AXYZ Acquires WARDJet
WARDJet machines will continue to be built in Ohio, with sales and support through the global AXYZ network of offices.
Posted: April 5, 2018
AXYZ International (Burlington, ON), a leading manufacturer of CNC router systems and CNC knife systems, has acquired WARDJet (Talmadge, OH), a manufacturer of waterjet cutting machines and custom waterjet systems for a variety of industries. “We believe in providing localized sales and service support through our own offices. This ensures fast and reliable customer service,” said Alf Zeuner, the president of AXYZ who will oversee the combined company as president. “We want to bring this same value to WARDJet’s customers. Due to innovative and specialized manufacturing capabilities and advancing technology, people are excited about creating a new future together.”
Both firms have become industry leaders by offering customized machines tailored to the specific needs of the end user. The synergy between these two companies makes this move a logical one. For some potential clients, a waterjet cutting system may be the best option for the materials to be cut, while for others a CNC router or knife technology is the preference. “Waterjet technology is very complimentary to what we are doing,” noted Zeuner, who added that the two companies’ core values, built around maintaining promises made to customers and developing talented, loyal and long-term employees, also made the acquisition ideal for both parties.
WARDJet machines will continue to be made in the U.S. at their Ohio facility and will now be supported by the AXYZ global network of sales and support offices. Founder Richard Ward will retain the title of president and says that he is looking forward to the next steps for the business he founded 23 years ago: “This transaction allows us to retain all of our existing infrastructure in both Ohio and Canada because the product lines are so different,” he stated. With close to 100 WARDJet employees joining the firm, AXYZ now employs around 250 people globally.
“We will have a much larger footprint in the (waterjet) industry overnight,” said Ward, noting that this far-reaching network, as well as a strong chemistry with AXYZ, convinced him this was the best way to grow the company. “You have to embrace change to be on the right side of history, and this change is a natural one. Their vision and our vision could not be more closely aligned,” added Zeuner.
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