BURKHARDT+WEBER Fertigungssysteme GmbH, a leading manufacturer of large frame, high precision machine tools is pleased to announce a significant addition to its executive team.  Chris Willison has been appointed as Regional Sales Manager, North America and will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives and fostering continued growth throughout the United States and Canada.  Chris will succeed the current Regional Sales Manager, Tracy Ellis, who will retire at the end of December 2025.

With a proven track record, Mr. Willison brings a wealth of know-how to BURKHARDT+WEBER with more than 40 years of experience in Manufacturing. Chris’s extensive background makes him a valuable addition to the organization. Chris is known as an innovative thinker with exceptional leadership skills and has a strong understanding of Manufacturing and the Machine Tool Industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Willison to our team,” said Wolfgang Bergmann, CEO of BURKHARDT+WEBER. “His industry knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for manufacturing excellence align perfectly with our company’s values and objectives.  We are confident his experience, knowledge and attitude will open new opportunities in North America and serve our customers well.”  Mr. Willison is enthusiastic about joining BURKHARDT+WEBER, saying “I am honored to be associated with the BURKHARDT+WEBER organization and look forward to collaborating with customers and colleagues to build their growth and success.”

BURKHARDT+WEBER was founded in Reutlingen Germany in 1888 and has gained international recognition as a driving force in the development of new technology enabling high precision machining of difficult materials to extremely tight tolerances.  BW built the first transfer line in Europe in 1951 and introduced the first commercially available NC controlled machining center with automatic tool changing capability in 1959 in collaboration with Huges Aircraft Company.  BW is a pioneer in digital control technology and developed the first true rack type tool magazine and is to this day leading the way with innovative tool handling technology.

Today 220+ employees continue the tradition of innovation producing large, highly precise and highly customized machining centers for metal cutting industries around the globe.  Since 2012, BURKHARDT+WEBER has been a part of ROMI SA, Brazil’s largest Machine Tool builder.