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Scott Knoy Receives Prestigious “Next Generation” Award From AGMA

American Gear Manufacturers Association presents achievement award  at 2014 annual meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida

Scott Knoy receives the prestigious Next Generation award from Lou Ertel, Chairman of Overton Chicago Gear and also current Chairman of the Board of Directors for AGMA at the 2014 AGMA annual meeting in Orlando, Florida

Scott Knoy receives the prestigious Next Generation award from Lou Ertel, Chairman of Overton Chicago Gear and also current Chairman of the Board of Directors for AGMA at the 2014 AGMA annual meeting in Orlando, Florida

Ann Arbor, Michigan– German Machine Tools of America (GMTA, formerly American Wera) proudly announces the winning of the prestigious Next Generation award from the American Gear Manufacturers Association by its vice president Scott Knoy. The award was presented at the association’s recent annual meeting on April 11, 2014 at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Next Generation award from AGMA “honors individuals who, while early in their career, are emerging as contributors, innovators and/or leaders in the gear industry and who serve as role models for others in the next generation of the gear industry,” according to the AGMA Awards Committee

The Next Generation award from AGMA “honors individuals who, while early in their career, are emerging as contributors, innovators and/or leaders in the gear industry and who serve as role models for others in the next generation of the gear industry,” according to the AGMA Awards Committee

The Next Generation award, in the words of the AGMA Awards Committee, “honors individuals who, while early in their career, are emerging as contributors, innovators and/or leaders in the gear industry and who serve as role models for others in the next generation of the gear industry.”  Knoy has been active in service to the gear industry for 20 years, serving first for 11 years with major machine tool supplier Gleason and now in his ninth year with GMTA, where he oversees the sales, strategic planning, project management and marketing efforts for this major supplier of machinery to the gear, powertrain and other industries.   In addition, along with company president Walter Friedrich, he spearheads the ongoing effort at GMTA to educate and nurture the next generation of leaders in the gear industry, an endeavor to which the company has a great commitment.  GMTA supports local schools in their tech training and also Eastern Michigan University in its unique “business in a second language” program.

Scott and his wife Holly Knoy at the event

Scott and his wife Holly Knoy at the event

According to the AGMA website recap of the event, “Scott Knoy grew up in the industry with his father, Jerry Knoy, working at the Gleason Corporation and followed in his father’s footsetps, joining Gleason Cutting Tools. Scott began his career with Gleason as a regional sales manager, where he was the key contact for clients such as TRW, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Dana Corporation, Parker-Hannifin and General Electric.  Following his time at Gleason, Scott joined German Machine Tools of America (then American Wera), where he now serves as GMTA Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He is active with the AGMA Strategic Resources Network and has been attending the Annual Meeting, Gear Expo and other AGMA activities for many years.”

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (GERMAN MACHINE TOOLS OF AMERICA)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2014-2)

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Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Wera Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, energy and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, the patented Scudding® process for gearmaking, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multi-task machining operations.  This newsletter is provided to our friends in the media to keep you and your readers updated on News of Note at GMTA.

In the news…

– GMTA proudly announces the addition of Stefan Kloos as Product Manager.  Stefan will handle the Pittler vertical turning lathes and WMZ centerdrive lathes.  He will be based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, North American Headquarters for GMTA.

New GMTA Product Manager Stefan Kloos

New GMTA Product Manager Stefan Kloos

– German Language and International Careers (LIC) students from Eastern Michigan University visited GMTA on March 12, 2014. Students were given a tour of GMTA facilities and a presentation in German by GMTA President, Walter Friedrich. As EMU Department of World Languages Professor Margrit Zinggeler Ph.D. pointed out, “Eastern Michigan was one of the first universities to combine foreign language with a practical business component. The EMU major in language and international careers (LIC) is designed to integrate the study of modern foreign languages and cultures with preparation for an international business career. The major objective of the program is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to function in a foreign environment and in professional dealings with people and clients who speak a foreign language. It is a very useful course of study in today’s global economy, especially with so many foreign companies setting up shop in the U.S.” After the presentation and questions, students were invited to a typical German “Brotzeit” (evening meal of German bread and coldcuts) and, of course, ample quantities of German beer Reissdorf Koelsch!  GMTA is proud to support young people in the community and help provide them with (German) language opportunities in a business environment.

Students from Eastern Michigan University’s Language and International Careers (LIC) program visited GMTA for a detailed explanation in German from the company president, Walter Friedrich, right.  Leading the group was Professor Margrit Zinggeler, Ph.D., third from the right

Students from Eastern Michigan University’s Language and International Careers (LIC) program visited GMTA for a detailed explanation in German from the company president, Walter Friedrich, right. Leading the group was Professor Margrit Zinggeler, Ph.D., third from the right

– A definitive explanation on the trademarked Profilator Scudding® process for advanced gearmaking is now available from GMTA.  Please contact Scott Knoy below for details.

