Stiles Machinery, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is commemorating 60 years of leadership in the North American woodworking machinery market.
Founded in 1965, the company has grown from a regional supplier into a nationwide solutions and service partner for manufacturers of all sizes and industries.
“This milestone is a testament to our people and the partners who have grown with us,” says Barry Kellar, President of Stiles Machinery. “Sixty years in this industry doesn’t happen by accident. Our customers, manufacturers, dealers, and employees have helped us adapt, innovate, and deliver decade after decade.”
Stiles Machinery has been part of the HOMAG Group since 2014, when HOMAG Group AG increased its shareholding in the company to 100 percent. The companies’ shared focus on continuous improvement has resulted in a broad offering that ranges from individual machines to integrated, end-to-end manufacturing systems. In addition to partnering with global leaders such as Heesemann, Salvador, and Makor, Stiles also develops its own brands, including KENTWOOD and IRONWOOD.
Adapting service to meet the needs of manufacturers has been central to Stiles’ approach. In 1985, then-owners Peter Kleinschmidt and David Rothwell made a strategic investment in parts and service capabilities. Today, Stiles says it inventories over 425,000 parts at its headquarters and fulfills a majority of orders in under 15 minutes of intake.
More than 200 service and support technicians are positioned across the United States to provide on-site assistance, remote diagnostics, and lifecycle support, including rebuilds, upgrades, and complementary equipment solutions.
Training has grown alongside service. In 1990, Stiles founded Stiles Education, the industry’s first IACET-accredited training center. Now known as Stiles University, the program offers more than 20 courses and an online learning portal and has served more than 40,000 students since its inception.
With six decades behind them, Stiles is focused on continuing to drive innovation and support for manufacturers across North America.
“As we recognize six decades, our commitment remains the same: help manufacturers run smarter, safer, and more efficiently,” Kellar says. “That means continuing to invest in the right people, training, and support that Stiles is known for.”
