Unist
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1960
- HeadquartersGrand Rapids, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Unist firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Unist
- Legal name
- Unist, Inc.
- Website
- https://unist.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1960
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Unist industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Lubrication Equipment (Minimum Quantity Lubrication Systems)
- NAICS
- Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment Manufacturing (333914), Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing (333996), Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metalworking Fluids (Cutting, Grinding & Forming) (IMAEAMAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves) (IMAHAGAC), Lubricant Additives & Performance Chemicals (EUALAJAB), Industrial & Heavy-Duty Lubricants (IMAEAMAB)
Keywords
Where Unist is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Grand Rapids
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Unist business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Fluid Application Systems: Sale of MQL systems including Uni-Max ST, Uni-Max Pro, Quantum, and other lubrication systems for CNC machining, metal forming, stamping, and sawing applications.
- Lubricant Sales (Coolube): Sale of Coolube branded metal cutting lubricants and MicroTrace vanishing lubricants designed specifically for MQL applications.
- Parts and Accessories: Sale of nozzles, tubing, reservoirs, pump timers, and other system components and replacement parts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | MQL Systems (Uni-Max ST, Uni-Max Pro, Quantum, etc.) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Payment Terms |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Lubricants (Coolube, MicroTrace) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
Unist product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Unist designs, manufactures and sells Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) fluid application systems, complementary controllers, and proprietary metal-cutting lubricants for industrial manufacturers. The product portfolio includes MQL delivery systems (Uni-Max ST, Uni-Max Pro, Quantum), the SmartFlow controller, Coolube and MicroTrace lubricants, fluid mixing systems (Vortex, Uni-Blend), and roll-coater systems (Uni-Roller S2) used in CNC machining, metal stamping, metal forming, sawing, and airframe drilling.
Product overview
Unist offers a comprehensive portfolio of Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) fluid application systems designed to reduce fluid use, save money, and improve manufacturing efficiency. The product line centers around MQL delivery systems (Uni-Max® ST, Uni-Max® Pro, Quantum™) and complementary controllers (SmartFlow®), supported by proprietary lubricants (Coolube®, MicroTrace™ 5500), fluid mixing solutions (Vortex™, Uni-Blend™), precision application nozzles (MQL Saw Nozzles), and specialized roll-coater systems (Uni-Roller® S2) for metal forming and stamping operations. The portfolio is anchored by Coolube® lubricants which feature polar molecule technology, with pumps warrantied for life when used exclusively with Unist lubricants. Applications span CNC machining, metal forming, stamping, sawing, and airframe drilling.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Coolube: Environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, renewable metal cutting lubricants designed for MQL applications
- SmartFlow
- Infinity
- Quantum
- Revolution
- Uni-Max ST
- Uni-Max Pro
- MicroTrace 5500
- Vortex
- Uni-Roller S2
- Uni-Blend
Products and services
- Uni-Max ST Entry-level Minimum Quantity Lubrication system providing continuous or shot spray lubrication through 1-2 nozzles for straightforward metal-cutting applications.
- Coolube Environmentally-friendly metal cutting lubricant with polar-molecule chemistry that bonds to metallic surfaces to create a thin, low-friction barrier for MQL cutting operations.
- Vortex Accurate fluid mixing system delivering mixing ratios from 1:1 to 99:1 at flow rates of 1.5-5 gallons per minute for machining coolants, stamping lubricants, mold release agents and grinding fluids.
- MicroTrace 5500 Advanced vanishing lubricant for MQL systems engineered for aluminum to deliver lubricity while leaving a virtually dry surface with no oily residue.
- MQL Saw Nozzles Range of spray nozzles (BAT, band saw blade, and band saw guide) engineered to apply fluids precisely to sawing applications by coating teeth and gullet for maximized blade efficiency.
- Uni-Roller S2 Programmable roll-coater lubrication system that applies precise amounts of lubricant to top and bottom of coil stock just before the press, eliminating overspraying and promoting cleanliness.
- SmartFlow Controller for roller coaters that monitors sensor data to alert users to low fluid supply, out-of-tolerance fluid pressure, or interrupted flow to applicators.
- Quantum Digitally controlled lubricator that communicates directly with CNC machines via discrete or serial interfaces, enabling lubrication parameters to be specified in part programs with up to 6 lubricant outputs.
