Machine tool builder Hardinge Inc. has bought Usach Technologies Inc., a privately owned U.S. company that develops and manufactures CNC grinding machines and grinding systems. The cost of the acquisition was not released.
“Hardinge is a world leader in grinding solutions and the acquisition of Usach Technologies strengthens and reinforces that position,” according to chairman Richard L. Simons. “This acquisition complements our strategy to maintain our competitive edge by continually advancing and enhancing our product portfolio.
“Importantly, Usach strengthens our reach into high-profile OEMs in the U.S., and expands our opportunities in the highly diversified end markets we serve,” Simons continued.
Usach Technologies, of Elgin, Ill., was established 27 years ago as machine-tool importer, eventually developing into a designer and manufacturer of machines and systems for complex grinding processes. Its 2012 revenue is forecast at $14 million.
Notably, Usach has a proprietary programming system - the Usach Open Architecture System© - for standard and custom internal, external and simultaneous grinding applications.
The company’s ID grinding machines cover the range from single-spindle to four-spindle systems, with standard and specialty configurations, capable of grinding parts up to 40 in. diameter and weighing up to 1,300 lb.
Usach’s OD grinding machines are available as single-spindle, dual-spindle, and four-spindle designs for grinding wheel diameters up to 30 in., part lengths up to 200 in., part weights of 3,500 lb. and larger, and 42 in. swing. All these specifications are beyond the capacity of Hardinge’s current product offerings, it indicated.
Hardinge indicated that the Usach designs would expand its portfolio of high-precision grinding machines and systems offered under the Kellenberger, Jones & Shipman, Hauser, Tschudin and Tripet brands. Usach is said to excel at customizing machine designs and configurations, and at equipping its machines for automatic loading.
Hardinge also credited Usach’s “excellent” customer service.
“We are pleased that the owner, Giacomo Antonini, will stay on as president and general manager of this wholly owned subsidiary of Hardinge, along with his strong and creative operating team,” Simons noted. In addition to his role as chairman, he is president and CEO of Harding Inc.
“We believe together we can help Usach grow beyond its historical capacity by leveraging our global network of sales and service organizations as well as providing the financial strength of Hardinge to back up their commitment to their customers,” Simons stated.