– GMTA supports the Judson Center, a charity that serves the needs of individuals with life challenges such as autism.  Every year, the Center tries to provide the youngsters served with a life-changing event.  This year, the Center is providing 150 bicycles.  GMTA is part of a group of companies supplying the bikes, along with GM Warren Transmission and local radio station, 95.5 WYCD Detroit Country. Claudia Hambleton coordinated the effort for GMTA.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (GERMAN MACHINE TOOLS OF AMERICA)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-5)

vlcsnap-2012-05-30-15h26m58s146

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, the patented Scudding® process for gearmaking, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multi-task machining operations.

-GMTA is embarking on an aggressive new ad program in 2014, seeking to expand its market reach in automotive and gain additional exposure in other machine tool end users sectors, including aerospace, medical and energy.  This effort will be enhanced by a direct marketing and social media campaign, as the company ramps up to a major presence planned for IMTS in September.In the news…

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-GMTA recently sponsored a learning day for local area school children, including all 7th graders from the Saline, Michigan schools who are currently studying German.  The group visited Frankenmuth, Michigan, which bills itself as “the American town with a German Bavarian heritage.”   The group visited the historical museum and enjoyed an array of fun activities.  Frankenmuth is also home to America’s premier Christmas store!

-GMTA recently became a member of the Michigan Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce.  Claudia Hambelton from GMTA attended the annual Fall Dinner, where the keynote speaker was Sheryl Connelly, the Global Consumer Trends and Futuring Manager for Ford, who spoke on the topic of how companies can prepare themselves for oncoming trends in the market.

-An open house to celebrate the newly expanded facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan will be held soon.  Details to come, so stay tuned!

-A definitive explanation on the Scudding® process for gearmaking, plus informative videos on this breakthrough technology, are now available from GMTA.  Click HERE to access the video.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (GERMAN MACHINE TOOLS OF AMERICA)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-4)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ. These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications. The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, Scudding®, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multiple machining operations.

MaikSchminke

Maik Schminke is named Manager of Controls Engineering & Programming

In the news…

-Effective October 1, Maik Schminke was named Manager of Controls Engineering & Programming at the Ann Arbor facility of GMTA.  According to GMTA President Walter Friedrich, “This appointment fills our need to provide and support customers with machine tool controls, SPS, PLC and CNC programming.” Schminke has worked for the past 12 years at the German partner to GMTA, Diskus, part of the large DVS Group in Germany). Prior to Diskus, he worked at Pittler, another GMTA partner company in Germany and also a DVS Group company. Schminke completed his apprenticeship program, while at Pittler.

-EMO was a BIG success for all the partners to GMTA. Walter Friedrich and Scott Knoy from GMTA attended the show and saw many North American customers and friends, then visited their partner companies. As it was Oktoberfest in Germany, Walter and Scott also sampled several local brews. A good time was had by all!

-Plans are underway to have an open house at the newly renovated GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  This expanded facility now houses parts and service, a full machine demo center, sales and corporate management for this growing machine tool company.  GMTA is the exclusive North American distributor for leading German machine tool builders and tooling suppliers, concentrated in the gear and spline production machine markets.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-3)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, Scudding®, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multiple machining operations.

In the news…

– The renovation of the GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan is now complete with plans in the works for future expansion of the campus.  Additional floorspace, showroom capacity and training facilities, plus more personnel, are planned, according to company VP Scott Knoy.  In that regard, two personnel announcements were made by GMTA company President Walter Friedrich on August 1.  Doug VanDeven is now GMTA Parts Manager and Shawn Wilkin is now GMTA Service Manager.  As Friedrich remarked, “These two positions are essential parts of our business, as they reflect our company’s image to our customers.”

– GMTA will be exhibiting at Gear Expo in Indianapolis in September.

– All the member groups of GMTA will be exhibiting at EMO in Hannover, Germany in September.  GMTA representatives Walter Friedrich and Scott Knoy will attend.

– A major sale was recently secured on the Chrysler nine-speed transmission program.

– GMTA will now represent K+G (Kristen + Goermann) carbide inserts, toolholders and cutters, plus offer a new line of GMTA Scudding® tools.  An agreement negotiation to represent Naxos grinding wheels and hone rings is underway at this time, as well.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  sales@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-1)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, Scudding®, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multiple machining operations.

In the news…

-DVS, the parent company of Pittler, Praewema and WMZ in Germany, has plans to expand its North American operations, owing to the success achieved with GMTA in this market

-Scudding® technology, pioneered by Profilator, continues to impact the North American gear and spline markets, due to its superior performance compared to other methods of production; several competitors trying to offer it, proving that indeed, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

-The renovation of the GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan is now complete with plans in the works for future expansion of the campus.  Additional floorspace, showroom capacity and training facilities, plus more personnel, are planned, according to company VP Scott Knoy.

