Fritz Studer AG held its annual press conference in Steffisburg under the motto ‘Swiss Made’. Despite complex global conditions, the Swiss technology company strengthened its global market position, introduced key innovations and enhanced operational efficiency. The new S23 universal cylindrical grinding machine and the latest generation of favoritCNC received an excellent market response.

‘The year 2025 was marked by challenging markets and geopolitical uncertainties. Nevertheless, we exceeded our expectations and emerged stronger than ever,’ said CEO Sandro Bottazzo. In customer care, the company achieved record sales in paid service and maintenance.

Total sales were slightly below the previous year but exceeded expectations due to a strong year-end performance. In North America, STUDER recorded solid sales despite customs challenges. Asia delivered positive results above the previous year’s level, particularly in China. Machine orders received also surpassed the prior year. Notably, 44 per cent of orders came from new customers. Orders from North America, Asia and European countries including France, Czechia and Denmark supported this outcome.

Germany, Italy and Switzerland fell short of expectations. Overall, however, market share was maintained or expanded in all regions.

The customer care segment performed strongly. ‘Thanks to our global, customer-focused service organisation, we set new sales records in service and maintenance,’ Bottazzo said. In many markets, over 70 per cent of the active installed base now operates under maintenance contracts. Machine overhauls closed the year with one of the strongest order backlogs in the company’s 114-year history.

The aerospace segment delivered a record performance, becoming the largest single segment for the first time and accounting for almost one-third of total orders. Precision engineering, machine tools and automotive also remained important segments.

‘Our broad portfolio remains a pillar of success and covers a wide range of universal cylindrical grinding applications,’ Bottazzo added.

The S33 was the best-selling machine, followed by the S31 and S41. External and internal cylindrical grinding machines also performed well. The S141 achieved one of its best sales results in the past ten years.

In 2025, GF Machining Solutions was acquired by the UNITED GRINDING Group, which now operates as UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS. With total sales exceeding USD 1.5 billion and around 5,000 employees across more than 50 locations, the group ranks among the world’s largest machine tool manufacturers.

Following the acquisition, the STUDER Competence Center for internal cylindrical grinding relocated to modern facilities at Roger-Federer-Allee 7 in Biel, Switzerland, a few minutes from its previous site.

STUDER continued to advance grinding technologies in 2025. ‘A highlight was the world premiere of the S23 universal cylindrical grinding machine with a compact design for precise grinding results,’ said CTO Daniel Huber.

The new generation of favoritCNC, featuring modern FANUC control and automation capabilities, was well received. WireDress® technology for internal cylindrical grinding was further developed to enable contact-free dressing of metal-bonded grinding wheels directly in the machine.

Customers also benefit from a new axis system for the S31 and S33, allowing automatic adjustment to different workpiece lengths. Digitalisation progressed with C.O.R.E. Release 5.0, enabling direct access from the machine panel to the manufacturer-independent customer portal of the Transaction Network and providing live status updates of the machine fleet.

Alongside product development, STUDER advanced operational transformation. ‘In 2025, we elevated our production and logistics processes,’ said COO Stephan Stoll.

A major milestone was the commissioning of a fully automated small parts warehouse equipped with 32 autonomous robots and 16,000 containers. The system accommodates tens of thousands of components and enhances efficiency in both machine and spare parts logistics. Further progress was made towards a paperless factory.

Machine sales increased significantly in the third and particularly the fourth quarter, a trend expected to continue into 2026. The company anticipates further growth in the current fiscal year.

‘Demand for high-quality grinding machines will recover further, and the response to the new S23 has been very positive. The first machines have already been sold and delivered,’ Bottazzo said. Strategic investment in innovation, infrastructure and workforce development will continue.

Dual training remains central to STUDER’s success, with apprentices representing around 10 per cent of the workforce. Training excellence is reflected in achievements at events such as the SwissSkills vocational championships.

Studer will participate in more than 35 trade fairs worldwide this year and looks ahead to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Granitan, the high-performance material developed and patented by STUDER that continues to set standards for stable machine bases.