Made in Germany
Our knowledge of abrasives is second to none – and has been for over 160 years. Perfect surface quality, high stock removal, long service life – and all this while maintaining consistently outstanding performance. These distinctive features of VSM abrasives have impressed our customers all over the world since 1864.
160 years VSM
VSM celebrates its anniversary: 160 years of abrasives expertise from Hanover
A milestone we are very proud of. An industrial success story "Made in Germany" - from glass and emery paper to high-tech precision abrasives. A history that we have also achieved thanks to you. In the address from our Sales and Marketing Director Fabian Klopfer, he expresses this gratitude on behalf of all VSM employees.
We are looking forward to the next 160 years!
Follow our anniversary campaign with lots of exciting insights into VSM on our VSM LinkedIn channel. Or discover VSM and our history on this website.
The story behind our name
How do the terms Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken AG come into our company name? It’s quite simple: The company was launched on 28 May 1864 with the foundation of S. Oppenheim & Co. in Hainholz, Hanover. We began initially with the small-scale production of glass and flint paper, i.e. by hand.
As the requirements of grinding performance increased rapidly as industrialisation progressed, the company began to rely on emery as a new material from the end of the 19th century. The hard rock, mined on the Greek island of Naxos, wore out less quickly than glass, but nevertheless provided very high grinding performance and quickly became our company’s most important raw material. Emery has even become so important that its enormous significance is still reflected in the company name today, even though emery is no longer used as an abrasive grain.
As early as the 1880s, VSM augmented its portfolio with the construction of machines: Suitable grinding machines were developed and manufactured in the machine factory, as were hydraulic forming and casting machines, sandblasting blowers and melting furnaces, which were successfully sold to the booming industry. Machine production was only discontinued with the major global economic crisis in 1929/1930. Since then, VSM has focused entirely on the production of coated abrasives.
In September 1898, S. Oppenheim & Co. teamed up with Hainholz with Schlesinger & Co. Harburg, another major abrasives manufacturer and then competitor, to form the Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken Aktiengesellschaft. We still bear this name today.
We are VSM · Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken AG
Discover VSM
Business start-up
On 28 May 1864, Siegmund Oppenheim and his technically skilled brother-in-law Siegmund Seeligmann laid the foundations of what was later to become VSM. The company named S. Oppenheim & Co. began working in small production rooms in Hanover-Hainholz. More than 160 years later, VSM's headquarters and production is still at this location. While the company started operations in open countryside in 1864, the city has meanwhile grown around the plant.
The stag beetle trademark
Walk carefully through the VSM company premises today and you will see it over and over again: The stag beetle. In 1875 it was registered as a trademark by the company S. Oppenheim & Co. Back then, trademark protection law allowed trademarks to be registered with the District Court. The founding fathers of what later became VSM recognised the value of a memorable logo at an early stage. For this reason, they registered the stag beetle as a trademark.
Oldest plant fire brigade in Lower Saxony
One of the greatest dangers for a manufacturing company has always been fire. Like many other companies, VSM therefore has its own fire brigade. Ours was founded on 1 July 1880 by the company founders Oppenheim and Seeligmann, making it one of the oldest fire brigades in Lower Saxony and Germany. At the beginning it consisted of 14 employees and this number continued to grow steadily in the following years, to...
The invention of wallpaper paste
What do discoloured wallpapers, a former VSM apprentice and the adhesion of the emery to the backing have in common? They all led to the invention of wallpaper paste. During his apprenticeship at VSM, Ferdinand Sichel became aware of the complex processing of animal adhesives and bonding agents in the production of abrasives. He was already well aware of this problem from his parents’ company, a company for wallpaper and chalk paints.
Specialisation in coated abrasives
Our motto: Stay flexible at all times! After ceasing machine production as part of the global economic crisis, from 1929-30, VSM concentrated exclusively on the production of coated abrasives. A new finishing plant played a significant role at this time, as it was able to significantly increase product quality from 1932 onwards. This allowed cloths to be specially designed for use as backings for flexible abrasives. At this time, these were referred to in Germany as Schleifleinen (abrasive linens)...
