Published 10/10/2012

Walter USA Opens New Technology Center

A new 40,000-square-foot technology center complements the company’s efforts to be a competency leader in the cutting tool industry.

Derek Korn

Editor-in-Chief, Production Machining magazine

Last week, Walter USA opened its new 40,000-square-foot technology center located next to its manufacturing facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The company says the purpose of this technology center is not only to educate customers, channel partners and employees on Walter’s products, but also support Walter Multiply, a multi-level service support package covering on-site installation, component purchasing and specialized training. The facility also serves as a nice complement to Walter’s efforts to be a competency leader in the cutting tool industry.

The technology center features three machine tools—a Haas VF 3YT VMC, a Haas SL40 turning center and a five-axis DMC 80FD DuoBlock from DMG/Mori Seiki—in addition to a Kelch presetter. This equipment will enable the company to highlight the capabilities of tools and solutions offered by each of its four brands—Walter Valenite, Walter Titex, Walter Prototyp and Walter Multiply—representing a combined 350 years of cutting tool industry experience. The company plans to establish another technology center on the West Coast and possibly other areas in the United States.

Walter established its presence in the United States 12 years ago with the purchase of Waukesha Cutting Tools. It moved into its current manufacturing facility six years ago, and the products manufactured there are sold only to the North American market. This market represents 20 percent of the company’s worldwide sales, with Europe and Asia representing 60 and 20 percent, respectively.

The technology center open house in early October featured guest speakers including Peter Eelman, VP exhibitions and communications from AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology and Wisconsin’s Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. Here are a few photos from the event.