What do traditional alpine horns have in common with precision cylindrical grinding machines? Alpine horns opened Studer’s Motion Meeting 2026 in Steffisburg, Switzerland.Both are made in Switzerland. One is bored out of carefully selected Swiss spruce; the other bores into hardened steel. One is shaped by hand; the other is engineered to the micron level. Both are rooted in natural materials: spruce from alpine forests and mineral aggregates quarried in Switzerland. Both reflect a culture that respects process, patience, and precision. That parallel was on full display as low, echoing Alpine horns opened Studer’s Motion Meeting 2026 in Steffisburg, Switzerland. Studer, a manufacturer of precision cylindrical grinding machines sold and serviced by United Grinding North America, welcomed international press and delivered updates on markets, machines, materials, and apprenticeships, culminating in a “Surprise Night” on a famous mountain summit. Markets: Climbing Through 2025 Studer CEO Sandro Bottazzo, CTO Daniel Huber, and COO Stephan Stoll led the presentations, beginning with a review of 2025 and a look ahead to 2026. Bottazzo compared 2025 to hiking in the Alps — some stretches steep, some footing uncertain, but always climbing. Europe proved the toughest terrain, particularly in Central Europe and in the automotive sector. Still, overall sales increased compared to 2024, driven by expanding business in North America and strong growth across Asia — especially in China. Across 32 countries, Asia now represents Studer’s largest sales region. For the first time, aerospace emerged as the company’s strongest sector. With a positive 2026 forecast, the footing appears more secure. Studer CEO Sandro Bottazzo, CTO Daniel Huber, and COO Stephan StollHuber and Stoll built on that momentum, outlining continued investment in digitalization and automation, showcasing the company’s new automated logistics and multi-robot warehouse, while reaffirming Studer’s commitment to micron-precision, reducing the carbon footprint of its machine tools, the 50th anniversary of Granitan, its proprietary mineral-cast base material that underpins its machines, and the longstanding apprenticeship program that sustains its workforce. Machines: Built for Versatility Market strength was reflected in the machines customers chose. In 2025, the S33 once again led as Studer’s best-selling platform, with the S31 and S100 continuing to perform strongly across industries. The Favorite CNC also gained traction, reinforcing demand for flexible, value-driven grinding solutions. For the technical deep dive, however, Studer focused on the S23, a simpler and more affordable universal external cylindrical grinding machine. Studer S23.Compact in footprint yet expansive in capability, the S23 is designed for flexibility. Its modular wheelhead can accommodate up to three wheels in a single setup — two external and one internal — reducing changeovers and expanding application range. Available in fixed or swiveling configurations, the wheelhead allows shops to tailor the machine to their production mix. The integrated, position- and speed-controlled C-axis enables out-of-round and thread grinding, opening doors to more complex geometries without secondary operations. Combined with Studer’s C.O.R.E. operating system and intuitive StuderPictogramming interface, the S23 boasts “programming as easy as your mobile phone” without sacrificing control. The S23 rests on a Granitan machine base, providing damping and thermal stability that support consistent surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Materials: Swiss Stone, Engineered Stability And that machine base is having its own moment. Granitan is the mineral-cast base material that has supported Studer machines since 1976.This year marks the 50th anniversary of Granitan, the mineral-cast base material that has supported Studer machines since 1976. Its mineral components are mined in Switzerland and blended using a proprietary composition refined over decades. The result is a vibration-damping, thermally stable base that provides the consistency and precision demanded by grinding. ApprenticeshipsIf materials form the foundation, people sustain it. Studer introduced its apprenticeship program in a way only the Swiss could — with a traditional Swiss wrestling match. Two competitors wearing grain-sack shorts stepped into a ring of sawdust, gripping, shifting, and working for position. One clean lift and a controlled throw later, the opponent was pinned. Point made. Training and technique matter. Preparation wins. Studer currently trains nearly 60 apprentices, making it one of the largest apprenticeship programs in its region for the machinery,Studer currently trains nearly 60 apprentices, making it one of the largest apprenticeship programs in its region for the machinery, electrical engineering, and metal industry sector. Programs range from grinding technologists and engineering roles to multimedia technicians, and many apprentices compete and win in SwissSkills and WorldSkills competitions. The company plans to expand the program further, reinforcing its long-term investment in skilled talent. Later that day, over lunch in a traditional Swiss villa, I found myself seated next to John Richard, Studer’s oldest living apprentice, who started with the company in the 1950s as an apprentice and spent decades shaping its North American business. Throughout the day, I met other Studer and United Grinding team members who had started the same way. After learning about the rigorous training, the trust customers place in Studer machines — and the people who service them — is well-earned. An Alpine Finale Valley view from Piz Gloria atop the Schilthorn. The alpine horns that opened the day echoed again at the summit of Schilthorn mountain. Here, Studer closed Motion Meeting 2026 with a “Surprise Night” at Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant made famous in the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Before leaving the peak, we stepped outside as snow swirled in figure eights beneath the lights. From the first note in Steffisburg to the final echo above the Alps, the message was consistent. Swiss hospitality shows in the details and precision is one of them. You’ll find the Swiss mindset on display in the United Machining Solutions display (IMTS booth #236802) at IMTS 2026, Sept. 14-19, McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill. Register Now.
Market growth, the S23 grinding platform, 50 years of Granitan, and a strong apprenticeship culture were highlighted at the Studer Motion Meeting 2026.
Subscribe to Newsletters
Get the latest news from IMTS delivered to your inbox.