RIED IM INNKREIS, AUSTRIA - Thin-cutting saw specialist Wintersteiger AG has joined forces with VAP Gruber Automations GmbH, a developer of automatic wood repair filling systems for use with parquet, solid wood and multilayer flooring.

According to a release issued by Wintersteiger, the merger became effective in early November. Wintersteiger will incorporate the VAP machines into its product range and manage the global sales and services. VAP's wood filler technology will continue to be developed and manufactured at VAP's site in Mettmach, Austria.

The release states, "With this step, Wintersteiger AG is renewing its aspiration for strategic growth and product diversification."

Along with the change, Wintersteiger CEO Reiner Thalacker joins VAP Managing Director Josef Gruber as a managing director of VAP.

Founded in 2003, VAP has 14 employees. The company projects sales of approximately $4.3 million in 2012. Wintersteiger produces thin-cutting saw systems for wood. Founded in 1953, the company has approximately 470 employees. 2011 sales were $131.4 million.