Key facts
Company history: from 1864 to the present
The history of VSM begins in the middle of the 19th century in Hanover, one of the industrial centers of Lower Saxony. On May 28, 1864, Siegmund Oppenheim and Siegmund Seeligmann founded the company S. Oppenheim & Co. in Hainholz, Hanover, starting the manual production of glass and silicon abrasive paper.
The name VSM is an abbreviation for Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken, which translates as “United Sanding and Machine Factories”. This name reflects the essence of the company: from the very beginning, VSM focused on the production of abrasive materials on a flexible basis - sanding paper, belts and rolls. For more than 160 years, this specialization has remained unchanged.
Key development milestones
VSM's uniqueness lies in its absolute specialization in flexible abrasives. Unlike many competitors that diversify their product line, VSM has remained true to one direction throughout its 160-year history - the production of abrasive belts, sheets, rolls and discs on a flexible basis.
The company today
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Legal name | VSM Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken AG |
| Brand | VSM Abrasives |
| Headquarters | Siegmundstraße 17, 30165 Hannover, Germany |
| Company type | AG (joint stock company since 1898), independent company with subsidiaries |
| Based on | May 28, 1864 |
| Founders | Sigmund Oppenheim and Sigmund Seeligmann |
| Employees | 850+ worldwide |
| Turnover | ~€200 million (estimated) |
| Production | Main plant in Hannover, Germany |
| Sales geography | 70+ countries through subsidiaries and partners |
| Specialization | Exclusively flexible (grinding) abrasives |
| Feature | In-house production of ceramic grain |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FEPA, EN 12413 |
Production sites
VSM concentrates its core production on one large factory complex in Hanover, Germany. This strategic decision allows the company to maintain the highest level of quality control and to keep critical know-how in one location. Subsidiaries and sales partners ensure VSM is present in over 70 countries worldwide.
| Type | Place | Country | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main plant | Hanover | Germany | Headquarters, R&D, ceramic grain production, production of all flexible abrasive products, logistics center |
| Subsidiaries | Various | Europe | Sales, technical support, conversion (cutting tapes and discs to customer specifications) |
| Subsidiaries | Various | North America | Sales, distribution, technical support |
| Subsidiaries | Various | Asia | Sales, distribution, technical support |
| Trading partners | Various | 70+ countries | Distribution, local sales and service |
Product line
VSM specializes exclusively in flexible (grinding) abrasives. The company does not manufacture cutting discs, hard bond grinding discs, burrs or other types of abrasive tools. This complete concentration on one segment allows VSM to achieve maximum depth of expertise.
- Sanding belts - wide range for stationary and portable belt sanders, all grain types
- Sanding sheets - for hand and machine sanding, various sizes and grits
- Sanding rolls - for cutting to required sizes, an economical option for large volumes
- Fibre discs— for angle grinders, aggressive material removal
- Velour discs - hook & loop, for orbital sanders
- Flap discs - for grinding and finishing on angle grinders
- Non-woven abrasive - for finishing, cleaning, matting surfaces
Key brands and series
| Brand / Series | Grain type | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| VSM ACTIROX | Geometrically shaped ceramic grain | Maximum material removal rate. German Innovation Award 2019 Gold. Flagship VSM technology |
| VSM CERAMICS | Ceramic grain (microcrystalline aluminum oxide) | High performance, long life, self-sharpening. For demanding metalworking applications |
| VSM COMPACT GRAIN | Agglomerated grain | Multi-layered grain structure for a consistent finish and long service life |
| VSM Stearate | Different types of stearate-coated grains | Anti-scratch coating for processing soft metals (aluminum, copper) and wood |
| VSM Zirconia | Zirconium-corundum grain | Optimal price/performance ratio for steel and stainless steel processing |
Technology and innovation
VSM invests significant resources in the research and development of new abrasive materials. Its own R&D center at the Hanover plant works on improving abrasive grains, bonds, backings and application technologies. The main competitive advantage is full control over the production chain, including the production of its own ceramic grains.
ACTIROX — geometrically shaped ceramic grain
ACTIROX is VSM’s flagship innovation, introduced in 2017. Each ACTIROX grain has a precise geometric shape, created through a special shaping process. Unlike conventional crushed grain, the geometrically shaped grain ensures a controlled cutting process with maximum efficiency. The result: extremely high material removal rates with less operator effort and less heating of the workpiece. In 2019, ACTIROX technology received the prestigious German Innovation Award in the Gold category.
Own production of ceramic grain
VSM is one of the few manufacturers of flexible abrasives that produces ceramic grain in-house. The entire process — from the synthesis of raw materials to the final abrasive product — takes place at the factory in Hanover. This gives VSM full control over the grain characteristics: size, shape, microstructure and mechanical properties. VSM ceramic grain has a fine-crystalline structure that ensures constant self-sharpening— when worn, the grain chips off, revealing new sharp cutting edges.
Compact Grain technology
VSM's Compact Grain technology uses agglomerated grain - several small abrasive particles are combined into a larger structure. During grinding, the agglomerates gradually break down, releasing fresh cutting grains. This ensures a stable finish throughout the entire service life and a significantly longer service life compared to conventional abrasives.
Certifications and standards
- ISO 9001— quality management system for all production processes
- ISO 14001— environmental management system
- FEPA is a member of the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives.
- Compliance with EN 12413 standard
Markets and distribution
VSM is present in over 70 countries through a network of subsidiaries and trading partners. The company has its own sales offices in key markets in Europe, North America and Asia. In the remaining regions, VSM operates through authorized distributors and converters who cut VSM abrasives into the required shapes and sizes for end users.
VSM's distribution model includes both direct sales to large industrial companies and supply through abrasive distributors. Some large abrasive tool manufacturers also use VSM flexible abrasives as a component for their flap discs and other combination products.
Target industries
- Metalworking and metal structures (main market)
- Automotive industry (polishing of body parts, engines)
- Aerospace industry (processing of turbine blades, titanium alloys)
- Stainless steel processing (INOX) - finishing, removal of weld seams
- Production of knives and cutting tools
- Turbine blade machining (gas and steam turbines)
- Medical equipment (surgical instruments, implants)
- Woodworking industry
- General industrial grinding and finishing
Latest news (2024–2026)
- 2024— celebration of the company's 160th anniversary (1864–2024)
- 2024–2025— commissioning of a new logistics center to improve the supply chain and accelerate delivery
- 2024–2025— продовження розширення лінійки ACTIROX: нові зернистості, нові форми продуктів, розширення застосувань
- 2024–2026— розширення присутності на ринках Азії та Південної Америки через нових партнерів
- 2025–2026— інвестиції у автоматизацію виробничих процесів та енергоефективність заводу в Ганновері