Rex-Cut Abrasives invested in a new abrasive material manufacturing line at its main facility in Fall River, Mass. This equipment investment will allow the company to produce high-quality abrasive material and finished goods well into the future. This new system will increase efficiency and productivity throughout the abrasive material making process. This investment will also improve product consistency and quality as well as manufacturing longevity. The shutdown and dismantling of the old-line is complete and the new equipment is being installed.

Norton Saint-Gobain Abrasives’ DoubleCut carbide burrs provide extended life and better stock removal due to the hardness of the tungsten carbide substrate, stronger tooth formulation because of a decreased tooth wedge angle and numerous cutting edges. The burrs are for removing surface stock and weld splatter, deburring and chamfering applications, along with medium to light cleaning. The tool geometries meet the demands for stainless steel, steel, cast steel and composites applications. The burrs perform well at higher temperatures and can be used longer than high-speed steel tools.

Pferd Inc. appointed Mariano Presas president – Americas, succeeding Gene Huegin who is retiring in August 2019. Presas will be responsible for Pferd operations in Canada, the United States and Latin America. “I look forward to the challenges of this new role,” Presas said. “Pferd is a recognized leader in the metalworking field and its products are well respected. I plan to carry on that tradition and improve upon, where I can, the company’s position throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

Following the recent acquisition of Walter Surface Technologies from Oncap, Walter named Marc-André Aubé CEO (right). Previously, Aubé served as president and COO. He joined the company in February 2017. David Wright (left) was promoted to vice president of corporate development, where he will lead strategic initiatives for the company including special projects and acquisition opportunities. Wright joined Walter in 2015 as part of the company’s Next to Succeed leadership program, after which he held the position of business development manager.

Metabo Corp. announced that its power tools received four Pro Tool Innovation Awards. This is an annual awards program judged by a panel of professional tradesmen and trade media representatives. The awards recognize the most innovative tools in the residential and commercial construction industry across a variety of categories. Winners demonstrated achievement in any combination of innovative features, advanced power delivery, groundbreaking ergonomics, technological advancements and value. This year, more than 60 tool manufacturers submitted nearly 300 entries in dozens of categories.

Weiler Abrasives Group announced two new positions within the company. David Jescovitch (left) was named abrasive specialist manager. Jescovitch has been with the company for more than 34 years in various roles. He will manage a team focusing on pipeline construction, shipbuilding and large metal fabricators. Ron McCarthy (right) was named abrasive specialist. Formerly a Weiler district sales manager for more than 10 years, he will work directly with customers to help define productivity and quality standards and select the best product to address their challenges.

Weiler Abrasives Group announced the rebranding of the European division of the company. Swatycomet d.o.o. in Slovenia is now Weiler Abrasives d.o.o. and Toroflex GmbH in Germany is now Weiler Abrasives GmbH. The rebranding reinforces the vision, mission and values of the company in the global market, joining all regions under a unified corporate brand. With the corporate rebranding, all product brands offered by the companies will remain the same, as will the location of the current head offices and business units.

CGW-Camel Grinding Wheels changed its name to CGW Abrasives. “We changed our name to CGW Abrasives to tell everyone what we’re all about – abrasives,” said Mike Sullivan, president of CGW Abrasives. “The new name and identity remind people what makes us great. CGW Abrasives is the place where quality, performance and value come together.” CGW Abrasives has more than 140,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and distribution space in Niles, Ill., and 50,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and distribution space in Buena Park, Calif.

CC-Grind-Strong grinding discs from Pferd Inc. combine the strength and service life of the company’s ¼-in. resin-bonded abrasive backer with the operation and surface finish of its layered coated abrasive discs. This results in highly aggressive removal rates and noise, vibration and dust reduction. The grinding discs are for use on steel in applications such as mill scale removal, weld dressing, chamfering and deburring. They are available in 4 ½-in.- and 5-in.-dia. sizes with 7/8-in. unthreaded bore and 5/8-11 quick-change threaded hub.