Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for processing gas discharge tubing. The apparatus includes a manifold pumping station, a fill and evacuation station and a data acquisition station. The data acquisition station enables the processor of the tubing to input, record and archive manufacturing data such as the identity of the electrode manufacturer, the tube length and diameter, the date of processing the serial number of the tube, the fill gas, the temperature of the glass during processing, the vacuum pressure inside the tube, the current used to bombard the tube, and other variables.