-Now in final runoff with anticipated start-up in June, GMTA has provided eight machines (16 spindles total) for the advanced cylinder lining program to the Caterpillar operation in Mapleton, Illinois;  project for GMTA valued at $15,000,000

-Order received from Chrysler for Phase III transmission line at IPT1 in Indiana

-GMTA and DVS will have joint booth space, considerably expanded, at IMTS 2014

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note

Crown Equipment in Mexico bought one of the MAE straightening presses from the GMTA booth at IMTS. Crown is a world leader in forklift trucks.

The expansion of the GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan is underway and targeted for completion in several months.  When completed, the new facility will house a new machine demo and training center, plus additional sales and service personnel.  GMTA continues to grow steadily, representing numerous high-quality German machine tool builders in North America.

Siemens in Mexico bought a Pittler PV630 ValueLine vertical turning machine for motor manufacturing.   Take a look at video of this machine in action!

For more information:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  sales@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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American Wera Changes Name to German Machine Tools of America (GMTA)

New name to better reflect the scope of the machinery now represented throughout North America by the company  

Ann Arbor, Michigan –Effective June 11, 2012, American Wera is now officially renamed German Machine Tools Of America (GMTA) and continues to represent various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema, WMZ and MAE.  These machines are sold for gear and spline production, vertical turning, flexible machining solutions (blank to finish part solutions), as well as bar, pipe and tube straightening plus wheelset pressing.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG, rail, wind energy, aerospace and other heavy equipment manufacturing.

This announcement was made jointly by GMTA President Walter Friedrich and Vice President of Sales Scott Knoy.

“The reason for the name change is simply that the parent company wished to use a name that is more representative of all the lines we handle in North America,” said Knoy.

Originally formed as the North American subsidiary for Wera in Germany, GMTA today provides application engineering, sales and service for a broad range of machine tools and metal fabricating equipment.  GMTA has representatives throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Other key company individuals include Claudia Hambleton, Treasurer; Doug VanDeven, Service/Parts Manager and Shawn Wilkin, Senior Service Engineer.  Joseph Kemple remains the dedicated Product Manager for the MAE line of straightening and wheelset presses.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  sales@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Facebook: GMTA
Twitter: @GMTA_US

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American-Wera News of Note

Ann Arbor, MichiganAmerican-Wera represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema, Diskus, WMZ and MAE.  These machines are sold for gear and spline production, as well as bar, pipe and tube straightening plus wheelset pressing.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG, rail and other heavy equipment manufacturing.

In the news…

-Caterpillar selects Pittler as manufacturing partner for new cylinder liner project; Peoria, IL location to use inverted spindle turning centers with 16 spindles for high production

-Linamar Mexico adds second Scudding machine from Profilator at Nuevo Laredo plant for use on Getrag Ford project; Scudding is a unique and patented form of gear and spline production from Profilator

-IMTS 2012-Our booth N6260 will include information on all our gearcutting machines and feature two MAE straightening presses in action…come and see the show!!  

-We’re expanding our facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan-North American facility expands in floorspace and showroom capacity, with additional staff to be added soon;  full application engineering assistance, sales, service and training offered for our customers and field sales representatives

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) Formerly American Wera
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
Facebook: GMTA
Twitter: @GMTA_US

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MAE Straightening and Wheel Set Presses to Be Represented By American Wera

 North American sales to automotive, heavy equipment, steel, rail, OCTG and other metal fab markets to be handled by leading supplier of machine tools

 

Ann Arbor, Michigan-Effective October 1, 2011, an agreement was reached by American Wera, Inc. here and MAE Götzen GmbH of Erkrath, Germany for representation of the MAE line of straightening presses, wheel set presses and hydraulic presses in the North American market, comprising Canada, Mexico and the U.S. For MAE, American Wera will supply equipment, application engineering, onsite commissioning, training and all after-sale service, operating from its headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan and sales & service center in Queretaro, Mexico.  The company’s existing network of sales representatives will handle this new line, under the direction of Product Manager for MAE, Joseph Kemple. 

MAE offers a broad line of manual, semi-automatic and automatic straightening equipment with press forces to 25,000 kN, used particularly in the automotive, heavy equipment, steel, rail and OCTG markets on round, profiled and complex shaped workpieces in lengths up to 100 feet. MAE machines possess the high accuracy and repeatability necessary for extremely tight straightening tolerances on such large workpieces.

Depending upon the workpiece, the type of machine may be electromechanical or hydraulic.  All hydraulic presses are equipped with the MAE patented BiPAC hydraulic control systems for large energy savings.

Finally, MAE also offers special application presses in C-frame, as well as four-column styles with press forces to 10,000 kN. These special application presses are typically used in forming and calibration.

Scott Knoy, vice president of sales for American Wera, states, “We believe the MAE line will complement our existing equipment, making us a greater value adder to current customers, plus it will open new markets where our expertise can be helpful to a variety of end product manufacturers.” 

Executing the agreement were American Wera President Walter Friedrich and MAE Managing Director Ruediger Goetzen.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) Formerly American Wera
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
Facebook: GMTA
Twitter: @GMTA_US

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