The Company
About us
Discover the legacy and vision of your global precision grinding partner.
Precision System Partner
Engineering the
future of precision
Winterthur Technology Group is a leading global manufacturer of bonded abrasives, superabrasives, and precision dressing systems. As an independent, process-oriented system supplier, we deliver tailor-made complete solutions that drive efficiency, reduce cycle times, and ensure ultimate stability in industrial grinding applications.
Our distinct advantage lies in our comprehensive system approach. By taking full accountability for the synchronized, flawless performance of both the grinding wheel and the dressing tool, we provide significant competitive benefits to our customers. We proudly serve highly demanding sectors, including the automotive, aerospace, machine tool, steel, and cutting tool industries.
With our long-standing manufacturing heritage and production facilities strategically located across Germany, Austria, Sweden, the United States, and China, our global manufacturing network is supported by state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and specialized expertise. Together, our facilities deliver a resilient, reliable, and sustainable supply chain, providing the flexibility, backups, and regional presence needed to consistently deliver high-quality products and serve customers worldwide.
Global Strength
Our brands
Winterthur Technology
As the parent company and global brand, Winterthur Technology combines long-standing expertise with a proven track record of innovation and engineering excellence in high-precision bonded abrasives.
Testimonial
“Our renewed independence gives us the agility and flexibility to act faster for our customers. We can now accelerate innovation and deliver tailor-made grinding solutions with maximum focus and speed.”
CEO, Winterthur Technology Group
Heritage & Evolution
Our history
For over a century, the Winterthur name has been synonymous with precision, quality, and technological advancement in the abrasive industry. From our early founding in Switzerland to our evolution into a global manufacturing powerhouse, our journey is defined by continuous modernization, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence.
1906 – Early foundations
Founded in 1906 by chemist Walter Bölsterli in Winterthur, Switzerland, the company began as a small factory and quickly established itself in the abrasive market. Over the following decades, a strong commitment to technical excellence and continuous innovation strengthened its capabilities and reputation.
These early achievements laid the groundwork for the company’s evolution, establishing a foundation of trust, expertise, and engineering excellence that guided its development over the decades that followed.
1981 to 1999 – Global expansion
Renamed WST Winterthur Schleiftechnik in 1981, the company expanded globally by establishing sales subsidiaries in the USA and Germany. Production was strategically diversified with facilities in Austria and Sweden. In 1999, the group merged with the Swedish SlipNaxos Group, further expanding its technical capabilities.
2005 to 2007 – Strategic acquisitions
In 2005, the group adopted the name Winterthur Technologie, reflecting its evolution into a global organization. Two years later, the acquisition of Wendt Holding, a specialist in high-precision superabrasives and dressing technology, marked a significant milestone in the group’s development.
Driven by strong strategic leadership, the acquisition expanded the group’s capabilities and strengthened its leading position in the European market.
2011 to 2026 – The 3M chapter
From 2011 until early 2026, the company ran under the umbrella of the 3M Company, operating as 3M Precision Grinding & Finishing. During this period, the organization continued to advance engineered grinding technologies, expand its global presence, and strengthen its capabilities in precision solutions.
2026 – A new era of independence
In 2026, following its separation from 3M, the business entered a new era of independence under the ownership of Nimbus and resumed operations as the Winterthur Technology Group. Building on its long-standing expertise in precision grinding, the Group continues to deliver high-performance grinding wheels, dressing tools, and application-driven technical solutions, supporting industries and machine builders worldwide.