The Grindrite Story
In 2000, WINTERSTEIGER acquired Grindrite, a small U.S. company based in Vermont. Grindrite was known for its unique inline machine design for servicing skis and snowboards, as well as for its innovative marketing campaigns. The team quickly became a valuable part of the WINTERSTEIGER Group.
Innovation: Compact Service Machine
Grindrite pioneered the space-saving concept for an inline grinding machine in which two processing modules—grinding stone and belt—are arranged one behind the other. The first generation of the “Grindrite 21Hundred/WINTERSTEIGER SBI,” built by WINTERSTEIGER, was based on ideas developed with the help of the former Grindrite team. The innovative machine design became an integral part of the product line in the 1990s and remains in successful use today.
The inline service machines filled the gap in the market for a ski service machine tailored to the rapidly growing snowboard market. The Scout automatic ski service machine—a stand-alone grinding machine designed for smaller shops—was also developed with input from Grindrite.
Grindrite Grows Alongside the Snowboarding Boom of the '90s
In addition to its innovative machines, Grindrite set itself apart from the competition through innovative marketing: The shops were featured in high-profile advertisements to attract customers. The concept proved to be a resounding success. The strategy secured Grindrite a dominant market share in the U.S., with a loyal following among young, passionate riders and professionals in the booming snowboard segment—and skiers soon followed suit.
With Grindrite came a dedicated team to WINTERSTEIGER, many of whom are still active today. With Grindrite, WINTERSTEIGER USA became a faster, more creative, and more successful brand.