Tooling expert Walter has agreed to acquire the privately owned US-based company Melin Tool Co, which manufactures solid-carbide and HSS end mills, drills and countersinks.

Melin (www.melintool.com) is a growing company, supported by innovations in the solid-carbide end-mill product family, making the acquisition “a strategic fit” with Walter’s milling business in the USA.

Walter (www.walter-tools.com) says that the acquisition strengthens its round-tool offering, especially for the aerospace industry and the ‘US channel partner’ market.

“A stronger presence in the USA will allow Walter to grow the ‘inch assortments’ in line with local market requirements and to support the market with customised tooling solutions even better.”

Walter president Richard Harris added: “The acquisition is aligned with our focus on expanding our milling business in round tools and reconditioning capabilities close to customers in the American market.”

Melin Tool’s production facility is in Cleveland, Ohio. The company also has a warehouse in California — and about 100 employees in total.