Michigan Tech Center Eases Access for WFL Customers
The Wixom, Michigan, tech center houses two of WFL’s large Millturn machines as well as equipment from other members of the company’s owner, Autania AG.
WFL Millturn Technologies Inc. recently opened its Autania “Tec Center” in Wixom, Michigan, to better enable prospective customers to see its large turn-mill machines in action. Previously, users outside the company’s global headquarters in Linz, Austria, had to coordinate with a WFL rep to set up a visit with an existing user. The center is intended to enable customers to more easily visit, learn about the machines and have demo parts produced.
Autania AG is a holding company with several European machine tool OEM member companies having diverse technology offerings. WFL is one of these companies, and it moved its U.S. offices to this new tech center in Wixom from its previous location in nearby Novi.
Currently, the tech center houses an M35 and M120 Millturn for demonstration, but also includes equipment from other Autania member companies, including Elb-Schliff and Aba Grinding Technologies (which operate under the umbrella of Autania Grinding Technologies) and Profiroll.
Dr. Helmut Rothenberger, owner of Autania AG, says the value of all machines at the center is $5 million. Soon, additional equipment will be installed to provide die-regrinding services for Profiroll customers. He notes that the investment in this facility represents his member companies’ commitment to the U.S. market, a market he feels will experience further growth in the coming years.
