Plans for relocating the Hobart Welding Products equipment plant’s manufacturing and warehouse operations from Troy to Appleton, Wis., were announced late Monday, Aug. 29, by ITW Welding North America.

The number of employees affected by the move was not included in a brief announcement from the company. Inquiries for more information were not answered Monday evening.

Troy Mayor Mike Beamish participated in a conference call with company officials Monday afternoon and City Council members received the same information released by the company later in the day, Patrick Titterington, city service and safety director, said late Monday.

The announcement said current Troy plant employees would be offered “opportunities in similar roles” at the Appleton location or would be eligible to apply for open positions in local business units. Separation packages and other assistance services would be offered to remaining displaced employees, if any

“The move is being made in order to align all machine assembly, warehousing and customer service within existing operations at its sister company, Miller Electric, which already produces a number of Hobart equipment products,” the company said.

The company’s commitment to Troy remains strong, said Becky Tuchscherer, group president. The Hobart Brothers Co. Filler Metals business will continue in Troy, where it is headquartered, she said.

“The move is being made to fully leverage the assets we have across the welding enterprise,” Tuchscherer said. “This decision to move in no way reflects the level of skill and dedication of our workforce here. We appreciate the long standing support of the Troy community.”

Hobart Brothers Co. was family owned and operated until acquired by Illinois Tool Works (ITW) in summer 1996. ITW is parent company of several companies including Miller Electric Manufacturing.

The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, a nonprofit corporation, is undergoing an expansion project in the city’s Westbrook area.