With the acquisition 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, with total sales of over USD 1.5 billion, has become one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world, with total sales of over USD 1.5 billion and around 5,000 employees at over 50 global locations.
The company was renamed 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 long-standing desire to merge the two companies. Lead shareholders Rosmarie and Martin Ebner expressed their full confidence in this strategically important step within the world of global machine tool manufacturing, authorising the necessary capital increase to make this vision into reality. 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 alignment, and our understanding of quality, but also to the culture and mindset of our employees. I am convinced that we can make a big difference together, for the benefit of our customers.” The group’s board of directors closely monitored and supported the process. Fred Gaegauf, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the UNITED GRINDING Group, noted: “The merger of these two companies has created a Swiss powerhouse in machine tool manufacturing”.
Optimal addition
With a presence in more than 50 locations, a comprehensive product portfolio, and a total of 15 leading brands in their industries, the foundation is laid for future success. “It is the best decision we could make,” confirms Ivan Filisetti, CEO of GF Machining Solutions and a member of the new group’s Management Board. “Our products do not overlap; they complement each other. This makes integration much easier. And as a Swiss company, we share the same culture with a strong commitment to innovation and digitalisation. We will also keep after our goal of being the preferred partner for our customers, always ready with customised solutions and comprehensive expertise – in other words, able to offer much more than just high-end machines. The group helps us with its strong international alignment, employees on site at our customers’ premises, and our breadth of technological expertise.”
In R&D, collaboration is not only beneficial for the company and its customers in the development of innovative solutions. Synergies can also be leveraged with regard to new standards and regulations, which are becoming increasingly important and require machine manufacturers to respond in order to keep their machines fit for the future.
The two companies are particularly connected by their shared Swiss roots and strong international alignment. “With more than 50 locations worldwide, there are few machine tool manufacturers that are as international as we are and as close to their customers,” believes Nell. “Being able to speak the language of our customers and offer fast, competent support is an important decision-making criterion for our customers. Our global employees share the same roots and values,” adds Filisetti.
Thanks to many commonalities and an optimal addition to the portfolio, the prerequisites for successfully merging as UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS could hardly be better.
The group will primarily present itself to the outside world through its individual brands. “In the future, we want to further strengthen the identities of our brands, which have been known and anchored 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 learned to know and appreciate”.
Press contact: Michèle Fahrni