Tri-State Tool Grinding Becomes Licensed Partner of KOMET

Already active in the automotive and aerospace industries, this strategic partnership will enable the tool house to grow by using the extreme precision of their new computerized measuring and inspection equipment to acquire customers and penetrate the medical industry, especially in Indiana.

Tri-State Tool Grinding (Cincinnati, OH) has joined the KOMET SERVICE® network as the third North American licensed partner. The company will be providing customers with tool refurbishment services, as well as standard and made-to-order solid carbide tools from KOMET of America, Inc. (Schaumburg, IL), the largest subsidiary of KOMET GROUP®, a global technology leader for metal cutting tools, tool concepts and complete solutions for hole making.

With its KOMET®, DIHART® and JEL® brands, the Group is a leading global manufacturer of precision tools for bore machining, reaming, and threading and has been at the forefront of innovation in the sector for over 90 years, a tradition that began with the early indexable insert borers and continues today with their mechatronic tool systems. The company currently employs approximately 1,600 staff in its 20 subsidiaries and is represented in more than 50 countries.

“This is an opportunity for growth that’s totally in line with our vision of where we want the business to be in two, five or ten years,” commented Jim Dinkelacker, the co-owner of Tri-State Tool Grinding with his brother Mike. His statement was echoed by Mike, who added, “We have a young group of very good technicians and have been investing in equipment: we now have five CNC grinders and are ready to move into a larger facility whenever needed. We have a real desire to grow our customer base in the tri-state area and beyond.”

A family-owned business founded in 1994, Tri-State Tool Grinding specializes in the precision CNC grinding and manufacture of solid carbide and high-speed steel tooling. The company’s vision is to become one of the largest tool houses in the Midwest through a targeted expansion in the tri-state area of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The company is committed to offering excellent quality, personalized customer service, and on-time deliveries to customers in the automotive, aerospace and medical manufacturing fields among others. In order to do so, it is relying on a workforce of highly qualified technicians and leading-edge equipment.

This partnership certainly represents a means for Tri-State Tool Grinding and the other members of the network to develop their business with the support of the KOMET brand. Now counting 17 partners in Europe and 3 in North America, KOMET SERVICE is a way for KOMET to extend its presence in the field by offering “KOMET-quality” re-grinding and re-coating services, as well as the manufacture of new simple special carbide tools, backed by its technical expertise.

Before being granted a license to operate under the KOMET SERVICE banner, the partners must meet strict requirements in terms of equipment (for measuring and inspection especially), undergo an in-depth technical training, and embark on their ISO 9001 certification, if not already certified. In return, they are supported by a comprehensive marketing package that includes customized business forms, literature, PR, a website, etc. They also gain access to KOMET’s technology and know-how, and expert field support of its Sales and Distribution network.

“It’s a win-win-win for all parties involved,” said Thomas Whennen, the manager of KOMET SERVICE for North America. “Indeed, these partnerships allow our current customers to experience an enhanced level of service and support, and represent a growth opportunity for our partners through an expansion of their product and service portfolio. This enhances our brand presence and customer proximity in North America through an extensive network of local partners.”

Tri-State Tool Grinding is mostly active in the automotive and aerospace industries. “Becoming a KOMET SERVICE partner and securing our ISO 9001 certification will help us acquire new, larger customers, and to also penetrate the medical industry, especially in Indiana, with the extreme precision of our new computerized measuring and inspection equipment,” noted Mike Dinkelacker.

Tri-State Tool Grinding will celebrate its joining the KOMET SERVICE partner network with a barbecue and grand opening ceremony to take place on June 20, 2013 at their Cincinnati facility. The event will take place rain or shine and will include a ceremony, tours of the facility and remarks by the management of Tri-State Tool Grinding and KOMET. www.tristatetoolgrinding.com, www.kometgroup.com