Strategic Acquisition Completed United Grinding Group and GF Machining Solutions Become United Machining Solutions

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The announced strategic acquisition has been completed. With the acquisition of the GF Machining Solutions division of Georg Fischer AG, United Grinding Group expands its portfolio to 15 brands. The new group operates under the name United Machining Solutions and, with a total revenue of over USD 1.5 billion, becomes one of the largest machine tool manufacturers worldwide.

With the acquisition of the GF Machining Solutions division from Georg Fischer by the United Grinding Group, one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world has been created—with total revenue of over USD 1.5 billion and approximately 5,000 employees at more than 50 global locations. The company is now operating under the name United Machining Solutions and retains its headquarters in Bern.

Stephan Nell, CEO of the new group and the United Grinding Group, reveals: "For a long time, there has been a desire to merge the two companies. Thanks to the trust of our main shareholders, Rosmarie and Martin Ebner, in this strategically significant step in global machine tool manufacturing and the associated capital increase, this vision could now be 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, international orientation, and understanding of quality but also to the culture and mindset of our employees. I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together, for the benefit of our customers." The group’s board of directors has closely accompanied and supported the process. Fred Gaegauf, Chairman of the Board of United Grinding Group, states: "The merger of the two companies creates a Swiss powerhouse in machine tool manufacturing."

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The Optimal Addition

With a presence in more than 50 locations, a comprehensive product portfolio, and a total of 15 market-leading brands, the foundation for future success is being laid. "It is the best decision we could have made," emphasizes Ivan Filisetti, President of GF Machining Solutions and member of the management team of the new group. "Our products do not overlap; they complement each other. This greatly simplifies integration. And as Swiss companies, we share the same culture with a strong commitment to innovation and digitalization. We will continue to pursue the goal of being the preferred partner for our customers, supporting them with tailored solutions and extensive expertise—far more than just with a high-end machine. The group's strong international orientation, employees on site with our customers, and our broad technological expertise help us achieve this."

In the field of research & development, collaboration is not only beneficial for developing innovative solutions for the company and its customers. Synergies can also be leveraged in addressing new standards and regulations, which are becoming increasingly important and require machine manufacturers to respond to keep their machines future-proof.

The shared Swiss roots and strong international orientation uniquely connect the two companies. "With over 50 locations worldwide, there are very few machine tool manufacturers as internationally positioned as we are and as close to their customers," Nell is convinced. "Speaking our customers' language and offering quick, competent support is an important decision-making criterion for our customers. The shared roots and values unite our globally active employees," adds Filisetti.

Thanks to many commonalities and an optimal portfolio complement, the prerequisites for the successful integration as United Machining Solutions could hardly be better.

The group will primarily appear with its individual brands. "In the future, we want to further strengthen the identities of our brands, which have been well-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 have come to know and 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 the technologies of flat and profile grinding, cylindrical grinding, tool processing, and additive manufacturing, they continue to offer extensive application knowledge, a comprehensive product portfolio, and a broad range of services for the manufacturing of high-precision components.

GF Machining Solutions is one of the global leaders in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing technologies for high-precision components and the tooling industry. These competencies and technologies are integrated into the new group within the division United Machining. 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 micromachining. In addition, the division offers state-of-the-art spindles as well as solutions for automation and digitalization, supported by worldwide customer service and application support.

The management of United Machining Solutions consists of four individuals who bring a long history with their respective companies: Stephan Nell, Ivan Filisetti, Michael Horn, and Heinz Poklekowski. Stephan Nell, CEO of the United Grinding Group and engaged with the group for 22 years, assumes the chairmanship and is also responsible for the strategic alignment of the sales and customer care divisions. Ivan Filisetti, President of GF Machining Solutions and connected to the company for 23 years, oversees the long-term vision of the new group's technology sector and remains CEO of United Machining. Michael Horn, responsible for operations and IT, brings his extensive experience in mechanical engineering and most recently as a board member of DMG Mori AG to the new group. Heinz Poklekowski, with 35 years of group affiliation and most recently serving as CFO of the United Grinding Group, takes on responsibilities for finance and group services.

Premiere at EMO Hannover With Eight World Premieres

The new group United Machining Solutions will make its debut at EMO Hannover, the world's leading trade fair for production technology, from September 22 to 26. For 50 years, the fair has offered a unique platform to gain a comprehensive overview of the global industry's offerings. United Machining Solutions will be represented with its 15 brands and will present no fewer than eight world premieres. (new)

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