The announced strategic acquisition has been completed. With the takeover of the GF Machining Solutions division of Georg Fischer AG, the UNITED GRINDING Group expands its portfolio to 15 brands. The new group operates under the name UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS and rises to become one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world with total sales of over 1.5 billion USD.
With the acquisition of the GF Machining Solutions division of Georg Fischer by the UNITED GRINDING Group, one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world has emerged – with total sales of over 1.5 billion USD and around 5,000 employees at over 50 global locations. The company now operates under the name UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS and retains its headquarters in Bern, Switzerland.
Stephan Nell, CEO of the new group and the UNITED GRINDING Group, reveals: "There has been a desire for a long time to bring the two companies together. Thanks to the trust of our main shareholders Rosmarie and Martin Ebner in this strategically significant step in global machine tool construction and the necessary capital increase, this vision has now been realized. It is rare for two companies to complement each other as well as UNITED GRINDING and GF Machining Solutions. This applies not only to our product portfolios, our international orientation, and our understanding of quality, but also to the culture and mindset of our employees. I am convinced that together we can achieve a lot for the benefit of our customers."
"The board of the group has closely accompanied and supported the process. Fred Gaegauf, Chairman of the Board of the UNITED GRINDING Group, says: "The merger of the two companies creates a Swiss powerhouse in machine tool construction."
The optimal complement
With a presence at more than 50 locations, a comprehensive product portfolio, and a total of 15 leading brands in their industries, the foundation for future success is laid. "It is the best decision we could make," confirms Ivan Filisetti, President of GF Machining Solutions and a member of the management of the new group. "Our products do not overlap; they complement each other. This greatly facilitates integration. And as a Swiss company, we share the same culture with a strong commitment to innovation and digitization. We continue to pursue the goal of being the preferred partner for our customers, providing them with tailored solutions and comprehensive expertise – far beyond just a high-end machine. The group, with its strong international orientation, employees on-site with our customers, and our broad technological expertise, helps us with that."
In the area of research & development, collaboration is not only beneficial for the company and its customers in developing innovative solutions. In terms of new standards and regulations, which are becoming increasingly important and which machine manufacturers must respond to in order to keep their machines future-proof, synergies can also be leveraged.
The shared Swiss roots and strong international orientation connect the two companies in a special way. "With over 50 locations worldwide, there are few machine tool manufacturers as internationally positioned as we are and as close to their customers," Nell is convinced. "Speaking the language of our customers and being able to offer quick, competent support is an important decision criterion for our customers. The shared roots and values connect our globally active employees," adds Filisetti.
Thanks to many commonalities and an optimal portfolio complement, the conditions for successful integration as UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS could hardly be better.
The group will primarily operate with its individual brands. "In the future, we want to further strengthen the identities of our brands, which have been known and established in the market for many years," explains Nell. "The brands have a long tradition, stand for the highest quality, and are often pioneers in their field. Our customers trust the brands they know and have come to appreciate."
UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS with two divisions and established management
Under the umbrella name of the group, UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS, the two divisions UNITED GRINDING and UNITED MACHINING are organized. UNITED GRINDING includes the brands MÄGERLE, BLOHM, JUNG, STUDER, SCHAUDT, MIKROSA, WALTER, EWAG, and IRPD. With their expertise in flat and profile grinding, cylindrical grinding, tool processing, and additive manufacturing, they continue to offer a wide application knowledge, a comprehensive product portfolio, and a pronounced range of services for the production of highly precise components.
GF Machining Solutions is one of the global leaders in precision technology and advanced manufacturing technologies for high-precision components and the tool industry. These competencies and technologies are integrated into the new group in the UNITED MACHINING division. With the brands AGIE CHARMILLES, CHARMILLES, MIKRON MILL, LIECHTI, STEP TEC, and SYSTEM 3R, the group's portfolio is expanded. It includes machines for high-speed milling, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), laser texturing, and laser micro-machining. In addition, the division offers state-of-the-art spindles as well as solutions for automation and digitization, supported by a global customer service and application support.
The management of UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS consists of four individuals who bring a long history in their respective companies: Stephan Nell, Ivan Filisetti, Michael Horn, and Heinz Poklekowski. Stephan Nell, CEO of the UNITED GRINDING Group and engaged in the group for 22 years, takes the chair and is also responsible for the strategic direction of sales and customer care. Ivan Filisetti, President of GF Machining Solutions and connected with the company for 23 years, is responsible for the long-term vision of the technology sector of the new group and remains CEO of UNITED MACHINING. Michael Horn, responsible for operations and IT, brings his years of experience in mechanical engineering and most recently as a board member of DMG MORI AG into the new group. And Heinz Poklekowski, who has been with the group for 35 years and most recently served as CFO for the UNITED GRINDING Group, takes over the responsibilities for finance and group services.
Premiere at EMO Hannover with eight world premieres
The new group UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS will be presented for the first time at EMO Hannover, the world's leading trade fair for production technology. For 50 years, the fair has provided a unique platform every two years to gain a comprehensive overview of the global offerings in the industry. This year, the fair will take place from September 22 to 26. UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS will be represented with its now 15 brands and will present no less than eight world premieres.
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