Worcester Business Journal

78 W o r c e s t e r 3 0 0 : C i t y o f I n n o v a t o r s S aint-Gobain's story begins in 1665 when the original company was founded to manufacture glass for the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. Fast forward to 1967, the company enters the North American market; in the 1970s the company establishes a North American presence. Now, some 357 years later, Saint-Gobain has grown through mergers and acquisitions and celebrates a strong 137-year history of the Norton businesses. A worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction, and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. e group's commitment is guided by its purpose, "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME." In 1885, seven Worcester entrepreneurs bought the patent for a grinding wheel from Frank Norton, owner of the Water Street Pottery Shop, where the formula for the grinding wheel had been invented. ey also bought his company name, giving birth to the Norton Company. What began as a tiny start-up grew rapidly. By 1920, Norton was one of the 400 largest industrial companies in the United States. As the company continued to flourish, it diversified into industrial products other than abrasives, and became a major multinational corporation. Norton became a publicly held company in 1962. In 1990, Norton was acquired by Saint- Gobain, one of the world's largest industrial companies. roughout the next decade, the company built its North American center of research and development excellence in Northboro, MA and revitalized the Norton name with the Saint-Gobain name in the logo to bring more recognition to both entities in the marketplace. Saint-Gobain began an ambitious program of acquisitions and joint ventures to strengthen its North American business and undertook extensive modernization in Worcester. Aer 130 years, the world headquarters for the Abrasives business remains in Worcester and continues to maintain an entrepreneurial spirit as the company focuses on its continued evolution to bring solutions to customers with choices that matter to them. Patrick Dwyer, Vice President, Saint- Gobain Abrasives North America, emphasizes that the company is committed to maintaining its standard of excellence in every aspect. "Our people, partners, and customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to call Worcester, MA our home. With more than 130 years of manufacturing excellence, our entrepreneurial spirit and continued dedication to innovation make us a world leader in the manufacturing of abrasive products," he said. "We continue to honor our commitment to sustainability and the production of world-class products through investment in local operations. Our high-performance products are used in an incredibly diverse range of applications, including medical, auto body repair, aerospace turbine production, electronics, home improvement, and car engine production." Additional Saint-Gobain businesses on and around the Worcester Campus have the same goals. Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories (PCR) designs, develops, and supplies solutions and services for extreme operating industrial conditions. Its engineered ceramics and refractory products are manufactured to the highest industrial standards and deliver enhanced performance, while minimizing environmental impact. is business has been engaged in producing high-performance materials used in a range of brands/products. From refractories that withstand the most extreme SAINT-GOBAIN CORPORATION: Growing rough Diversification One New Bond Street Worcester, MA 01615 508.795.5000 www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com www.saint-gobain-abrasives.com Mark Rayfield, Saint-Gobain North America CEO Year Founded: 1885 S P O N S O R E D P R O F I L E S

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