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Stiles History (3 MB, PDF)

Stiles Machinery Inc. was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1965 as a division of Web Stiles, Inc. Back then, Mr. Stiles' parts inventory and showroom were in the rear of his station wagon. In 1975, Peter Kleinschmidt purchased the company on behalf of the Lohmann International Trading Group, where Mr. Kleinschmidt served as Director of UK Operations. Mr. Kleinschmidt took over the company as President, and within a few years acquired the business in a management buy-out in partnership with David Rothwell, Executive Vice President. The two business partners then developed Stiles Machinery Inc. into a world-class organization, and strategic investments were made to enhance parts and service capabilities to focus closely on customer needs.

In early 1985, Altendorf America (now Stiles Shop Solutions) was formed to serve the needs of small shops and starting businesses. In 1990, Stiles Education was founded. It was the first and only industry training center and is still today accredited by IACET. Stiles took on its present structure when it merged Holzma U.S. into Stiles Machinery in 1992. In 2006, Stiles launched the Solid Wood Technologies division as a direct response to customers who require machinery solutions in addition to traditional panel processing needs.

Today, Stiles employs approximately 250 employees across the country, and more than half are dedicated to customer service and provide: repairs, parts, training, and technical support. The business philosophy of Stiles Machinery Inc. was built upon long-term relationships with customers, employees and suppliers; the company still proudly embraces those relationships 45 years later.

About Our President - Peter Kleinschmidt

PeterK smaller 2010Peter Kleinschmidt is the CEO and Chairman of the Board, of Stiles Machinery Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stiles is the world's largest, independently owned supplier of panel processing equipment and related technologies to the wood manufacturing industry. Kleinschmidt is a graduate of the School of Economics in Bremen, Germany. From 1965 to 1975, he was a director of Lohmann & Co. Ltd. in London, UK. He was instrumental in forming Stiles in 1975 and in 1985 purchased the company, becoming the majority owner. Under his leadership, Stiles has become the industry leader and has added four regional offices throughout the United States, and an Advanced Technology Center to serve Stiles' diverse customer base. Kleinschmidt helped found the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) and served as President of that association from 1986 to 1988. From 1991 to 1992, he was Chairman of the International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) board of directors. Kleinschmidt is the U.S. Representative and Board member of the Combois Global Organization for woodworking technology exchange.

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