The finalists of the GRINDER OF THE YEAR young talent competition are set. The four young talents have qualified for the final through a theoretical preliminary round and can already rightfully feel like champions. On May 6 and 7, they will compete at the GrindingHub in Stuttgart and demonstrate their practical skills in an exciting live competition at Hall 9, at competition stand D45 and at the adjacent stand B50 with the main sponsor UNITED GRINDING SOLUTIONS.
The GRINDER OF THE YEAR (GOTY) young talent competition aims to promote young talents in grinding technology and actively counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the industry. It brings young professionals together with leading companies and state-of-the-art technology, showcasing the diversity and future prospects of grinding. The competition combines theory and practice. After a preliminary round with a theoretical exam, the best participants qualify for the final. The four finalists will demonstrate live at the GrindingHub in Stuttgart what they can do while programming and grinding a tool. In addition to the title 'GRINDER OF THE YEAR 2026', the finalists can win education vouchers worth up to 3,000 euros.
The finalists of the GRINDER OF THE YEAR 2026 are:
- Arman Hamidi (GDS Präzisionszerspanungs GmbH)
- Fabio Schoppet (K.H. Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH)
- Laurin Mink (Kopp Schleiftechnik GmbH)
- Max Bergner (Kopp Schleiftechnik GmbH)
Barbara Hannappel, managing director of the agency KSKOMM, which is responsible for the organization and execution of the competition: 'The GRINDER OF THE YEAR has already shown at its premiere how much potential lies in the grinding youth. In 2026, four promising candidates stood out in the theoretical questions and are now participating in the live competition at the GrindingHub. We are keeping our fingers crossed for everyone.'
Targeted preparation at WALTER
To create optimal and comparable conditions for the final, all finalists are now undergoing a two-day training at WALTER in Tübingen. There, they learn to handle the competition machine HELITRONIC MINI PLUS, the grinding software HELITRONIC TOOL STUDIO, and the measuring machine HELICHECK PLUS, which will also be used to check the quality of their tools during the competition.
The HELITRONIC MINI PLUS with C.O.R.E. technology is specifically designed for the flexible production and re-sharpening of tools with small and medium diameters. Thanks to its modular design, it can be individually adapted to different requirements. The HELITRONIC TOOL STUDIO software allows for seamless design, programming, simulation, and manufacturing of rotationally symmetrical tools. The CNC measuring machine HELICHECK PLUS is excellent for capturing and measuring the smallest geometries down to 0.1 mm diameter on cutting tools.
Promotion of young talent as a strategic success factor
With its commitment as a main sponsor, UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS emphasizes the importance of promoting young talent for the industry. 'The future of grinding technology significantly depends on well-trained, motivated professionals,' explains Stephan Nell, CEO of UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS. 'The GRINDER OF THE YEAR connects young talents early with modern technology and shows how versatile and demanding tool grinding is today.'
In addition to UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS as the main sponsor with machines and measuring technology from WALTER, other high-profile companies from the tool grinding process support the competition: GDS Präzisionszerspanungs GmbH (clamping devices), Gerhard Ihle Hartmetalle Werkzeuge e.K. (hard metal), Saint-Gobain Abrasives GmbH (high-performance grinding wheels), oelheld GmbH (coolant lubricants), and Vomat GmbH (KSS fine filtration).
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