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What is a Floor Grinding Machine and How Does it Work?

Concrete surfaces look beautiful when they are first installed. However, over time they can become stained and scratched. To keep your concrete floors looking their best, you will need to invest in a floor grinding machine.

A floor grinding machine, also known as a concrete grinder. is a tool that is used to smooth and polish the surface of the concrete. These machines come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they all have one common goal: to make your concrete look amazing! In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of floor grinding machines, as well as their benefits. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the right machine for your needs.

What is a Floor Grinding Machine, Exactly?

A floor grinding machine is a powerful tool that is designed to remove stains, scratches, and imperfections from concrete floors. It uses a rotating disc to grind down the surface of the concrete, leaving it smooth and even. You can then use a sealer to protect the floor from future damage.

Concrete floor grinders are typically used for polishing concrete, hardwood floors, and stone flooring. They can also be used for removing paint, adhesives, and other materials from floor surfaces. Both residential and commercial buildings use floor grinders for a smooth and level surface.

Apart from polishing flooring surfaces, it is also used for concrete restoration, refinishing exterior wood surfaces, removing coatings and mastics, grinding tile grout lines, and leveling uneven surfaces. A floor grinding machine requires special attachments depending on the surface you need to work on.

For instance, most floor grinding projects will require a diamond cup grinding wheel. This type of wheel is designed to remove material quickly and easily. It has small diamonds embedded in the surface that help break down the concrete. You can also use it for sanding wood surfaces, removing rust from metal surfaces, and more. As for newly laid stone floors, it is used for honing and polishing the surface to reveal a perfectly smooth finish.

Types of Concrete Floor Grinder Machines

There are many different types of floor grinding machines on the market, but they can be divided into three categories: handheld, walk-behind, and ride-on floor grinding machines.

Handheld Floor Grinding Machines

Handheld floor grinding machines are small and lightweight, making them perfect for use in tight spaces. They are also very easy to operate, which makes them ideal for beginners. However, handheld floor grinding machines can be difficult to control, so they are not always the best choice for large projects.

Walk-Behind Concrete Grinders

Walk-behind floor grinding machines are larger and heavier than handheld models, but they are also more powerful. These machines are perfect for large projects or for concrete floors that are too difficult to reach with a handheld machine. Walk-behind floor grinding machines also offer more control and precision than their handheld counterparts.

Ride-on Floor Grinding Machines

Ride-on floor grinding machines are the largest and most powerful options on the market. They are designed for large industrial projects, and they offer the most control and precision of any type of floor grinding machine. However, ride-on floor grinding machines can be very expensive, so they are not always the best choice for smaller projects.

How Do Floor Grinders Work?

Most floor grinders use a spinning disc to remove stains, scratches, and imperfections from concrete floors. The disc is usually made of diamond or another abrasive material. Different degrees of cutting power might be accessible to the blades, which can be adjusted depending on the job at hand. The discs rotate at high speeds, and they are able to remove even the toughest stains and scratches.

To use a floor grinder, you will need to first wet the surface of the concrete. This will help to lubricate the disc and prevent it from becoming clogged with debris. You can then adjust the machine to the desired cutting power, and begin grinding! Be sure to keep a close eye on the machine while you are using it, as it can be easy to cause damage if you are not careful.

The grinding process creates a great deal of dust, so it is important to use a dust mask and goggles while operating the machine. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the area while the machine is in use. Additionally, you will need to wear proper safety gear while you are using the floor grinder aside from the dust mask and google, you also need to wear earplugs, gloves, and a respiratory mask.

After you have finished grinding the floor, you will need to vacuum up the debris and then apply a new coat of sealer. This will help to protect the floor and keep it looking its best. Floor grinders are an essential tool for any concrete worker or DIY enthusiast. With the right machine, you can create a perfect finish on your concrete floors!