VSM goes international
VSM’s high-quality abrasives attracted the attention of the industry in neighbouring countries at an early stage. As early as the 1890s, for example, VSM had an eye on the highly interesting English market and built a factory there based on the Hainholz model. In fact, the company was very successful in Great Britain with its own English brand “Atlas”. In 1918, as a result of the First World War, the factory was lost. But at the turn of the century, business was already booming in the rest of Europe...
In-house ceramic grain production since 2004
Hard-wearing: Our in-house developed and produced ceramic grain. The world of abrasives is always on the lookout for the best abrasive grain for specific applications. And when it comes to high stock removal, ceramic abrasive grains are clearly the first choice. This is because ceramic abrasive grains are particularly hard and tough. What does this mean specifically? For example, when grinding, every single grain is subjected to cutting forces that act like...
From glass paper to shaped ceramic grain
The first records of the use of sandpaper in England date back to the 18th century. Industrial use as a tool in the form of sandpaper, glass paper or flint paper began with the rapid ongoing industrialisation in Europe and America. Back then, the abrasive material was still attached to the paper backing by means of adhesive. These abrasives therefore performed poorly and they were primarily used for wood and...
Certified and recognised worldwide
VSM is a member of the Federation of the European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA). The safety standards defined here ensure the safe use of abrasives.
The Organization for the Safety of Abrasives (oSa) is a voluntary association of grinding tool manufacturers. VSM is a long-standing member here
VSM has maintained ISO 9001:2015 certification as the basis for its quality assurance system for many years, ensuring all parts of the company must meet these stringent requirements.
As the largest national association for grinding technology in Europe, the Association of German Abrasive Manufacturers (VDS) represents the interests of VSM as a member of the German abrasives industry.
VSM has been certified as an AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) since 2015. This internationally recognised status guarantees the security of the supply chain from the manufacturer of a product to the end consumer.
We are aware of our social responsibility and are committed to complying with ESG principles in the areas of environment, social affairs and responsible corporate governance.
Company management
VSM employs more than 800 people worldwide.
Together, we work to offer our customers the best possible product portfolio with our wide range of abrasive solutions. And to make life a little easier for our customers each and every day.
Dr. Florian Gojny
Member of the Board of Management
Portfolio
- Production and Engineering
- Conversion
- R&D and Quality Management
- Human Resources and Administrative Services
- Knowledge Transfer
- Procurement
- Finance and Management Accounting
Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. Fabian Klopfer
Member of the Board of Management
Portfolio
- Sales
- Marketing
- Product Management
- After-Sales
- Subsidiaries and Affiliates
- Logistics and Transport Networks
- IT
We know abrasives – since 1864
2024
Thanks to its innovative, randomised structure, VSM XELERION creates the finest surfaces. The structured abrasive is used for fine and ultra-fine grinding tasks.
2024
On 28 May 2024, the company turned 160 years old. And it is still located where it was founded, in the heart of Hanover, Germany. VSM has been manufacturing abrasives right from the start.
2023
In November 2023, we commissioned our Ceramic Grain Production Facility 3. This means that we are increasing production volumes and ensuring that our customers worldwide are reliably supplied with VSM ACTIROX and CERAMICS abrasives.
2023
With ALU-X, VSM is introducing an abrasive for aluminium and non-ferrous metals to the market. ALU-X prevents clogging of the abrasive and extends the service life.
2018
VSM ILUMERON makes it possible to grind and polish in a single step. This saves time and reduces production costs.
2018
Developed and produced in Hanover, VSM ACTIROX is a geometrically shaped ceramic grain abrasive for maximum stock removal.
2017
VSM COMPACTGRAIN Plus is introduced to the market and offers a new high level of performance in long-term abrasives.
2015
VSM CERAMICS Plus continues to provide existing CERAMICS abrasives to the market.
2005
Under the brand name CERAMICS, the ceramic grain abrasives manufactured in Hanover are now conquering the global markets.
2004
Start of production of VSM ceramic abrasive grain. This further development of synthetic abrasive grains provides high stock removal with a long service life.
1991
Opening of the Technical Centre (TC) training centre at the Hanover location. The “1st International Application Seminar” takes place on 7 September 1992.
1978
VSM COMPACTGRAIN is launched. Today, VSM has one of the most diverse product ranges in the field of long-term abrasives.
1955
Return to the UK. Foundation of the subsidiary VSM Abrasives Ltd. and thus the start of the company’s internationalisation.
