A passion for technology and many years of experience in the production of high-quality grinding solutions have formed the basis for the success of the Tyrolit brand for more than 100 years. 

2019 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The Tyrolit Group is 100 years old

The Tyrolit Group is 100 years old

13 February 2019 marked the 100th anniversary since Tyrolit was officially founded. During this period, based on its expertise in grinding crystal for Swarovski in Wattens, the company has developed into an international group with subsidiaries all over the world. Today, the Tyrolit Group is one of the leading suppliers of high-quality grinding solutions in various industries.
2017 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The workforce as a source of ideas

The workforce as a source of ideas

The increasing demands of industry and the resulting changes in the market demand an extremely close relationship with customers. This gives rise to an innovative solution from an employee in 2017. Bent Ankersen from Denmark comes up with the idea for the new product TYROLIT POWER. This is a combination of natural-hair brushes and a grinding layer made from netting with diamonds. It enables a controlled surface finish in the shortest time. It also significantly reduces costs and machining times compared to conventional tools. A great idea that helps the customer to achieve the desired result in a quarter of the time.
2015 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Coming home

Coming home

Following the extension in 2015, a new storey is added to the administration building in Schwaz and the heating system is refurbished in 2016. Erection of the building site starts at the beginning of 2016, and the final facade work is already carried out in September. The new fourth storey provides additional space for new offices. This paves the way for the senior management to return to the administration building. A clear sign of the importance of the Schwaz site.
2015 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The Schwaz site grows

The Schwaz site grows

The persistently high number of incoming orders for vitrified grinding tools necessitates an extension of Plant I at the Schwaz site in 2015. The importance of this site is underlined by the high investment volume of EUR 2.6 million. Tyrolit stands for fast and on-schedule supply of its products. To continue to meet the high standards it demands of itself, the company invests in two new kilns and an additional drying chamber. This is a big step in the further development of the Schwaz site.
2015 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Shipping warehouse 2.0 in Benátky in the Czech Republic

Shipping warehouse 2.0 in Benátky in the Czech Republic

Building took a year, but now it is ready. The official opening ceremony for the new warehouse in Benátky in the Czech Republic takes place on 12 June 2015. This represents a key building block in the European shipping logistics infrastructure. All existing processes are analysed and realigned with respect to future challenges right from the design phase. The "goods to man" principle changes the entire pick-and-place and packing process. The goal is maximum error avoidance, which is supported by a SAP system.
2014 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Tyrolit for daily life

Tyrolit for daily life

In 2014, Tyrolit decides to apply its industrial expertise and around 100 years of experience in the development of market-leading grinding solutions to daily life with the establishment of Tyrolit life. The aspiration is ambitious: use the existing expertise to manufacture high-quality products and combine them with an elegant design. This has already been successful with the first product – a knife sharpener that impresses experts and users alike.
2014 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Tyrolit continues to grow

Tyrolit continues to grow

In January 2014, the company took another important step towards the future: Tyrolit acquired 51% of the South African company Grinding Techniques Ltd. The group of companies was previously found in 11 countries and now for the first time had gained a production foothold on the African continent.

2014 is therefore a year marked by growth. In addition to Grinding Techniques Ltd, in January 2014 Tyrolit Hydrostress AG also acquired Nestag Diamant and Schleiftechnik AG whose registered office is in Basel.
2009 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Tyrolit in the American market

Tyrolit in the American market

There is fierce competition in the abrasives industry which leaves less and less room for the company. Since the 2008 financial crisis, this trend has accelerated even more. Despite this, Tyrolit decided to act rather than react in 2009. To fend off layoffs and protect employees' jobs, the company acquired the US company Radiac Abrasives Inc.

This is the second-biggest manufacturer of grinding tools in North America. The synergies gained created further opportunities in the American market, as the demand for grinding products in North America is equivalent to 25% of the global demand. The acquisition also protected exports and therefore jobs in a heavily export-dependent sector. Tyrolit's international future is secured.
2004 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Tyrolit opens the door to Eastern Europe

Tyrolit opens the door to Eastern Europe

2004 was a special year for the company. Since 1997, the company had been on the lookout for an Austrian abrasives company. Now they had found one. The Czech market leader Carborundum Electrite was now entirely owned by Tyrolit.

