Unaxis has announced that its coating services business unit, Balzers, has acquired the PVD coating operations of Gold Star Coatings, a subsidiary of the industrial tooling group Star Cutter Co.

Balzers assumes the function of coating partner for the tool resharpening sevice centers operated by Star and SU, and sold through Star SU in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company will also open an in-house coating center in the gear tool manufacturing operation of Star Cutter Co. in East Tawas, MI.

Gold Star’s existing center in Richmond, IN, will be expanded to become a regional site for Balzers. The activities of Gold Star’s West Branch, MI, facility will be integrated into three existing Balzers coating centers in Michigan.

Balzers also has opened a new coating center in Houston. The center services the south central region and provides full-service coating systems for standard coatings like titanium nitride as well as advanced, high-performance coatings and pre- and post-treatment capabilities.

The center primarily services the cutting tool industry, as well as die casting, stamping and forming, and molds and dies.