Global coated abrasives manufacturer sia Abrasives Industries is ramping up activities in Asia, as the surface treatment trade gains traction in the region. Industry reports project Asia-Pacific markets for metallic and non-metallic abrasives will account for 58 per cent of global market share in 2018. "The main growth areas for the future will be China and Asia-Pacific. I see huge potential with our wide range of applications tailored to the needs of various industries," says Michael Ganzler, chief marketing officer of sia Abrasives. Specialising in industrial abrasive systems, sia Abrasives achieves the perfect surface for every type of material as it develops, manufactures and markets sanding and grinding products used in the exterior treatment of metal, wood and plastic, among others. Continuing the company's 135-year tradition in abrasive technology innovation, sia Abrasives is introducing a breakthrough in its product line. FiboTec - an ingenious sanding disc that uses a new hole pattern - promises increased performance and longevity by up to 50 per cent. The company interacts with clients regularly to generate ideas and find new solutions. Application engineers visit offices worldwide to help clients choose the best machine setup and recommend products that achieve optimum overall performance. The growth-driven company constructed a modern 10,400-square metre abrasives manufacturing plant in Switzerland. Taking full control of a joint venture in Shanghai by the end of the year, sia Abrasives is also building another facility in India. "With the infrastructure of our parent company Bosch, we have the ingredients to be the world's leading abrasives manufacturer," Ganzler says. "We have the financials, technology, ideas and network. We are ready for the challenges in Asia." sia Abrasives Industries www.sia-abrasives.com
