UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS a new force in precision manufacturing

By Staff Report July 4, 2025 1:45 pm IST

The UNITED GRINDING Group has completed its acquisition of GF Machining Solutions from Georg Fischer AG, forming UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS. With 15 brands, over USD 1.5 billion in sales, and a presence in 50+ global locations, the new group ranks among the world’s largest machine tool manufacturers.

With the takeover of the GF Machining Solutions Division of George Fischer AG by the UNITED GRINDING Group, one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world has emerged—with total sales of over USD 1.5 billion and around 5,000 employees at over 50 global locations. The company was renamed UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS and retains its headquarters in Bern, Switzerland.

UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS now represents 15 leading brands, combining expertise across technologies and industries.

Stephan Nell, CEO of both UNITED GRINDING and the new UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS, stated, “The merger of these two companies has been a long-standing goal. Lead shareholders Rosmarie and Martin Ebner fully backed this strategic move, approving the necessary capital increase. UNITED GRINDING and GF Machining Solutions are a rare fit in products, global presence, quality, and culture. Together, we can truly benefit our customers.”

Fred Gaegauf, Chairman of UNITED GRINDING, added, “The merger has created a Swiss powerhouse in machine tool manufacturing.”

Ivan Filisetti, CEO of GF Machining Solutions and now part of the group’s Management Board, stated, “Our products complement rather than compete. Integration is easier, and as Swiss companies, we share a culture rooted in innovation and digitalisation. The group’s strong international presence and technological breadth help us deliver customised solutions far beyond high-end machines.”

The collaboration will also enhance R&D efforts, helping the group respond to evolving standards and regulations.

The Group’s Two Divisions

• UNITED GRINDING: Includes brands like MÄGERLE, BLOHM, JUNG, STUDER, SCHAUDT, MIKROSA, WALTER, EWAG, and IRPD. Their focus areas are surface and profile grinding, cylindrical grinding, tool machining, and additive manufacturing.
• UNITED MACHINING: Incorporates GF Machining Solutions brands such as AGIE CHARMILLES, CHARMILLES, MIKRON MILL, LIECHTI, STEP TEC, and SYSTEM 3R. These cover high-speed milling, EDM, laser texturing, laser micro-machining, spindles, automation, and digital solutions.

The group will continue presenting itself through its established brands, reinforcing their identities and reputations for quality.

The management team of UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS brings together extensive experience from both companies. Stephan Nell serves as Chairman of the Management Board, providing strategic leadership for Sales and Customer Care. Ivan Filisetti, CEO of UNITED MACHINING, is responsible for shaping the group’s long-term technology vision. Michael Horn, who oversees Operations and IT, contributes valuable expertise from his previous role at DMG MORI AG. Heinz Poklekowski, the group’s CFO, manages Finance and Group Services, building on his many years within UNITED GRINDING.

Debut at EMO Hannover
UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS will make its official debut at EMO Hannover (September 22–26), the world’s premier production technology trade show. Represented by its 15 brands, the group will unveil eight world-first innovations,underlining its role as a global leader.