Strong performance and innovation drive success in 2024 for precision grinding leader

This year’s annual press briefing was broadcast live from the company’s studio in Steffisburg, drawing attention from international media. Reflecting on the year, CEO Jens Bleher highlighted the company’s strong performance in 2024, crediting a diversified portfolio for driving growth across various markets and industries. Bleher, who has led the company since 2018, is set to transition to his new role as COO of the UNITED GRINDING Group on April 1, 2025. His successor, long-serving Chief Sales Officer Sandro Bottazzo, took over as CEO on March 1.

Despite global economic and political uncertainties, the company remained focused on operational excellence. “Alongside our commitment to quality, we've prioritized productivity gains, rigorous cost control, and the rollout of forward-looking technologies,” Bleher noted. “We continue to be a dependable partner to our customers and are well-positioned to stay competitive globally.”

Sandro Bottazzo shared that STUDER not only defended its global market position but also made gains in select regions. “We’re steadily strengthening our leadership in the universal cylindrical grinding machine segment,” he said. Customer acquisition saw a significant boost, with growth reaching approximately 43% compared to the previous year. Strong demand came particularly from the Asian automotive and supplier sectors, as well as tool and die makers and the machine tool industry. The aerospace segment also showed continued growth, building on last year’s momentum. Order intake remained stable and close to the previous year's levels, aligning with company forecasts.

Another Record Turnover in Customer Care

STUDER experienced notable growth in incoming orders throughout 2024, with particularly strong momentum in North America. Asia continued to lead as the company’s largest sales region, while Latin America, Northern, and Eastern Europe also contributed solid results. In contrast, performance in Central Europe—especially in Germany—did not meet expectations.

The company’s Customer Care division stood out once again, achieving record sales for the year. CEO Sandro Bottazzo highlighted the division’s success, crediting the expansion of multilingual, locally-based service teams as a key factor. Demand for spare parts, maintenance services, machine overhauls, and conversions remained strong, with the overall service business operating at consistently high capacity.

A major contributor to the company’s performance was its wide-ranging machine portfolio. CNC universal cylindrical grinding machines were a clear highlight, with the S33 taking the top spot in sales, followed by the S31 and favoritCNC. The high-end S41 also showed solid sales figures in the premium category. Internal cylindrical grinding machines formed the second-strongest product segment, delivering robust results. However, sales of production and conventional machines fell short of expectations.

New favoritCNC and Innovative Grinding Technology

In 2024, STUDER continued to place a strong emphasis on innovation and customer-focused technological advancement, according to Chief Technology Officer Daniel Huber. A major highlight was the development of a new generation of the widely used favoritCNC universal cylindrical grinding machine. The upgraded model now features the latest FANUC control system along with a newly introduced "Conventional Mode," designed to replicate the feel and workflow of a traditional grinding machine. This feature is especially helpful for users transitioning to CNC operations. Additional enhancements include support for automation and more powerful grinding spindles, offering greater flexibility and performance.

Another key innovation is the introduction of a new universal W-axis for the S33 and S31 models. Integrated into the Z-slide, this axis allows for automatic grinding of various workpiece lengths without the need for operator intervention. The system includes two main components: a tailstock with a fixed center and a tailstock spindle with a driven center. It also supports integration with accessories such as measuring heads. One standout feature is the direct force measurement system, which enables true force-controlled clamping. This ensures exceptional precision and repeatability and allows for the use of low clamping forces—especially valuable when handling delicate or thin-walled components.

New Applications for SmartJet® and WireDress®

CTO Daniel Huber expressed enthusiasm over the continued industry recognition of STUDER’s SmartJet® coolant system, which has seen expanded use across applications in the past year. Known for its high efficiency and sustainability, the SmartJet concept now includes enhancements for thread grinding and adaptable plug-in coolant nozzles tailored to various grinding wheel profiles.

Huber also highlighted recent advancements in WireDress®, STUDER’s patented, contact-free dressing technology for metal-bonded CBN and diamond grinding wheels. "We’ve extended WireDress to support internal grinding wheels," he shared, allowing for both internal and external wheels to be dressed within the same machine setup—further boosting productivity and flexibility.

Another major milestone for STUDER was the full implementation of the C.O.R.E. platform across all relevant CNC machines. As part of the UNITED GRINDING Group’s unified digital architecture, C.O.R.E. is transforming the functionality and user experience of modern grinding technology. With this foundation now in place, STUDER and the Group are poised to continue developing next-generation software features aimed at delivering greater value to customers worldwide.

Enhanced Spindle Expertise

Stephan Stoll, COO of STUDER, then gave an overview of the Operations division. Despite the generally tense market situation, the manufacturing and assembly resources were largely utilised with the STUDER machine business, the extensive inter-company activities within the UNITED GRINDING Group, and the development of future-oriented prototype systems.

Several relevant optimisation projects were successfully implemented, such as the strategically important expansion of internal spindle expertise. In addition to the commissioning of an automated, highly efficient spindle shaft production facility, all assembly processes were consolidated and enriched with state-of-the-art inspection and testing equipment. Highly specialized specialists and powerful assembly, data analysis, and diagnostic tools allow STUDER, as a Group-wide competence center, to produce and further develop spindles to the highest standards.

The internal electrical pre-assembly has also been completely renewed. "We are now able to produce everything from individual cable sets to fully wired, complex electrical control cabinets in a highly efficient, order-specific, and just-in-time manner," said Stoll.

In addition, intensive planning for the comprehensive redesign and automation of the internal logistics infrastructure was completed last year. The implementation of this major STUDER project is already in full swing - commissioning is scheduled for December 2025.

Lighting Converted to LED

STUDER was also committed to increasing sustainability and efficiency in its own operations in 2024. The switch to LED lighting was largely implemented and various systems for operational supply were replaced with the latest generation of energy-efficient devices. The new logistics facility will also make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption at STUDER.

In addition, a wide range of digitalisation projects are being driven forward to tap into further efficiency potential in all areas of operations, Stoll emphasised. 

Jens Bleher concluded by emphasising the great importance of excellently trained and motivated employees for STUDER's long-term success as a technology company. "We are fully committed to vocational training. More than 11 percent of our workforce are apprentices," said Bleher.

Source: STUDER