FACE TO FACE
Punch press tooling on display . Jason Semerad ( left ) and Paul Johnson next to the new e-clamp at EuroBLECH 2024 .
A new acquisition
Wilson Tool recently confirmed the acquisition of PASS Stanztechnik AG ( PASS ), a manufacturer of precision punch press tooling based in Creußen , Germany . PASS provides punching tools and custom solutions that are compatible with TRUMPF , Salvagnini and Thick Turret systems worldwide .
This strategic acquisition strengthens Wilson Tool ’ s product portfolio , service , manufacturing capabilities and ability to deliver solutions and support to customers worldwide . The combination of the two companies will boost Wilson Tool ’ s presence in the European market and enable PASS to expand its technology tool set and accelerate its buildout of a more extensive global footprint . The combined strength of their respective patent catalogues , global design teams and manufacturing capabilities will extend a strong history of innovation and delivery of technological advances for both companies .
The new e-clamp on the Wilson Tool stand at EuroBLECH 2024 .
“ PASS is a wonderful company , with the same culture , innovation drive and values as Wilson Tool . It is a perfect match for us . We have so much to learn from each other that will benefit customers in the long term . As family-owned businesses , Wilson Tool and PASS AG share foundational values centred on customer service , quality , innovation and the wellbeing of our employees . We will be using both manufacturing facilities and will support PASS customers as one team , although the market will still see two separate brands ,” Paul Johnson , CEO of Wilson Tool , told ISMR at EuroBLECH in Hanover .
Jason Semerad , Wilson Tool ’ s new CCO , agreed with this assessment .
“ Our message to customers , partners and employees is that nothing will change . They
Wilson Tool recently confirmed the acquisition of PASS Stanztechnik AG ( PASS ), a manufacturer of precision punch press tooling based in Creußen , Germany
will experience no disruption in their current business activities . There is room for both Wilson Tool and PASS in the market . Our focus is on global expansion and increased market share . PASS ’ s OEM connections and support levels are excellent ; we aim to expand those relationships and offer greater levels of connection and support to both PASS and Wilson Tool ’ s OEM partners and customers ,” he added .
An eye on innovation
Wilson Tool brought several tooling innovations to the October 2024 EuroBLECH exhibition in Hanover , Germany . These included its new electric clamp ; new multi-tools and tapping tools as well as extra press brake tooling styles . “ We have released more new products in the last twelve months than we have in a long time ….,” Paul Johnson explained . “ This is a very exciting time for Wilson Tool . We have renewed and refocused our energy into growing our markets in the sheetmetal business . I see so many new potential opportunities for our business . The PASS acquisition feeds into this , but we have also focused on technology innovations as we aim for growth .”
“ Right now , we have 50 focused innovation projects in the hopper . We aspire to get at least 5 % of our revenue from new products . We now have a new leadership team and are really scaling the company for growth . We will match increased commercialisation activities with our technological innovations and focus on more investment in marketing , getting messages out to customers and partnering with more OEMs and customers as we bring future innovations
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