Benefits of Using a Floor Grinder

There are many benefits of using a floor grinder on your concrete floors. First, floor grinders can remove stains and scratches that would otherwise be difficult to remove. Second, they can also be used to polish newly laid stone floors. Third, floor grinders offer more control and precision than handheld models. Additionally, they are perfect for large floor grinding projects or for concrete floors that are too difficult to reach with a handheld machine. over, floor grinders help to seal the concrete floor and protect it from future damage. Finally, they can be used to create a variety of finishes on concrete floors, hardwood floors, and stone floors depending on the type of machine you are using.

Here’s a rundown of the main uses of floor grinders.

• Remove scratches, paint, or coatings from a concrete surface
• Smooth out bumps or ridges
• Grind down protruding nails or screws
• Prepare a concrete surface for staining or sealing
• Removing rust, grease, or other contaminants from a concrete surface
• Remove old sealers or coatings
• Level a concrete surface before installing new flooring or tile
• Treatment polishing of concrete surfaces
• Prepare the surface for sealing or staining
• Extend the life of your concrete floors

How to Choose the Right Floor Grinding Machine

Now that you know what a floor grinding machine is and how it works, you need to choose the right one for your needs. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the right floor grinding machine for your needs.

Area Size

The first thing you need to consider is the size of the job. If you only need to grind a small area, then a handheld machine will be sufficient. However, if you are working on a large project, then you will need to use a walk-behind machine.

Type of Surface

The second thing you need to consider is the type of surface that you are working on. If your concrete floor is in good condition and only needs minor repairs, then a handheld machine will be sufficient. However, if the floor is in bad condition or needs major repairs, then you will need to use a walk-behind machine.

Budget

The third thing you need to consider is your budget. If you are working on a tight budget, then a handheld machine will be your best option.

Purpose of Use

The fourth thing you need to consider is the purpose of use. If you are only going to be using your floor grinder occasionally, then a handheld machine will be sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Grinding and Polishing

1) Can you regrind old and existing floors?

Yes, you can. Floor grinders can be used to remove old sealers or coatings from a concrete surface and prepare it for staining or sealing.

2) How is the polishing process done?

Concrete polishing is comparable to sanding wood. Heavy-duty polishing machines with progressively higher diamond grinding discs are used to grind down surfaces to the required degree of brightness and smoothness. After the grinding process is complete, a coat of epoxy polish is applied to protect the floor and give it a high-gloss finish.

3) What is the proper care you should apply to a floor that has been polished?

The recommended care for a polished concrete floor is to sweep or vacuum it regularly and damp mop it with a pH-neutral detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the finish. For deep cleaning, a weak solution of ammonia and water can be used. Be sure to rinse the floor well afterward.

4) How long do polished concrete floors last?

The life of a polished concrete floor depends on the amount of traffic it receives and the type of sealer that is used. With proper care, a polished concrete floor can last for 20 years.

5) How often should you grind and polish concrete floors?

Most concrete floors only need to be ground and polished every 2-3 years. However, if the floor is in a high-traffic area, it may need to be done more often.

Conclusion

Now that you know what a floor grinding machine is and how to choose the right one for your needs, you can get started on your next project. With the right machine, you can create a perfect finish on your concrete floors!

New features make grinding machines more productive

Rollomatic’s GrindSmart 660XW is a 6-axis tool and peel grinding machine that performs blank preparation for common-shank rotary cutting tools, neck grinding for long-reach mold and die end mills, and plunge grinding operations in addition to grinding the cutting geometry. Rollomatic

Over the past few years many machine shops have been suffering from labour shortages. Some argue that young people are not choosing manufacturing jobs because they are unaware of what the career path offers. Others say that processes like grinding seem like black magic and complicated, while some believe it’s because manufacturing is considered a dirty job.

It’s true that many young people don’t know about the many rewarding careers available in the manufacturing industry. But the other assumptions are nothing but a bad rap. Many of today’s shops are extremely clean with the latest equipment that shortens the learning curve and makes operations smooth and efficient. Grinding technology has recently undergone significant upgrades and advancements to increase flexibility, productivity, and ease of use.

Here are five ways in which grinding machines are improving.

Size and Modularity

Shop floor space can be at a premium. The latest grinding machines take this into account with smaller footprints.

