THIS year, Master Abrasives celebrates 50 years of successful trading. The company was set up in 1967 by Swiss-owned Meister Abrasives to sell a range of high-quality mounted points in the UK.
Since then, it has evolved greatly as an independently-owned company and now provides complete solutions for surface finishing and precision grinding applications as well as tool repair and services from a dedicated department.
Whilst the comprehensive product and service range is appealing, its employees and their technical expertise is what really distinguishes Master for providing application solutions.
“Our team of technical sales representatives offers professional advice on applications. They all have a background in engineering and have acquired exceptional industry knowledge, and each one adds value with their own area of expertise,” said Paul Batson, Managing Director.
“The team here at Master is varied. For instance, Andy Miller has seen many changes in the 43 years that he’s served both companies together in technical and corporate management roles within Meister Abrasives Switzerland and Master Abrasives. The developments made over this period under his leadership have been instrumental in the longevity and success of Master in the UK, and now Andy works alongside me and Finance Director Jamie Ward as company chairman.
“Another long-serving employee is Richard Clarke, who joined us 32 years ago after leaving school and now has the role of facilities, maintenance and quality technician. He plays a key role in our new venture in the grinding machines market, having been trained for machine maintenance and servicing at Micromatic Grinding Technologies in India.”
“The latest addition to the internal sales and customer service team is Noora Kauppi, who is helping to support our export drive with her language skills. What is important is not someone’s position or how long an employee has been with us, as all employees at Master Abrasives play an extremely important and critical part that will allow us to look back on our success in another 50 years.”
Master Abrasives has continuously developed its product range and service since it was set up in 1967. For example, the belt conversion unit was set up in 1980 to offer customers a cost-effective choice for abrasive belts. In addition, to expand capability of the tool services department, it was re-launched as a separate business unit in 2013 and moved to a larger location on site.
A more recent development for Master Abrasives is becoming the UK representative for Micromatic Grinding Technologies, allowing the company to offer a complete solution for precision grinding. Having sold grinding wheels and related precision abrasive products for many years, Master Abrasives and its technical team has an in-depth knowledge of precision applications.
Master Abrasives recognises the key role that its partners have played in its success over the past 50 years.
“Both our tool and abrasives suppliers have supported us over the years and helped us provide solutions for industry,” said Paul Batson.
“Our 50th anniversary is a significant milestone in our history. As we reflect on our past progress, we also look forward to an exciting future as we continue to diversify and adapt to meet customer needs.
“We plan to do this in the short to medium term with the expansion of the MASTER® range of products, a drive into export markets, and through our new capacity with our showroom for precision machines and products; all of which will allow us to offer solutions for industry in the UK and worldwide.”
Master Abrasives
High March
Long March Industrial Estate
Daventry
Northants
NN11 4PG
01327 703813