New factory for tool grinder specialist Walter

The company has moved into an extensive and purpose-built €6 million facility for machine technical development, machine and software demonstration, and administration activities that will enable it to continue to maintain its global lead in the supply of high-technology multi-axis tool grinding and tool inspection technology. The open-plan 5,000 m2 site will predominantly focus on Helitronic tool grinding machine design and development, which includes the assembly and testing of prototype machines, as well as housing extensive showroom and demonstration areas. Here, sophisticated centralised cooling and lubrication systems enable machines to be quickly and easily ‘plugged in and out’ for instant use. With expansive office space, the new facility will also be the worldwide hub of the company’s application engineering, sales, service and administration activities. Around 150 people are employed at the new site, which is a few miles from the previous location in Tübingen that it shared with tooling giant Walter AG and which it vacated following the purchase in 2005 of Walter AG’s machine division, Walter Maschinenbau GmbH, by Körber Schleifring GmbH. * Walter Maschinenbau’s Helitronic machine production and software development continues to be focused in the Czech Republic (as well as in Australia and North America, to enable machines to be adapted for respective standards), while the company’s Helicheck tool measuring technology is based in Hanover.