So the company looked back on a successful and strategically trendsetting year: With the acquisition of Cincinnati Milacron, the company was able to position itself in North America and the acquisition of Carborundum Electricite opened the door to Eastern Europe.
2002 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Tyrolit conquers the Asian market

Tyrolit conquers the Asian market

In 2002, Tyrolit opens a new plant in Rayong Province in Thailand, Tyrolit Thai Diamond Co. Ltd. The new production facility was built in a record time of just five months and has been offering employment to 35 people on the east coast of the country since 14 October. As is usual in Thailand, the opening ceremonies and the dedication of the plant were held in the Buddhist tradition. This meant that the ribbon had to be cut at precisely 11:09 o'clock to guarantee the company a good start into a successful future.
1998 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Tyrolit extends its competence

Tyrolit extends its competence

In addition to the ongoing extension of the core business in North America, in 1998 Tyrolit also wanted to specifically extend its technical competence. The company therefore acquires the German company Horst Reineke (later Reineke Werdohl) in summer 1998. It has been successfully active in the field of gear machining for many years and represents an ideal complement to the Tyrolit product range with its specialised grinding tools.
1994 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - First approval for high-speed products

First approval for high-speed products

Tyrolit launches a new vitrified-bonded CBN grinding wheel onto the market in 1994. This wheel is the first of its kind to be approved by the Deutscher Schleifscheibenausschuss (DSA) for an operating speed of 200 m/s. The new wheel's vitrified bond offers significant advantages, such as greater dimensional stability and temperature resistance and more favourable dressing behaviour.
1993 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Tyrolit heads south

Tyrolit heads south

After wanting a presence in the Italian market since the beginning of the 1990s, Tyrolit acquires the company VINCENT in 1993. VINCENT specialises in diamond tools for glass and natural stone and has successfully established itself on the global market in the last twenty years. The profile grinding and calibration tools on which the company's global reputation is based were previously underrepresented in the Tyrolit product range. With the acquisition of VINCENT, a further segment of the abrasives market is opened up and the perfect complement to the existing range found.
1991 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - New partnerships, new opportunities

New partnerships, new opportunities

After acquiring shares in the Swiss machine manufacturer HYDROSTRESS in 1989, Tyrolit enters into a partnership with DIAMOND PRODUCTS in the USA in 1991. DIAMOND PRODUCTS is the market leader in hollow drills and drill rigs and also one of the three biggest producers of diamond tools in the United States. With this cooperation, Tyrolit lays the foundation for the best possible customer solutions in the construction and natural stone industries.
1991 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - A new plant for high-tech products

A new plant for high-tech products

To remain at the top, you have to be fast. So in 1991, Tyrolit opened a new plant in Stans, Tyrol. Since September, around 110 employees have been working on 6,000 m2 there. The area includes a state-of-the-art R&D department which specialises in high-tech products.

High-precision grinding tools with superabrasives and rotating and stationary dressing tools are the focus of the product range in Stans. With these investments, Tyrolit has laid the basis for further development in the high-tech sector which benefits customers worldwide.
1990 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - New diamond wire saws revolutionise the market

New diamond wire saws revolutionise the market

For many years, wire saws have been used to extract and machine blocks of marble. However, these wire saws quickly wear out, so diamond wire was used for the first time in the 1960s. But they only had a limited field of application.

As a result, Tyrolit pursued a consistent further development process which was completed in 1990: A new diamond wire saw from Tyrolit came to the market. Whether in structural and civil engineering or the machining of natural stone, the saws have a variety fields of application. Its special production process ensures overall great flexibility and very good protection.
1988 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Official inauguration of TYROLIT SAN LUIS in Argentina

Official inauguration of TYROLIT SAN LUIS in Argentina

The new plant in San Luis, Argentina passed the practical test. Now it was ready: On 15 March 1988, a group of dignitaries gathered on the premises of TYROLIT SAN LUIS. The new plant was officially inaugurated in the presence of Manfred and Gernot Langes-Swarovski, the industry minister of the province and representatives of regional authorities.

An important foundation stone for the progress of the San Luis region was laid by Tyrolit.
1987 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Go West Tyrolit!

Go West Tyrolit!

Tyrolit was now established in a number of countries around the world. This included Argentina, where it already had a factory. In 1985, TYROLIT ARGENTINA decided to construct a second plant modelled on the production plant in Schwaz. After the basic questions such as planning period, construction and delivery were clarified, Tyrolit Argentina drew up a financing plan with the government.

Travel preparations for the assembly team from Schwaz were now made. On 10 July 1987, the team set off. After an intensive seven weeks, the job was done: The new TYROLIT SAN LUIS factory was ready and the test run began.
1985 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - An ear for employees // Secur Silentio: A new noise-resistant wheel

An ear for employees // Secur Silentio: A new noise-resistant wheel

Work in the metal processing industry is often associated with physical load. Strong vibrations and high noise levels put a strain on the wrists and ears. To relieve its employees and protect their health, Tyrolit developed a new "Secur Silentio" composite grinding wheel in 1985.