” and more customers are asking for a smaller footprint machine because real estate is very valuable,” said Simon Manns, vice-president, tool division, United Grinding North America, Miamisburg, Ohio. “The more machines they can get on the floor up and running, the more spindles are turning, and the more money they make.”

One way this is done is through a vertical configuration, meaning the platform footprint can be much more compact than older models.

“With the platform designed vertically, the robot system and machine grinding area are located on one side, and then the wheel changer on the other side,” said Eric Schwarzenbach, president, Rollomatic Inc., Mundelein, Ill. “Stacking features and components in a vertical arrangement saves space. This is great for small shops that don’t have capital to invest in expanding infrastructure, or even larger companies that want to add several machines into the space without having to rebuild or extend the building.”

Some grinding machine models can be both scalable and modular. Shops that are looking for flexibility can buy a basic machine and pick and choose the options that are available.

“The benefit of this is that an existing machine can be retrofitted on the shop floor at a later date of choice,” said Schwarzenbach. “For small shops, they can start with a basic system that is hand-loaded. The shop can make money and then invest that money in additional features like a robot to allow for unattended operations, upgrade the wheel changer from four to eight or 12 stations, or put in a cassette changer. A scalable machine can allow shops to grow the equipment with the needs of the company.”

Other major machine enhancements include changes to the motor system. Many of today’s grinding machines have switched over to linear motors instead of drivetrain. This new advancement allows for better surface finishing, extended longevity of the slide system, better acceleration and deceleration, and faster speeds.

United Grinding’s flexLoad is a fully enclosed and integrated part-loading system for many OD and ID grinding machines. United Grinding

Combined Operations

Grinding machines are expanding to incorporate additional operations. Some of the latest models combine several grinding functions, while others incorporate secondary operations like milling, as well as ancillary processes. Any of those configurations can help increase flexibility and reduce cycle time.

“One of the latest hybrid models combines peel and tool grinding,” said Schwarzenbach. “If you have an end mill with a neck, a long-reach end mill, or mold end mill with the same long neck, you can produce that from solid rod in one setup on one machine. This is definitely something new we are seeing in the industry.”

A system like this requires a steady rest to support the tool during grinding and allow three operations to be performed in one chucking. The first operation plunges the end mill diameter. In the second operation, geometry grinding or tool grinding produces the flutes, and the third operation grinds the neck. A hybrid machine with different grinding operations allows shops to perform back tapering of the drill, flute grinding, and point grinding all in one chucking.

“We’re seeing a move in profile grinding that leads us towards what milling machines have been delivering for years,” said Larry Marchand, vice-president, profile division, United Grinding North America. “The more value-added operations you can complete in a single trip inside the machine, the better. The addition of secondary operations (like mill, drill, deburr, and polish) is something we are seeing more and more. On one of our newer models we can complete a variety of non-grinding operations that were not feasible before automatic tool changing was adapted to profile grinders.”

A hybrid system like this is beneficial for customers that are working on parts that require mostly grinding but may have one or two features, like a couple of holes, slots, or grooves, that they can now mill directly on the grinding machine. This eliminates the need to take the part to a new machine for secondary operations. In a lot of ways, it’s a very complementary technology.

“If you have a part and it takes four operations, that’s four machines or four setups, four times the operator has to load and unload the part and put it in the next machine,” said Manns. “The ability to combine operations is probably No. 1 for productivity. The next wave we are seeing will also combine grinding with auxiliary operations. A grinding machine can include something like a cleaning station that cleans the tool after grinding, or even a coat tray that the tool can go into, where a robot can then take it out and move it somewhere for coating.”

Software and User Interface

With newer models, shops are also getting the latest controls. With the advent of 3D software, which requires a lot of powerful rendering, machines with basic controls were unable to keep up with the latest technology.

“The new controls allow shops to use the latest 3D software,” said Manns. “Also, with an older control, there were many cables and wires to deal with. New controls—while more powerful—are simpler in the way they are connected, but you are getting a lot more capability and better connectivity to networks.”

