Walter Tools Closing Production In Wisconsin

Walter will shut down production of its special and inch tools at its Pewaukee, WI location by the end of March and will shift production to larger global facilities.

Cutting and metalworking tools maker Walter USA announced last month that it will shut down its special and inch tool production at its facility in Pewaukee, WI.

The company, a division of Germany-based Walter Tools, said that 36 permanent employees will be terminated, with layoffs to begin Feb. 10.

A news release from the State of Wisconsin Workforce Development said that Walter will complete the closure by the end of March, with production shifted to larger global facilities. 

Walter regional president Matt Tanriverdi said the Waukesha closing is due to the company consoilidating lower volume plants into larger facilities with advanced technology.

"This allows Walter to re-adjust and optimize its production capabilities and thus safegaurd its competitiveness," Tanriverdi said.

All of Walter's other Waukesha functions will remain at that facility.

Walter NA regional president Muff Tanriverdi told Industrial Supply magazine that production of special end mills, drills, taps, and indexable cutters will be moved to larger facilities depending upon the type of product being produced. He added that all other company functions, including sales, engineering, human resources, finance, marketing and logistics, will remain in Waukesha. All told, about 36 positions will be impacted, Tanriverdi said.

The Waukesha location employs about 200 people overall. Walter acquired Waukesha cutting tools in 1999 and made the location its U.S. headquarters. It moved from Waukesha to nearby Pewaukee In 2006.

More