This ergonomic wheel allowed employees to do grinding jobs at low noise and vibration levels. Both of these characteristics reduce the physical load of the grinders and at the same time protect the ears of nearby employees and neighbours.
1984 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - New tool for the stone industry

New tool for the stone industry

If you don't go forwards, you go backwards. That is why TYROLIT starts mass producing laser-welded diamond tools in 1984. These are beneficial in the stone industry in particular, since they can process extremely hard stone with ease. These laser-welded tools have a much better bond that the previous brazed ones. This also means increased safety for the operator.
1981 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - A harmonious fusion of old and new

A harmonious fusion of old and new

Almost twenty years after the opening of the new administration building in Schwaz, more space is needed. This is achieved by adding an extension to the existing building to provide more square footage for the TYROLIT administration department. Right from the planning stage, consideration was given to constructing a functional building according to the latest state of the art. By the end of September 1981 it is finished: the planning deadline was met and a harmonious fusion of old and new was achieved.
1981 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT hollow drill goes in depth

TYROLIT hollow drill goes in depth

Specialists are needed for special tasks. In 1981, a measuring pipe had to be installed in the sewer tunnel of a chemical company, without interrupting the water supply to the sewer. The problem? There was no drill with a suitable diameter.

A suitable tool had to be produced in as short a time as possible. No sooner said than done, within two days TYROLIT had produced the corresponding hollow drill. So in 1981, a one-meter diameter TYROLIT hollow drill was used for the first time. And this was with complete success.
1981 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Product development advances

Product development advances

In a high-tech industry like the abrasives industry, it is necessary to be able to react to new developments. Work processes continued to be developed and new products came to the market. TYROLIT seized the opportunity and developed diamond wall saws in 1981.

In addition to lower noise pollution and more precise cutting, they particularly allow for more efficient work on construction sites, in power station construction and in repair work.
1980 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT shows pioneering spirit

TYROLIT shows pioneering spirit

A TYROLIT advertisement from this time includes the tagline "Just give us a call!". The company not only manufactures and sells grinding wheels, but also works with the customer on individual solutions for grinding and cutting problems. This is what happens in Darmstadt: the Hessisches Landesmuseum has a problem, since the granite gateway into it is too narrow. The problem is solved with aplomb using a diamond wall saw with a diameter of 1500 mm. What made this special is that this was the first time a wall saw with this diameter had been used in Europe. It also warranted coverage by ORF.
1979 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - New TYROLIT diamond tools in use

New TYROLIT diamond tools in use

The use of diamond as an abrasive in industry increases. TYROLIT is among those to offers various diamond-based tools. Two new products are added to the range in 1979: the diamond dry core drill and the diamond rip saw. The range of applications of these two tools is very wide. The new products offer distinct advantages not only in the processing of very hard materials, but also in subsequent installations indoors.
1979 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - New halls, nicer workplaces

New halls, nicer workplaces

To guarantee smooth production in the TYROLIT plant, sufficient space is required for the employees. The decision is therefore taken in 1979 to further expand the production halls. The purpose of this is to reduce the close working quarters in Plant II, and to lay the foundation for better workplaces and the installation of new machines. No sooner said than done – two further halls are completed in 1979. Building D is constructed as an extension to Plant II. Two bays are added to Plant III, increasing the space by 1840 m2 in total.
1978 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Furnace hall is enlarged

Furnace hall is enlarged

In addition to the ongoing modernisation of the plants, an extension to the furnace hall is needed in 1978. Since the furnace hall is home to several large and small furnaces and the capacities are constantly increasing, the management decides to enlarge the premises and build on to the existing furnace hall. At the beginning of 1978, TYROLIT starts planning and designing the extension. This is not only excellently executed from a technical standpoint, but also completed quickly: the building work is finished just six months after the project starts.
1977 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The diamond department moves

The diamond department moves

Production in the TYROLIT plant in Schwaz increases steadily. To maintain this constant further development, the company opens a new plant in 1977, Plant IV. These production halls, with their state-of-the-art design, become the diamond department's new home. This production segment is immensely important for TYROLIT due to diamond's increase in significance as an abrasive. Plant IV is an important step in further strengthening and expanding this mainstay.
1976 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT Elastic: From the idea to the product

TYROLIT Elastic: From the idea to the product

Innovating new products is traditionally one of TYROLIT's strengths. In addition to the existing Bakelite-bonded and vitrified-bonded tools, the company adds elastic grinding and polishing tools to the range in 1976. A new product group is born: TYROLIT Elastic. Working on hard-to-reach workpiece shapes becomes easier. This makes TYROLIT one of the few companies around the world to offer both conventional and elastic grinding tools.
1974 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT was well-placed for success

TYROLIT was well-placed for success

In 1974, global steel production reached 710 million tonnes of steel produced. TYROLIT also benefited from this. The company had a 2% share of the 600,000 tonnes of grinding wheels sold that year. So in 1974, TYROLIT sold 12.3% more abrasives than in the previous year.