Many of the latest control panels are designed with ease of use in mind. Younger generations are used to working on smartphones with touchscreens, and panels with similar features are more accessible for a new generation of workers.

“Built into our panel is a camera so we can do videoconferencing with the operator on the machine for troubleshooting,” said Manns. “It’s all about support and being able to access the machine remotely and get the customer back up and running if there is a problem. With the latest software and new panel, shops can expect more functionality, but also it makes the learning curve less challenging as you can get new operators up to speed running the machine more quickly.”

Rollomatic’s 6-axis tool grinder includes shank guidance and steady rest. Rollomatic

The user interface allows for a better, easier way to train operators, because many shops don’t have expert grinding engineers, or the grinding knowledge is no longer available. The user interface, control software, and grinding software work together as a teaching tool.

Automation

One of the driving forces behind the need for automation is not just the lack of operators, but also that current operators don’t want to constantly stand in front of a machine to perform periodic checks anymore.

“Whether it’s a small job shop or a large production company, many shops are looking to invest in lights-out or various unattended operations,” said Schwarzenbach. “Grinding machines need to be able to be autonomous, and that includes adding robots, but also measuring inside that machine to allow for automatic adjustments. This is very important for any shop to run lights-out.”

Automation today can range from small collaborative robot systems used for loading/unloading to robotic cells that tend machines. With grinding machines, there are a few areas where automation makes sense. Shops can look to automate around the cutting tools, but also automatically load the machine.

“Automation could be in the form of transfer stations, conveyors, or systems to automate the upstream and downstream processes,” said Simon Bramhall, general manager, engineering and project management, United Grinding North America. “We have focused on two standard loaders, the latest of which has really been designed to help shops that are having difficulty finding operators to tend the machine. It’s going to sit in front of many of our models and will almost duplicate what a human will do—opening the door on the machines, putting the part in, and creating the cycle start function. It’s a very versatile unit with very quick changeover.”

Robots can be applied to various aspects of the grinding process. Robots on wheels can move to the grinding machine to change tool cassettes and move the processed parts to another machine, cleaning stations, laser marking, or tubing station where the parts are then put into tubes.

“Robots that can load cassettes just make sense,” said Schwarzenbach. “The robot is able to take the blank out of the box, look at each end, and identify the one with the chamfer. This is important because with this information, the robot can then put the correct end into the cassette.”

Grinding machine manufacturers today are developing various automation and robotic systems specifically designed to handle grinding applications.

“When we were designing our system, we really wanted to make sure it was the right robot for the right project,” said Bramhall. “The robot could be used to go inside a grinding machine, which could have coolant dripping or have oil or emulsion come in contact with it. We are aware of all the challenges and considerations of having a robot go inside a grinding machine, so we always make sure it has that durability.”

Laser Measurement

Grinding is still seen by many as an art. It’s not something that can be fully understood by simply reading a book or watching a YouTube video—it takes practice.

The Studer LaserControl enables contact-free laser measurement of small to large workpiece diameters, as well as interrupted diameters such as shafts with splines or grooves, cutting edges of tools, tool flutes, and the external diameters of gears. United Grinding

“It’s equally important that grinding machine operators learn to measure the cutting tools and understand cutting tool parameters,” said Schwarzenbach. “And to translate that into a fully fledged measuring system inside the machines. Currently, we can gather four to five different parameters. The existing parameters checked are ones that are most affected by wheel wear during unattended production. That’s really a challenge with unattended production—the wheel wears, moving the geometry slowly out of tolerance. Right now, we are still looking for ways to measure the more complex features being produced on the machine.”

Some grinding machines’ measuring systems use a laser or camera to scan a tool inside the machine and measure it accurately. From there, the measuring system can accurately produce intelligent commands to adjust the machine automatically.

