logistics terminal and welding technology research centre.