History

From a local glue manufacturer to a family-owned business that operates world-wide

Since the founding of our company in 1893 we have been leaving our mark on the history of leading-edge grinding equipment by introducing countless innovations. Our high-speed cutting-off wheels, grinding discs, abrasive mop wheels, and abrasive mop discs are only a few examples of major abrasive products that we managed to develop and successfully brought to market.

Black and white drawing of Klingspor glue factory. Text says Naxos Schmirgelwerke C. Klingspor G.M.B.H. Signature is Gegrundel 1893.

1893

Johannes Friedrich Klingspor founded a glue factory in Siegen, Germany

black and white photo of large roll of coated sandpaper

1899

First production of coated abrasives

Retro poster advertising waterproof abrasives. Features a stack of black paper or magazines on a red background, and a car. Text says Autopaper waterproof. Flexible, sharp, long lasting. Ditta Jeder Dr. E. Bruzzone vis Luccoli 22-2. Genova. Telef. 360-220

1926

KLINGSPOR becomes Europe's 1st manufacturer of waterproof abrasive paper

black and white photo of 3 abrasive discs of different sizes. The 3 discs are standing on top of another big disc. Text says Kronen-Flex, Crown-Flex, cut-off wheels grinding discs

1944

Development of high speed cutting and grinding discs trademarked KRONENFLEX

black and white photo of early abrasive flap wheels being developed.

1954

Introduction of abrasive flap wheels

black and white photo of new manufacturing plant. It looks like the size of a sports stadium. It has simple fencing. On the top right, there is a small town in the distance.

1955

KLINGSPOR relocates to Haiger, Germany

flat photo of early abrasive mop disc. The type is SMT 625. It has a yellow, ring-shaped label with a somewhat small, horizontal red stripe. Made in Germany.

1972

Introduction of the abrasive mop disc (flap disc)

1979

Christoph Klingspor opens KLINGSPOR Abrasives facility in United States. Production began with less than 20 people.

Facility Location: Highway 64-70 East, Hickory NC

Picture of three flag poles at the Hickory Klingspor Plant. From left to right: United States, Germany, and North Carolina.

1985

Company moves to newly constructed, 60,000 sq ft. building.

Present Location: 2555 Tate Blvd, SE, Hickory NC

Picture of man with long sleeved blue shirt, a brown apron, and gray protective gloves.
He is using a grinder tool that has a yellow grinding disc. Sparks fly as the grinding wheel makes contact with metal.

1986

Introduction of long-term grinding belts

Photograph of inside of Hickory manufacturing plant. Contains green tables, machinery, yellow pedestals, cardboard material.
There is a bright blue conveyor belt across the top of the room, which sends products to the shipping section.

1988-1989

NC facility expands by an additional 60,000 square feet.

Picture of a grinding wheel. It looks like a cone that was cut in half horizontally, with a sizable whole in the center.
It has white and yellow labelling and a horizontal blue stripe.

1996

First production of grinding wheels in Poland

2003

Logistic center put into operation

New patent pending quick change system for mop-discs

Development of high speed abrasive mops

Large group photo of employers and employees outside of KLINGSPOR's plant in Hickory. Everyone is wearing a white shirt and standing in front of a yellow delivery truck.

2004

KLINGSPOR USA celebrates 25 years.

2018

KLINGSPOR celebrates 125th year anniversary.