“Laser measuring technology addresses the need for flexibility, quick changeovers, and reduced setup time,” said Hans Ueltschi, vice-president, cylindrical division, United Grinding North America. “If you have a non-contact device, there isn’t an issue with wear on the gauge. Wear on the gauge theoretically deteriorates the accuracy of it. When processing very hard materials, like carbide or polycrystalline diamond (PCD), the gauge can wear, as it’s made of material that is softer than that being worked with. But with a laser system you still get the accuracy that is typically seen with contact gauges.”

Another advantage of a laser system is that it offers a huge range of diameters. Typically, contact gauges can only be used for one particular diameter size. For shops producing cutting tools with multiple diameter ranges, laser is a great option.

“With a laser, you can measure features or the whole part before it comes out of the machine. If you have to regrind some aspects, that can be done without removing the part and putting it back in, which can be extremely helpful when it comes to accuracy,” said Ueltschi. “This allows shops to monitor the process, the machine status, and components and use the data that’s generated by the device and machine to improve the process, reduce downtime, and prevent non-scheduled downtime.”

Associate Editor Lindsay Luminoso can be reached at lluminoso@canadianmetalworking.com.

Grinding Simulation Enables Growth in Custom Tooling

Simulation software both streamlines Gorilla Mill’s grinding machine setups and speeds up the company’s tooling design and verification processes.

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Gorilla Mill’s standard four- and five-flute end mills are evergreen best-sellers, but customers increasingly demand higher performance and custom designs with more flutes. Photos courtesy of Gorilla Mill.

Even the best grinding simulation has flaws — namely, a reliance on perfection. Real-world scenarios on the shop floor can diverge from the tested parameters, requiring adjustments to achieve the performance promised in the simulation. Gorilla Mill, a toolmaker based out of Waukesha, Wisconsin, relies on ANCA’s CIMulator3D software to control for these differing parameters.

By providing a virtual testing ground for complex custom designs, the software ensures tool quality, prevents scrap and streamlines the process of developing customer prints. A machine-side simulator application reduces setup time by highlighting how differences between ideal and actual circumstances will affect the ground part and by enabling machinists to adjust settings to achieve optimal results rather than regrind wheels.

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Gorilla Mill uses 18 ANCA machines to produce its tooling. Besides modern FX7, MX7 and TX7 machines, the toolmaker has held on to older GX7 and RX7 grinders, and uses an ANCA Pinch Peel Grinder CPX alongside two Tru-Tech Revolutions to prepare blanks through cylindrical grinding. Gorilla Mill only buys its machines with pallet loaders or robot arms to facilitate a third shift of lights-out automation.

Flutes and Ways

Gorilla Mill makes drills, end mills and thread mills, including specialty tooling. The company designs its tools with a variable-helix, in which the flutes spiral down the tool body at different angles of attack. End faces canted at 63/27-degree angles rather than the traditional 0/90 degrees also help break up harmonics that cause chatter and tool bounce, says Kevin Cranker, Gorilla Mill president. The company further reduces chatter by maintaining an odd number of helixes with an even number of flutes and vice versa.

Maintaining a modern fleet of tool grinders has been essential to cost-effective production of these complex, custom geometries, particularly as customers ask for additional flutes beyond the standard four and five, Cranker says. These additional flutes crowd already-dense geometry, requiring machines that can handle stringent accuracy requirements. The toolmaker says the linear ways of its ANCA FX7, MX7 and TX7 grinders meet these standards. As linear ways are electronic rather than based on ballscrews, they are less sensitive to heat and carbide dust, resulting in less vibration and bouncing. This steadier production process is better for accuracy, finishes and tool life.

Even the best offline simulation fails to account for real-world grinding complications, such as slightly different wheel sizes or dressing angles. By simulating again at the grinding machine, ANCA’s CIMulation software can respond to these changes and advise on adjustments.

CIMulation to Success

The machines’ accuracy would mean little, however, without the software to create successful programs. All but one older ANCA machine runs on ToolRoom, ANCA’s tool grinder software. The company also uses ANCA CIMulation3D, a simulation software that streamlines the proving out of complex, several-hour-long grinds to mere seconds of computer processing.