1945
By the end of the war, over 85 percent of the factory buildings had been destroyed. Reconstruction of the plant by the employees, without government support.
1930
Specialisation in coated abrasives and machine manufacturing.
1898
Founding of VSM Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken Aktiengesellschaft. VSM AG still operates in this legal form today.
1890
Establishment of a manufacturing facility in England, UK and introduction of the English brand “Atlas”. The plant was lost in 1918 as a result of the First World War.
1880
Design of the first operational VSM grinding machine for grinding wheels.
1875
The stag beetle was registered as the first trademark.
1864
Company founded in Hanover-Hainholz by Siegmund Oppenheim and Siegmund Seeligmann.
A successful abrasives business for more than 160 years
1864–1898: From company formation to merger
1864 – Company formation
Siegmund Oppenheim and Siegmund Seeligmann form VSM AG. They start producing glass paper by hand in a workshop located in Hanover’s Hainholz district.
1871–1873 – Letters from Director Max Oppenheim
Three original documents from the co-founder.
1873 – Quality award at the World Exhibition in Vienna
An award presented at the World Exhibition recognises the outstanding quality of products made by VSM.
1898 Merger
S. Oppenheim & Co. Hainholz and Schlesinger & Co. Harburg merge to become Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken Aktiengesellschaft.
1900–1945: Boom years and post-war rebuilding
1900 – View from 1900
The VSM factory premises in Hainholz, Hanover.
1914 – 50th anniversary
VSM celebrates its 50th anniversary! The company continues to make record shipments of glass paper and emery cloths.
1924 – Balance sheet
The opening balance sheet from 1924 records a share capital of 3,540,000 gold marks.
1929 – Coming out strong from the global economic crisis
The company now started to specialise in coated abrasives. Hainholz in Hanover became the main site for production.
1932 – Progress
VSM builds its own cloth finishing plant and develops into one of the largest companies in the abrasives industry.
1933 – Vitex
The company registers the ‘Vitex’ trademark, which becomes synonymous internationally for high-performance abrasives.
1943–45 Destruction
During the Second World War, most of the production facilities in Hanover are destroyed.
1945 – Rebuilding
Without needing to draw on state aid, VSM employees rebuild the production facilities with funds from company reserves. Production is already underway again by 5 October 1945. A brilliant achievement!
1949–1999: Modernisation and internationalisation
1949–1991 – Capacity expansion
An extensive programme of building work is completed during this period, including a new four-storey building with laboratories, testing and trial facilities, belt converting lines and storage space, completion of a raw materials warehouse and canteen, construction of a high-bay warehouse, processing jumbo rolls of up to 3,000 linear metres of basic goods.
1955 – UK
Formation of the first subsidiary, VSM Abrasives Ltd. in the UK.
1964 – Centennial anniversary for VSM AG
In the year that VSM AG turns 100, it also posts the best balance sheet result in its history.
1978 – USA
Formation of VSM Abrasives Corporation in the United States of America.
1991 – Training Centre
VSM opens its own training centre for technical abrasives in Hanover.
1992 – Optimisation Phase I
Consolidation of production and new logistics facilities. Foundation of VSM Abrasives Canada Inc. in Oakville and DUNA-VITEX KFT in Budapest, Hungary.
1994 – Optimisation Phase II
Introduction of distribution strategy for Germany. Joint ventures are launched with PFERD in both Sweden and Switzerland.
1997 – Joint venture
Start of joint venture with PFERD-VSM in Poland.
1999 – Further expansion
Further expansion of capacities in Hanover plus process optimisation work. An additional converting plant is established in Hungary.
2002 to present day Expansion and extra production capacity
2002 – Construction of new grain facility
Investment of EUR 2 million in a new grain facility.
2004 – Further expansion
Usable space in the packing shop is doubled, plus integration of a new pallet conveyor line. Grand opening of an advanced training centre offering professional development for staff and customers, with its own machine room and conferencing systems.
2008 – Production expansion
VSM invests several million euros in new production buildings at the Hanover site.
2012 – Construction of new grain facility
The new grain facility marks the completion of one of the biggest construction projects in VSM’s history.
2018 – Construction of new logistics centre
After one year of construction, VSM has been able to surpass itself once again with the construction of a new state-of-the-art logistics centre – the company’s largest single project in its 154-year history.