The Noritake Abrasive Division will begin manufacturing vitrified bond CBN superabrasive grinding wheels in the U.S. beginning in February 2003. The expansion of the current 16,000-square-foot facility is currently under construction in Blue Ash, Ohio, near Cincinnati. Noritake's vitrified CBN wheels are used worldwide in various applications in the automotive, aircraft/aerospace, bearing, medical and precision grinding industries. "The establishment of a manufacturing base in the United States represents Noritake's commitment to localization, which will provide improved deliveries, response time and service to support its broad U.S. customer base," said Jim Sanford, project manager.

For additional information, call (800) 688-8234 or e-mail sanford.abr@noritake.com .