New custom tools generally take around an hour to create in ToolRoom, while adjustments to existing part numbers require only about two minutes, the company reports. The software also enables converting part concepts directly into JPEG or STL files to send to the customer before putting the design on a machine, saving potential scrap. A “ToolDraft” feature makes prints directly from CIMulator 3D or ToolRoom, as opposed to requiring an additional DXF print or model from a separate CAD program.

Surface Cylindrical Grinding Machines

Paul brings 38 years experience to WMW. After a 2 year curriculum in machine trades, he entered the US Air Force as an aircraft metals technology specialist, supporting Air Force operations, including Desert Storm, through machining, welding and heat treatment practices. After leaving the Air Force, he continued his machinist career in the private sector and worked for over 20 years in Virginia. He primarily served the maritime industry of Hampton Roads, working on various projects, including the Seawolf submarine onboard torpedo handling system, as well as underwater warfare prototypes, and shipbuilding support. Staying current along the way with advancements in technology has always been important to him, but doing so on a foundation of tried and true theory and technique.

Paul has been with WMW 8 years and currently serves on the engineering team as Special Process Engineer, primarily handling a multitude of unique, complex large scale jobs on various horizontal boring mills. He interacts with customers on a daily basis, cultivating lasting business relationships of trust and commitment. Paul also generates work orders and monitors important logistical information as part of his additional duties.

In his off time, he enjoys relaxing in the backyard with his wife, Terri, perfecting recipes on his BBQ pit. He also enjoys scuba diving offshore wrecks and looks forward to expanding to more technical dives as well as spearfishing in the near future.

Greig Lane

VP of Manufacturing Operations

Greig has over 40 years of experience in manufacturing, including tool and die apprenticeship. He started his career as a Job Shop Machinist dealing with special one-of-a-kind parts, then expanded his skill set to welding (Tig ,Mig, Stick). As a team leader, he is responsible for machine maintenance, safety, commercial proposals, customer service and project management of both internal and external projects. In summary, Greig has held several key positions at Winterville Machine Works for over 38 years.

Greig graduated from Cape Fear Technical Institute (Cape Fear Community College), the Machine Trades and Wake Technical College (Wake Technical Community College), with a specialty in Tool and Die Practices. Greig was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina. His hobbies include building projects, with steel or wood. He has been blessed with his wife for 39 years and have raised together three children. He is a proud to say he has four grandchildren (his pride and joy).

Michelle Renee Lamm

HR / Account Payable

Ms. Lamm brings over 41 years of experience in accounting/finance, human resources, and insurance management. As the Accounts Payable leader for WMW, Ms. Lamm strives to make sure all vendors are paid correctly and on time. As the Human Resources Leader, she works hard to keep our employees equipped with the necessary support so they can work at a high performance level to keep our customers satisfied and delighted; while maintaining all required documents for Federal and State reporting. Ms. Lamm’s role includes ensuring the accuracy of labor hours claimed, for processing payroll. She loves spending time with her children and grandchildren. Ms. Lamm plays handbells for her church and enjoys helping those in need. Her other hobbies include weaving baskets, making handmade quilts, canning, visiting the mountains and her family. She was a Volunteer Firefighter and Medical Responder for 9.5 years in Wilson, NC.

Joyce Miller

Joyce has over 47 years of professional work experience. She started her career with Winterville Machine Works in 1994 as a receptionist and in payroll, then moved up the ranks, taking on additional responsibilities in personnel, accounts receivables, and forecasting. Outside of work Joyce enjoys spending time with her family, especially her five grandchildren. She also enjoys going to Ocean Isle Beach to be with her extended family. She is also an active member of her church.

Hammad Hussain

President CEO

Hammad is an accomplished and results-oriented leader with 22 years of professional experience across the globe in manufacturing and construction industries serving Stantec, URS/AECOM, GE, ABB and Honeywell where he rose through corporate ranks by doing several roles in multiple industrial businesses (power generation, water wastewater treatment, renewables, electrical distribution, fire protection). He has demonstrated his capabilities by leading growth initiatives and managing complex businesses profitably globally, both organically and inorganically.

