In the mid 19th. century, a group of ceramists and entrepreneurs in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, set out with a goal: meet the growing need of the burgeoning U.S. manufacturing industry, which needed an ever-increasing supply of Grinding Wheels to build and maintain machinery.

A few milestones:

• 1876: Norton manufactures Grinding Wheels and acquires patent for Vitrified Wheels
• 1885: Norton Emery Wheel Co was founded (manufactured first precision made and mass produced Grinding Wheels)
• End 19th. century: Norton expands abrasive range and reached customers throughout the Us and Canada
• 1909: first European plant in Germany
• 1920: plant in France
• 1930: plant in UK
• 1935: plant in Italy
• 1930s: Norton start manufacturing Coated Abrasives and develops Diamond and CBN based Super Abrasives
• 1950: Norton is leading world-wide abrasive brand
• 1956: Norton enters South America through acquisition in Brazil
• 1968: plant in India
• 1972: plant in Japan
• 1990: acquisition of Norton by Saint-Gobain (world leader in the manufacture of engineered materials)

For over 120 years, Norton has provided innovative solutions for the challenges faced by industries. Our dedication to our business and customers ensures we will continue to be the world’s number one abrasive manufacturer supplying a complete range of products that continually add value and efficiency to your operation.