2016 – An Exciting Year in Review
After celebrating their 50th anniversary, followed by a new high for technology order intake, it was going to take a phenomenal year for Stiles Machinery to top their record-setting achievements of 2015.
With the combined efforts of their over 400-person workforce spread across North America, Stiles once again set the industry benchmark for service, sales and customer support for the woodworking marketplace. Stiles has experienced many new landmarks and special occasions in 2016, and has already begun plans for a more momentous year in 2017. Join us as we take a look back at the more exciting developments from this past year.
HOMAG Machinery North America
Manufacturing in America
In February, Stiles celebrated the grand opening of the all-new HOMAG Machinery North America facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The exciting event included presentations from representatives of HOMAG Group, Stiles Machinery and local dignitaries from the local community in recognition of the company’s expansion into a new 100,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. The news further illustrated HOMAG Group’s investment towards local manufacturing resources to produce technologies specifically for the North American customer. Learn more >
Stiles in Mexico
In March, Stiles announced the expansion of their sales and service offerings to Mexico. Stiles Mexico will introduce Mexican manufacturers to the company’s ‘Total Production Solutions’ value proposition which combines best-in-class wood processing equipment from the world’s most respected machinery manufacturers with the exceptional after-sale support services from Stiles. The decision to introduce a new Mexican region aligns with Stiles’ greater North American strategies towards expanding support offerings for their regional customers in a growing global economy. Learn more >
Stiles invested in expanded Hanel Storage Systems
Expansion of Stiles Parts Offerings
Stiles partnered with Hänel Storage Systems to add additional storage capacity for the company’s 24/7 Parts department, allowing the industry-leading department to further expand their stock of spare parts and tooling available for same-day shipment. The investment decision was another move towards Stiles’ continued efforts to improve their service and support for customers across North America.
Specialized Events for Manufacturers
This year, Stiles hosted a variety of educational and informational events for manufacturers across a range of industries. In May, they hosted Flooring Day 2016 at their High Point, North Carolina location, which showcased the latest emerging production trends and technologies for engineered flooring and solid wood processing manufacturers. Presentations and live machinery demonstrations gave attendees an up-close look at cutting-edge technologies in numerous solid wood processing applications including moulding, ripping, end-matching and automated hand-scraping practices.
In July, Stiles hosted the latest edition of their Plastics Fabrication Seminar at their Grand Rapids, Michigan location. At the event, industry experts introduced innovative topics designed to enhance knowledge and provided ideas for solving manufacturing challenges. The most advanced equipment for sheet sizing, CNC machining and material handling systems available for plastics were showcased with live, hands-on demonstrations for fabricators of acrylics, foam and mechanical plastics.
Manufacturing Solutions Seminar – November 2016
Stiles hosted three editions of their leading customer event, the Manufacturing Solutions Seminar, in February, June and November in High Point. This event draws woodworkers and manufactures from across North America, as Stiles showcases best practices, manufacturing trends and demonstrations on the latest technologies in panel processing and solid wood manufacturing.
A New Experience at IWF
Stiles had the opportunity to share technology solutions with thousands of manufacturers at the 2016 International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta, Georgia. This year, more than 16,000 attendees had the opportunity to experience Stiles Machinery like never before at the industry’s largest tradeshow.
Clearly exhibiting their position as the industry leader with the show’s largest display of manufacturing technology – nearly 26,000 sq. ft. of booth space – Stiles offered live demonstrations on more than 50 cutting-edge machinery lines, as well as presenting software and service solutions designed to help manufacturers take the next step toward revolutionary speed and production. Stiles provided customers with a completely new design concept with improved sight lines, greater engagement and enhanced hospitality experiences. More than 25% of the show’s total registered attendees visited the Stiles booth to take part in their countless live machinery demonstrations and to gain consultation from one of the 200 industry experts working their booth. Learn more >
Stiles European Benchmarking Tour 2016
Exposure to Upcoming Trends
Stiles hosted their annual European Benchmarking Tech Tour in September. The 2016 tour brought together a wide-ranging group of about 30 North American manufacturing leaders of store fixtures, cabinets, closets, lockers, and other furniture to explore the unique processes, strategies, and business plans of the most innovative, efficient, and productive manufacturing facilities in Europe. Over the course of a week, participants explored not only technology, but also how these companies overcame market challenges, production bottlenecks, and cultural changes – and discovered new ways to think about their own business operations. Learn more >
Looking Ahead to 2017
Never one to rest of their laurels, Stiles is already well underway with their plans for three major opportunities to provide customers additional educational and informational events.
Registration is now open for EBC 2017
The renowned Executive Briefing Conference returns for 2017, taking place April 23-25 in Detroit, Michigan. This event, provides company leaders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions on the future success of their company. Intensive briefings, thought-provoking speakers, case studies, plant tours and networking provide decision makers with the knowledge, strategies and attitude necessary for success in today’s manufacturing world. Are you ready to rethink manufacturing? Registration is now open for this event.
In May, Stiles is proud to be the North American host for LIGNA 2017. By joining Stiles at the world’s largest manufacturing event, you’ll be assured of lodging and a dedicated tour of this significant event. Pre-registration is now underway to join Stiles at this event.
In July, join Stiles in Las Vegas, Nevada for AWFS 2017, an opportunity for industry leaders to experience the technology solutions that Stiles can provide. Stiles looks forward to providing manufacturers ideas for improving and growing and expanding their businesses. Sign up to receive additional information.