Grand Rapids, Michigan - June 2007  —   2007 marks the 50th year of business for UNIST, Inc. – the leader in lubrication technology for metalworking, metalforming, and related industries.  UNIST specializes in eliminating excess fluid and lubricant considerations by improving the processes used to apply them.  UNIST Systems reduce fluid consumption while enhancing all areas of operational efficiency.  Growing environmental concern among manufacturing companies along with increasing global competition to control cost and improve quality, ensure a strong position in the marketplace for UNIST by creating increased need for the company’s Micro-Fluidization™ systems and processes.   

The company began in 1957 when two Grand Rapids gentlemen patented a low-pressure, low volume (LPLV) spray system they called uni-MIST – also the company’s name until 1996.  Their research efforts focused on heat removal in metal cutting by applying the heat absorbing properties of converting liquid into gas, primarily using water.  Wally Boelkins, then a mechanical design engineer with Pneumo Dynamics, felt this concept had far-reaching potential for the manufacture of metal parts, so he purchased the business in 1968.

Since then, UNIST has expanded its capabilities and technology which today include a broad product line of systems and components designed to apply fluids and lubricants in small amounts, to a virtually limitless scope of operations in metals manufacturing and assembly.  The company’s innovation has led to more than 20 design patents, and resulted in leadership for setting industry standards in areas such as fluid mist air concentration and Near Dry Machining.  In the 1990s UNIST also began to market application equipment for coil stock lubrication in metalforming, and in 2006 released its newest catalog dedicated to that industry; showcasing a comprehensive line of systems and components.  Additionally, UNIST markets vegetable based lubricants designed for minimal quantity use in metal cutting.      

Today, at age 75, Mr. Boelkins continues his position as owner and President of the company, actively involved in customer and strategic relationships, sales, product development and daily business operations.  “Our recently adopted tagline ‘Writing the Book on Non-Friction™’ makes perfect sense for our company,” says Boelkins.  “Much of what we are doing is a work in progress, and the scope is yet to be determined.  Not only is our product development aimed at specific needs we understand today, but we are educating the industry as to what is possible.”

When Mr. Boelkins acquired UNIST in 1968, the business operated from a 9x12 office containing a desk and a workbench.  The company now enjoys a 40,000 square ft. modern manufacturing facility completed in 1997, located on five acres near the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.  The UNIST organization is made up of 30 employees, 15 independent field representatives and 250 distributors located on 6 continents.  UNIST has served over 6000 customers world wide with Micro-Fluidization solutions for their manufacturing operations.  The company continues to add new customers and develop new products.  



Contact info:
UNIST, Inc.
4134 36th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI  49512
U.S. and Canada (800) 253-5462
International  – 1-616-949-0853
e-mail    –  unimail@unist.com
Web  –  www.unist.com

Larry Tilma, General Manager
e-mail:     ltilma@unist.com