Welcome addresses were provided by Muff Tanriverdi, President Walter Americas and Mirko Merlo, President, Walter AG.  Both speeches cited the history of Walter and the investment in the industry that the company is making with the new center.

In her address, Lt. Gov. Kleefisch cited Wisconsin’s efforts to promote manufacturing and to involve young students in learning trades, while praising Walter for its investment in the industry and the state. The inauguration also featured a presentation by Peter Eelman, Vice President, Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) who spoke to the success of IMTS 2012 and the continued growth in the country’s manufacturing sector.
    
In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a ceremonial tree-planting was held. The tree planting, a company tradition, symbolizes a new beginning and growth.

The Technology Center, a 40,000 sq.ft. and $2.5 million investment is designed to help educate customers, channel partners and employees on Walter’s product offerings, while providing the cornerstone to further enhance Walter

Multiply, Walter’s new competence brand that is a multi-level service that transfers technical knowledge across a range of sectors in order to increase productivity.

According to Mr. Tanriverdi, “Walter Multiply will provide service support to our customers in the areas of planning, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance and training. And the tech center will provide the means to arrive at tailor-made programs with the customer in mind.”

The new North American Technology Center provides a fully integrated machine shop for demonstrations and process development for components involving real-world applications and incorporates training and auditorium facilities to provide a resource for customers. It will also house strategic management and administration offices for Walter Americas.

According to Mark Hemmerling, Director of Marketing, “The Technology Center will bring a wealth of knowledge to the market and to our customers, particularly those that do not have the resources to test and develop on their own.”

Tanriverdi added, “Our commitment to customer service and support has always been high and this expansion only reinforces that mission.”

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