In 2021, Hammad founded a family-owned Trivor Industrial Group with an aim of building a portfolio of great component manufacturing companies for the long haul. Hammad, a US citizen, is married and has lived and worked in the US, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa. He is an avid fan of cricket, soccer and tennis and currently distributes his time between Atlanta, GA and Greenville, NC. He actively participates in several charity activities, especially for orphans. Hammad holds a BS in Civil Engineering from University of Engineering Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, a MS degree in Civil Environmental Engineering from Colorado State University and an M.B.A from Columbia Business School.

Kevin Nelson

Manufacturing Process Engineering Leader

Kevin has over 42 years of experience in manufacturing process and design. He started his career at Winterville Machine Works as a second shift Numerical Control machine operator. Then worked his way up the ranks, expanding his skill set on the proper use of precision hand tools, gages, indicators, micrometer. Kevin has been fully trained and certified in conventional and computerized machining, including the setup and operation of manual lathes and mills; horizontal and vertical CNC machines. Kevin is our leader of the Manufacturing Design and Review Team, with a FOCUS on concept creation, design to final development of complex part fixtures. He also leads our efforts with enhancing workflows for increased efficiencies and exceeding work safety standards. Kevin attended East Carolina University, with a specialization in Industrial Technology. He is our in-house expert on Smart Cam, Auto Desk, Solid Works, Gibbs CAM, BOB CAD CAM, and Predator CNC Editor Training. Kevin is also certified in Total Quality Management from Pitt Community College, Advanced Product Quality Planning, from, Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, Production Part Approval Process from North Carolina State University. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys fishing and boating with his wife.

James Williams

Production / Fabrication General Manager

James has over 36 years of experience in welding and metal fabrication. James has been with Winterville Machine Works for 22 years. James graduated from Beaufort Community College and James Sprunt Community College, where he specialized in welding and machine shop practice and theory. He is married to Lisa Williams and has been married for over 31 years. They have three daughters, four granddaughters, and two grandsons. James enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling overseas, and competing in offshore fishing.

Jerry Stotesbury

Product Management Quality Assurance Manager

Jerry has over 35 years of experience in the design and fabrication of marine products. He has worked with our customers to successfully produce many complex prototype structures. Many customers go to Jerry for his engineering expertise to resolve both manufacturing methodology that impact the quality and life of the marine products. He holds an AS degree in Architectural drafting and has over 30 years of experience with AutoCad and SolidWorks software. Jerry likes to spend time with his family, which comprises of his wife of 31 years, a daughter, and two sons. Jerry is an avid outdoorsman spending time on the water and in the field fishing and hunting.

John Fleming

Manufacturing, Plating Engineering Leader

John Fleming has over 28 years of experience in manufacturing of components for power generation, large equipment, that require very tight tolerances. He is one of our most experienced machinists, with expertise in CNC programming, manufacturing process engineering, welding, and fabrication. John has held many positions in his first 21 years of his career in the Power Generation Industry, including the responsibility of managing different operation and commercial departments towards topline revenue growth, before joining the WMW team in 2013. John was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, and his two main passions are fishing and hunting. He especially loves just being out on the water, rather it is ducking hunting or fishing, and just seeing the sunrise every morning over the Pamlico Sound. John is also very passionate about training his labrador for duck hunting.

Mike Tyson

Production Manager

Mike has over 40 years of extensive experience in the manufacturing and machining business. He started his career in 1981 at Winterville Machine Works as an apprentice machinist. With the company expanding and focusing on more high production CNC machines, Mike took the initiative to begin studying and training on CNC equipment. He excelled as CNC operator, setting up CNC machines, proving out programs and writing programs. From there, he moved into leadership, holding positions of Team Leader, Quality Manager, and presently as Production Manager. As Quality manager, Mike helped to establish and maintain ISO 9001 standards and certifications. Mike graduated from Pitt Community College. His areas of formation included blueprint reading, machine shop practices, and machine shop maintenance. Mike has several hobbies which include fishing, hunting, and kart racing.

