Industrial machinery manufacturer Weaton Cos. of Fairfield announced recently that it has acquired a strategic interest in Steffensmeier Welding and Manufacturing, a privately held, woman-owned small business based in Pilot Grove. SWM specializes in custom welding, CNC machining, laser cutting and metal fabrication for end users in agriculture, refrigeration, government and industrial products sectors. The opportunity to join Weaton “brings immediate expansion of resources and capabilities to our operation,” said Jenny Steffensmeier, owner of SWM. Nate Weaton, founder and CEO of Weaton Cos., said, “We are excited to work with Jenny and the amazing Steffensmeier team to grow their brand, engage with their employees, optimize their operation, and become a part of their community.”