- Uni-Blend Accurate and repeatable fluid proportioning, mixing and supply system for industrial equipment or fluid supply networks.
- Typhoon Reliable airframe hole drilling lubrication system for ADU cutting fluids and pneumatic motors in aerospace applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50-90% reduction in fluid usage
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Unist
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Unist technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature3 records
Unist partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Independent Sales RepresentativescoreUnist works with independent sales representatives who provide regional coverage and customer support for the fluid application systems.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Unist competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DropsA: DropsA designs and manufactures minimum-quantity lubrication systems, progressive grease systems, and precision fluid dispensing for metalworking and industrial manufacturing. Direct competitor to Unist's MQL product family (Uni-Max, Quantum) and Coolube lubricant consumables.
- Bielomatik (SMS group): Bielomatik (now part of SMS group) supplies minimum-quantity lubrication and neat-oil systems for machining and forming. Direct competitor to Unist's MQL systems for European OEMs, with overlapping positive-displacement pump technology.
Broad incumbents
- Vogel (SKF Lincoln): Vogel / SKF Lincoln is one of the largest industrial lubrication equipment and fluid-handling players, offering centralized lubrication, MQL-compatible systems, and a broad fluid portfolio. Comparable because it overlaps Unist's pump-based fluid-application systems and serves the same metalworking OEMs.
- Quaker Houghton: Quaker Houghton is a global leader in industrial metalworking fluids, including MQL-compatible lubricants, coolants, and stamping fluids. Comparable to Unist on the Coolube/MicroTrace consumable side and competes for the same CNC and stamping customers at much larger scale.
- Graco: Graco is a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment including precision metering pumps, lubrication systems, and industrial spray applicators. Comparable to Unist on the positive-displacement metering pump and nozzle technology, with a much broader product portfolio.
- Castrol Industrial (BP): Castrol supplies industrial lubricants, neat cutting oils, and metalworking fluids including MQL-compatible products. Comparable to Unist on the fluid/lubricant consumable side and competes for Coolube-equivalent applications in CNC machining.
- Henkel (Loctite Industrial): Henkel's Loctite industrial portfolio includes metal cutting fluids, stamping lubricants, and surface treatment chemicals used in CNC machining and metal forming. Comparable to Unist on the metalworking-fluid and stamping-lubricant side, with significantly broader distribution.
- Lincoln Industrial (SKF): Lincoln Industrial (SKF) designs and manufactures automated lubrication systems, grease pumps, and fluid-dispensing equipment for industrial machinery. Comparable to Unist on the pump-driven fluid-application side, with a focus on heavier industrial and mobile-equipment lubrication.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Unist social profiles
Digital presenceUnist financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Unist leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Unist funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Unist M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Unist
What does Unist do?
Unist designs, manufactures and sells Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) fluid application systems, complementary controllers, and proprietary metal-cutting lubricants for industrial manufacturers. The product portfolio includes MQL delivery systems (Uni-Max ST, Uni-Max Pro, Quantum), the SmartFlow controller, Coolube and MicroTrace lubricants, fluid mixing systems (Vortex, Uni-Blend), and roll-coater systems (Uni-Roller S2) used in CNC machining, metal stamping, metal forming, sawing, and airframe drilling.
Is Unist a public or private company?
Unist is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Unist founded?
Unist was founded in 1960. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Unist based?
Unist is headquartered in Grand Rapids, United States, in the North America region.
How does Unist make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Fluid Application Systems are the primary driver. The others are lubricant Sales (Coolube) and parts and Accessories.
Who are Unist's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DropsA and Bielomatik (SMS group). Broad incumbents are Vogel (SKF Lincoln), Quaker Houghton, Graco, Castrol Industrial (BP), Henkel (Loctite Industrial) and Lincoln Industrial (SKF).
Does Unist have an API?
No public API is recorded for Unist.
What industry is Unist in?
Unist's product category is Industrial Lubrication Equipment (Minimum Quantity Lubrication Systems). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAMAC, Metalworking Fluids (Cutting, Grinding & Forming), with a secondary code of IMAHAGAC, Pneumatic Components (FRLs, Cylinders, Valves). Its NAICS code is 333914 and its SIC code is 2890.