The competition is organised under the umbrella of the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW) and will continue to send a strong signal against the shortage of skilled workers in 2026. UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS is committed to the competition as its main sponsor. The competition machine is provided by Walter Maschinenbau GmbH as part of the UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS Group.

With its commitment as the main sponsor, UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS is underlining the strategic importance of promoting young talent. ‘The future of grinding technology depends largely on well-trained, motivated specialists,’ explains Stephan Nell, CEO of UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS. ‘GRINDER OF THE YEAR brings young talent into contact with modern technology at an early stage and shows how versatile and demanding tool grinding is today.’

Proven concept with theory and live final

GOTY 2026 once again combines theory and practice. After a preliminary round with a theoretical exam, the best participants qualify for the final. The five finalists will demonstrate their practical skills in designing, programming and grinding a tool live at GrindingHub in Stuttgart. ‘GRINDER OF THE YEAR already showed at its premiere how much potential there is in the next generation of grinding professionals,’ says Barbara Hannappel, Managing Director of KSKOMM, which is responsible for organising and running the competition. ‘This makes it all the more important to reach as many young talents as possible again now. That's why I'm appealing to companies and trainers: actively pass on information about the competition and give your young talent this special opportunity.’

In order to prepare the participants optimally for the live challenge and to give everyone the same starting position, they will receive two days of training in advance at WALTER in Tübingen. During this training, the finalists will become familiar with the HELITRONIC MINI PLUS tool grinding machine, the HELITRONIC TOOL STUDIO grinding software and the HELICHECK PLUS measuring machine.

Cutting-edge technology for the GOTY

The HELITRONIC MINI PLUS tool grinding machine from WALTER with C.O.R.E. technology is particularly suitable for the flexible production and resharpening of tools with small and medium diameters. Thanks to its modular design, the machine can be specifically adapted to different requirements. Various loading systems and efficiency options enable the machine to be configured to meet both current and future application requirements. At the same time, the compact design ensures optimum utilisation of the floor space in production.

A central component of the training is working with the proven HELITRONIC TOOL STUDIO grinding software, which is designed to meet the current and future requirements of the tool industry. It enables the consistent design, programming, simulation and production of rotationally symmetrical tools. The training is complemented by HELICHECK PLUS, a high-precision measuring machine from WALTER, which the finalists will use to check the quality of their ground tools during the competition at GrindingHub.

WALTER sees the competition as an important stimulus for the industry: ‘Especially in times when qualified specialists have become a decisive competitive factor, it is important to promote young talent and show how promising the industry and tool grinding are as a high-tech industry. GRINDER OF THE YEAR combines training, practice and technology in a very convincing way,’ says Dr Christoph Müller-Mederer, CEO of Walter Maschinenbau GmbH. ‘What makes WALTER special is the combination of our own grinding software, top-class tool grinding machines and precise measurement technology. This enables us to map the entire process and give participants a comprehensive insight into modern tool manufacturing.’

Attractive prizes

In addition to the title of GRINDER OF THE YEAR 2026, the five finalists can look forward to training vouchers worth a total of €7,000. All finalists will also benefit from exclusive additional services such as training at WALTER, networking opportunities and free admission to GrindingHub, including specialist presentations and workshops.

Who can participate?

Trainees, career changers, journeymen and prospective specialists in the field of grinding in metalworking can participate in GRINDER OF THE YEAR. We are looking for talented individuals from the German, Austrian and Swiss production environment in the field of grinding technology. This includes professions such as cutting machine operator, precision engineer, precision tool mechanic, metal technology specialist (cutting technology), metal technology practitioner, cutting machine operator practitioner, machine and plant operator, punching and forming mechanic, polymechanics, production mechanics and tool mechanics.

‘GRINDER OF THE YEAR stands for equal opportunities, team spirit and enthusiasm for precision,’ summarises Barbara Hannappel, Managing Director of KSKOMM. ‘The competition shows how attractive and future-proof professions in grinding technology are and offers young talents a stage on which to develop both professionally and personally.’

Application documents can now be requested at:
bewerbungindiamondworld-*mail@diamondbusiness-hidefor|spamgrinder-of-the-year.de
or simply register here:
grinder-of-the-year.de/kontakt-fuer-bewerber/

Further information about GOTY