Grinding Continues to Break New Ground
That, I think, is the significant story behind the news of United Grinding's recent groundbreaking ceremony for a new North American Headquarters to be constructed in Miamisburg, Ohio. Grinding technology is moving into new applications and markets, so it is no exaggeration to say that grinding continues to break new ground.
With hardhats and shovels at the ready, this sign stands in front of the empty lot that will be replaced with the new structure it pictures.
The title to this blog post suggests what I believe is the significant story behind the news of United Grinding's recent groundbreaking ceremony for a new North American Headquarters to be constructed in Miamisburg, Ohio. Grinding technology is becoming more flexible and more capable (hard materials and tight tolerances are demanding this), grinding machines are becoming energy efficient and more compact, and automated grinding systems are attracting substantial investments (particularly in automotive). These are some of the trends that are moving grinding processes into new applications and markets, so it is no exaggeration to say that grinding continues to break new ground.
Because United Grinding is a leader in grinding technology and has been responding to these trends for many years, the new facility will support the growth of the company as well as advances in grinding processes. The new facility will cover 100,000 square feet and reside on approximately 15 acres of land near Ohio Interstate 75, about 2 miles from the company's current location in the Dayton-area suburb of Miamisburg.
According to Stephan Nell, CEO of United Grinding Group, the new Miamisburg facility will not only further enhance customer-centric activities, but will also boost operational agility and expand parts, rebuild, retrofit, automation and preventative maintenance offerings in the North American market.
Currently, United Grinding North America, Inc. has two locations, its headquarters in Miamisburg and one in Fredericksburg, Virginia. While the Ohio facility houses surface, cylindrical and profile grinding business, the Virginia facility services the tool and cutter grinding machines and measurement systems sectors. Field service representatives are based out of both locations. Operations now in Fredericksburg will be consolidated in the new Miamisburg headquarters building. In addition to current employees who will move to the new headquarters, the company says it plans to create significantly more jobs in the next five years.
“The consolidation of resources is a strategic move to increase efficiency companywide and support synergy across United Grinding’s various product lines,” says Rodger Pinney, CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors at United Grinding North America. “The move is a key component of our new corporate strategy for continued growth and market share strength that we introduced in 2012.”
Brands under the United Grinding umbrella include Mägerle, Blohm, Jung, Studer, Schaudt, Mikrosa, Walter and Ewag.
Rodger Pinney addresses the crowd of reporters and well-wishers at the groundbreaking, while local dignitaries and company officials seated nearby await the cue to do some digging.
