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Pioneering Industry-Driven Strategies

By Nisha Shukla,

Added 13 February 2025

Heiko Kunz, Export Sales Manager at Walter Maschinenbau GmbH, discussed the strategy for entering emerging markets, as well as the key trends and sectors that are driving demand for UNITED GRINDING's solutions in a conversation with Nisha Shukla.

The UNITED GRINDING Group is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, recognised for its extensive portfolio of cutting-edge grinding machines, EDM machines, laser systems, measuring machines, and tools for additive manufacturing. It includes prestigious brands such as MÄGERLE, BLOHM, JUNG, STUDER, SCHAUDT, MIKROSA, WALTER, EWAG, and IRPD.

What distinguishes UNITED GRINDING is its unmatched application knowledge, which is seamlessly integrated with state-of-the-art technology and dedicated service offerings. This enables the production of high-precision components that meet the evolving needs of industries worldwide.

Talking about their solutions displayed at IMTEX 2025, Heiko Kunz, Export Sales Manager at Walter Maschinenbau GmbH, emphasises, "Our machines are undoubtedly among the most rigid and reliable on the market. They are built to last many years without significant issues and are incredibly user-friendly, thanks to our proprietary software. These qualities make our solutions essential for customers seeking durability, precision, and ease of operation."

For emerging markets, UNITED GRINDING has developed a robust strategy to support smaller yet fast-growing accounts. Kunz states, "We recognise the importance of building relationships with these new customers. To achieve this, we rely on a highly educated team of application engineers who not only train operators at customer sites but also provide consistent support through hotlines, help desks, and remote training. This commitment ensures that we remain close to our customers and proactively address their needs."

For Walter Maschinenbau GmbH, India presents a significant growth opportunity. "The Indian market is booming, especially in the 3C tool industry," Kunz observes, referring to tools for consumer electronics, computers, and communication devices. "As more production of consumer electronics shifts from China to India, the demand for high-precision tools continues to grow. With our presence in India and a subsidiary in the U.S., we are well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities."

Discussing industry trends, Kunz highlights the shift toward "lights-out" production. "In the near future, machines will increasingly be interconnected, communicating seamlessly with one another to enable automated operations. This transformation will reduce the need for constant operator presence, although skilled operators will still be essential for setup and oversight. Once a machine is properly configured, it can efficiently produce batches of tools without requiring continuous supervision," he explains.

When asked about the sectors driving demand for UNITED GRINDING's solutions, Kunz identifies aerospace as a significant area of focus, with the 3C industry also playing a key role in the longer term. "Aerospace remains a critical sector where precision and reliability are non-negotiable. The 3C industry, while not an immediate priority, will continue to gain traction as global manufacturing dynamics evolve."