Walter has acquired PDQ Workholding LLC (PDQ), a Columbia City, IN-based workholding fixtures and tooling specialist. This strategic move bolsters Walter’s portfolio, particularly in workholding products, catering primarily to customers across the Americas.
The acquisition aligns with Walter’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in advanced machining solutions and lightweight materials, particularly in key regions. By integrating PDQ’s expertise, Walter aims to enhance its early involvement in component projects, improve operational efficiency, and drive future cutting tool sales.
Workholding is a crucial service performed in the manufacturing industry. It involves using specialized tools and equipment to hold and secure workpieces during machining operations.
Additionally, this acquisition will increase Walter’s exposure to aluminium machining applications and strengthen its collaborations with Machine Tool Builders, further solidifying its position in the market.
Christoph Geigges, President of Walter, said, “When a customer begins designing a new product or component, they procure fixtures ahead of cutting tools. Therefore, PDQ has early access to new projects, creating a first-move advantage on the sale of cutting tools."
“PDQ is one of the leading custom workholding companies in the US, focusing on advanced fixtures used by companies in the same targeted industries as Walter. We know the initial tool supplier to any project captures much of the replacement tool value in the first three years."
“Therefore, having PDQ within our portfolio of companies will significantly enhance our business opportunities in the Americas and strengthen our value proposition to customers. We are delighted to have PDQ within the Walter organisation and look forward to working with them.”
Since its founding in 2010, PDQ has operated two manufacturing facilities in Columbia City, IN, and Slinger, WI. The company specialises in custom stationary, hydraulic, and automated fixtures, as well as indexable tool bodies and carbide round tools. PDQ boasts a robust customer base, with 80 per cent of its sales within the United States and the remaining 20 per cent distributed across Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Thailand, and South Africa.
Walter, a global leader in the metalworking industry for over a century, offers a comprehensive range of precision tools for milling, turning, drilling, and threading applications. Serving industries such as aviation, aerospace, automotive, energy, and general metalworking, Walter is dedicated to enhancing process reliability and boosting productivity. As an innovative partner, Walter is at the forefront of Industry 4.0, delivering digital process solutions for optimal efficiency. With its regional headquarters in Greer, SC, Walter markets its brands—Walter, Walter Titex, Walter Prototyp, and Walter Multiply—through a network of channel partners and field engineers across the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
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