GRAND RAPIDS - Stiles Machinery and The Altendorf Group will end their exclusive partnership, effective Jan. 1, 2019. Stiles Machinery has been the sole distributor of Altendorf sliding table saw technology since the 1980s.

The news was announced by Stiles on July 23. The company said the decision to end its exclusive relationship with Altendorf "was mutually agreed upon, and in the best interest of both companies, who have each expressed different strategic goals for their future." According to the statement, Altendorf's management seeks to establish the company as a multi-product brand, while expanding its footprint in the United States.

“These past 34 years of partnership with Altendorf have been extremely fruitful for both companies, as well as for our mutual customers who have benefited from our long-term relationship," said Russ Suor, executive vice president of Stiles Machinery. "As times change, so do opportunities, and both parties wish the best for each other in this next season.

"Our main focus is to remain as consistent as possible for our customers within this newly defined relationship,” Suor added.

The Altendorf Group plans to open a U.S. office in 2019 and set up its own dealer network, said Joerg Mayer, managing director. "In the future we will be further adding to our product portfolio; recently we acquired the German manufacturer of high-quality edgebanding machines, Hebrock. Further acquisitions are to follow in the near future and all products will of course be offered to our U.S. customers. More information on the next steps will be provided.”

Stiles has said it will continue to sell and service Altendorf brand machinery. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Stiles Machinery is a member of the Homag Group. The company also represents technology from Heesemann, Ironwood, Kentwood, Makor, System TM and Venjakob.