On 1 January 2010, the US company, Valenite, is to be integrated into the Walter Group. Operating in the NAFTA markets, the new competence brand, Walter Valenite is set to offer tools with indexable inserts for turning, drilling and milling as well as the special tools of the high-tech MODCO brand (eg for complex motion tools). "By combining our product ranges, we will be able to improve our market position in North America on the one hand and our worldwide position in the automotive industry on the other," explains Peter Witteczek, Chairman of Walter's Board of Directors in Tubingen.

In the USA, "Valenite" has for decades been regarded as a strong brand with many years of experience in the cutting field, particularly in the international automotive industry. The company was originally founded in Detroit in 1943 under the name MODCO as a manufacturer of special tools. From 1954 onwards, the company continued production and sales under the name Valenite. Today, in addition to the automotive sector, the medical, wind energy and aerospace industries feature among the company's target markets.

The cutting tool industry is facing new and ever more challenging demands. Only a business that adopts the right solution, tailored to meet special production requirements, is capable of gaining a decisive competitve edge. The integration wil benefit the customers of Walter and Valenite in many ways: an even wider product range, simplified procurement processes, increased competence in the industry, and a greater global and local presence for the Walter Group.