Dixon Page

Quality Manager

Dixon brings over 30 years of experience in machining and checking components to blueprint specifications as well as the calibration of instruments and gages that are used in these processes. Dixon works with statistical data to assure machining processes are capable and produce parts that exceed customer expectations. He graduated from D.H. Conley in 1982 and received a 2 year machining degree from Pitt Community College in 1984. Before joining Winterville Machine Works, Dixon worked at Simpson Industries/Metaldyne Corporation for 22 years, five years as a machine operator, and 17 years as a quality technician. During the past 14 years at Winterville Machine Works, Dixon moved up the ranks, starting as a quality technician, then recently accepting the promotion to Quality Manager. Dixon loves spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, as much as possible. He also loves to hunt and fish during his leisure time as well as traveling with his wife.

Troy Bullock

Purchasing Manager

Mr. Bullock has over 36 years of quality assurance and procurement experience for manufacturing, in the automotive, marine, and heavy construction equipment industries. His main role at Winterville Machine Works is to acquire appropriate high quality material at the most cost-effective price for the end customer. Mr. Bullock’s prior positions at Winterville Machine Works include being a tool crib MRP buyer, and the main procurement lead of tooling supplies and services for the facility. Earlier in his career, he was a CNC operator in the automotive manufacturing industry and then worked up the ranks to becoming a Quality Technician to ensure customers were receiving products per blueprint specifications. From there, he became a Quality Technician Leader coordinating the performance of three Quality Technicians. became a Process Control Supervisor. Lastly, he was a Process Technician Supervisor, tracking continuous improvement projects, process studies, and training the workforce on improvement techniques.

Mr. Bullock has been certified in Kaizen and QS-9000 Auditing, and he has a Machinist Associate Degree from Martin Community College. Mr. Bullock’s passion is spending quality time with his family, especially his grandson. He also enjoys horseback riding, fishing, and restoring antique tractors.

Peter Garza

Chief Commercial Officer

Mr. Garza brings with him over 20 years of business-to-business marketing, business development, dealer development, and service operations experience. He has implemented these skill sets in the mining, heavy construction, marine, transportation, power generation, agriculture, healthcare, and financial sectors. He is an award-winning marketer, which includes winning the coveted Oracle Global Markie Award winner for Digital Marketing and Demand Generation, and being a finalist for both the SiriusDecisions Return of Integration (ROI) Demand Generation and the Marketo Revvie Awards.

Over the years, Mr. Garza has held several top-line revenue growth executive positions. He was vice president of marketing at a few startups, such as InTouch Health, the leading telemedicine solutions provider, recently acquired by Teladoc for 1 Billion. Prior to that, Garza was the vice president of demand generation and digital marketing for MedAssets, Inc., a 2.7 billion (market cap) revenue cycle management and supply/clinical resource management healthcare company. At MedAssets, he built out perpetual demand generation engine programs, delivering over 118 million of pipeline within 18 months, which turned into 41 million of incremental revenue. Garza was the director of channel marketing for AGCO Corporation, a 10 billion agriculture manufacturer, where he modernized its marketing programs, processes, and technology stack, delivering over 288 million in the pipeline. Earlier in his career, Garza held several senior leadership positions at Caterpillar, in marketing, distribution development, product management, product support, and supply chain management. He won Caterpillar’s annual President’s Quality Award, beating out over 5,000 other projects, for an effective go-to-market strategy and super high growth new product introduction project, that generated over 220 million of incremental revenue, in just over two years.

His passion includes raising his son and daughter, watching his son play in the marching Band and his daughter competing in lacrosse and tennis. He plays alto saxophone at his church and volunteers at Meals on Wheels of Atlanta, Atlanta Trees, and Habitat for Humanity. His other hobbies include expanding / maintaining his gun collection and playing both singles and doubles league tennis. In 2020, he was ranked #1 in Atlanta’s Ultimate Men’s Single 5.0 tennis league. Peter holds a Business of Science in mechanical engineering from Florida International University and an MBA from the University of Miami, where he was selected as Salutatorian.