100 years of VDS / Association of German Abrasive Manufacturers
On 17 January 1917, a group of dedicated abrasive manufacturers met in Berlin and founded the VDS (Association of German Abrasive Manufacturers). In the turmoil of the First World War, it was the aim of the founding members to pool their interests vis-à-vis state authorities, as scarcity of raw materials and energy threatened the existence of many companies. This marked the beginning of a success story which continues even to this day.
