Christian Vollmers
Canadian customers will benefit from the deal that saw the HOMAG Group acquire Stiles Machinery in the U.S.
HOMAG Canada President Christian Vollmers, who was recently appointed to also head Stiles Machinery and look after the U.S. market, says that as far as Canadian customers are concerned, everything they’ve come to expect from HOMAG Canada will stay the same – but better.
“We will continue with our growth strategy here in Canada and continue to operate our three offices in Calgary, Montreal and our head office in Mississauga,” Vollmers says.
“There are no plans to reduce staff or service, in fact the opposite is true, we are now able to offer our Canadian customers even more.
“We have more to offer on the service side, we will have an even larger machine inventory, which means we are more likely to have a machine in stock, and our product range is expanding as well.”
Vollmers says HOMAG Canada has added a wide range of solid wood machines, finishing machines as well as advanced material machining solutions for plastics, carbon fiber, non-ferrous metals and composites to its product offering.
“We have always had an extensive range of products and services and now we have expanded that significantly,” Vollmers says.
“We have also broadened our rebuild program to include motors, drilling heads and electrical components among others.”
That’s good news for Canadian customers who can now get more from the same people and offices they have always dealt with.
“We are still the contact for them,” Vollmers says, “they will still deal with the same people they’ve always dealt with, but now we can offer them more; better and expanded services and a broader product selection.”
The deal is also of interest and will benefit HOMAG customers who operate globally or across borders.
“If you operate in Canada and the U.S. for example, or anywhere else really, this deal will help you access our products and services more easily,” Vollmers says.
On Feb. 3, the HOMAG Group announced that it had acquired full ownership of its former U.S. distribution and service partner Stiles Machinery.
HOMAG Group ́s CEO Dr. Markus Flik said in a news release that the U.S. is one of the dynamic markets with growth opportunities and of strategic importance to the company. With a market share in excess of 35%, Stiles is the leading distribution and service organization for machines and production lines for the U.S. woodworking industry. With more than 290 employees, Stiles generated annual sales revenue of about USD 158 million in 2013.
HOMAG Group - with 15 specialized production companies, 21 group sales and service companies and approximately 60 exclusive sales partners and backed by a workforce of some 5,000 employees worldwide – is a leading global manufacturer of plant and machinery for the woodworking and wood materials processing industry and cabinetmakers active in the production of furniture and construction elements as well as timber frame houses. The group also offers its customers a wide range of services, including software and consulting services.
