Oerlikon Balzers showcases new Canadian facility

On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony (l-r): Peter Van Den Diepstaten, manager of the Canadian Center; Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie; Dr. Roland Herb, CEO Oerlikon Surface Solutions division; and Steve Crowley, president North America, Oerlikon Balzers Coating USA.

Well known globally for its surface coating solutions that enhance the durability of metals, most frequently on cutting tools and forming tools, European-based Oerlikon Balzers held a grand opening of its new Canadian facility in Guelph, Ontario on June 30.

The new 30,000 sq. ft. center is triple the size of the company's former Canadian coating site which was opened in Burlington in 2005.

The company has 24 coating centres in the Americas, and this new Canadian site will be the first location in the world to incorporate both Oerlikon Balzers coatings and the recently acquired Oerlikon Metco coating operations under one roof.

The new Guelph Oerlikon Balzers coating centre, specializing in physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings, incorporates a much larger forming tool polishing operation than the previous site, and for the first time will include a cutting tool regrinding operation.

"We are offering a total service for tool reconditioning," noted Dr. Roland Herb, CEO of Oerlikon's surface solutions segment, adding that it will be a unique service in the market (the company launched its tool reprocessing service in Mexico and China last year).

Herb also noted the Guelph location was a logistical decision, close to major highways and local auto part manufacturing giant Linamar, which he describes as a "strategic global customer."

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Headquartered in Liechtenstein, the combined Oerlikon Balzers and Oerlikon Metco now operate over 110 coating centres around the world in some 35 countries. According to Steve Crowley, president North America and head of sales and operations for the Americas, the company will be bringing new capabilities to Canada with the improved location, adding size, capacity, regrinding, with other types of coatings coming.