Turnover rose by 26.5% to 565 million schillings on a value basis. TYROLIT had become the biggest abrasive exporter in the world and wanted to expand its overseas sales. So in 1975, a new company was set up in Beirut with the name "TYROLIT Middle East".
1973 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Precision work made easier

Precision work made easier

In 1973, TYROLIT developed another product: Extra thin "D" type diamond cutting saws. These saws have a varied field of application as they can be used for the most diverse production work in precision mechanics, optics or glass machining.

Their narrow cutting width also make precision work in the smallest spaces easier. Precision machining of valuable materials, such as precious stones, is also made easier.
1973 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Rondeller – a new development from TYROLIT comes to the market

Rondeller – a new development from TYROLIT comes to the market

The new and further development of products is a fundamental component of TYROLIT's company philosophy. To meet the requirements of its customers, in 1973 the company developed the rondeller. The rondeller is a flexible portable grinding wheel, which is a Secur disc wheel.

With its modified resinoid bond and integrally moulded honeycomb system, the new rondeller offers an unprecedented degree of elasticity, safety and stability.
1971 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - New products were introduced to the range.

New products were introduced to the range.

The rationalisation of the grinding and cutting methods in the modern industry was the impetus for opening the new plant in 1971. This required increased use of diamond and borazon as abrasives, so that new products could be included in the range.

Galvanised and metal-bonded products such as diamond grinding wheels, borazon grinding wheels and hollow drills were now included. The modernisation of TYROLIT continued to progress.
1971 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The new plant III

The new plant III

In 1971, TYROLIT decided to further expand its capacity and on 9 January, opened the doors to the new plant III. The halls, designed and constructed using state-of-the-art production technology, could now start production.

The company also expanded its production program: In addition to resin-bonded and metal resin-bonded products, the new Plant III also produced galvanised and metal-bonded products.
1970 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - A new rondeller from TYROLIT

A new rondeller from TYROLIT

Despite the versatility of the Secur Extra rough grinding wheels, difficulties keep occurring when removing small quantities of material from large-scale workpieces. This can be seen, for example, when grinding flaws on high-alloyed metal sheets. So TYROLIT sets to work and in 1970 launches the TYROLIT rondeller on the market. This adapts perfectly to the changing stresses during grinding and retains full grinding power. From then on, grinding large uneven surfaces in sheet metal adjustment ceases to be a problem.
1969 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The biggest press in the Austrian abrasives industry started its work

The biggest press in the Austrian abrasives industry started its work

To keep up-to-date with the latest technology and meet customer demands, in 1969 TYROLIT ordered a new industrial press. This new press was the largest in the Austrian abrasives industry, which also enabled the production of large-dimension cut-off wheels with maximum precision.

At the same time, the 2500-tonne pressing power of this giant made for a considerable increase in capacity.
1967 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Diamond as a new abrasive

Diamond as a new abrasive

Diamond is gaining in importance as an abrasive for tungsten carbide. This prompts TYROLIT in January 1967 to start the production of resin-bonded diamond grinding tools. In addition, the company publishes its first diamond catalogue with recommendations on how to use the new diamond grinding wheels. Interest in the new products is high – a reprint of the catalogue is required.
1962 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT stones for journeys

TYROLIT stones for journeys

in 1962, the Austrian researcher and mountaineer, Henrich Harrer, who gained fame for his books on his time in Tibet, undertook an expedition to New Guinea. Prior to this, Harrer asked TYROLIT for a combination whetting stone to be able to deal with the locals. They could be used to sharpen the steel axles which Harrer had bought for the locals.

The expedition was crowned with success: Harrer achieved 31 first mountain ascents and the locals were enthusiastic about the whetting stones.
1961 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT in the Big Apple

TYROLIT in the Big Apple

The family-owned company has solidified its site in Schwaz/Tyrol in recent years and also established itself as an exporter all over the world. Experts appreciate the quality of the products, which can grind, cut and drill materials of any hardness. In 1961, TYROLIT decides to make the move to North America and opens an agency for the USA and Canada in New York. The further development of the company forges ahead.
1959 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Companies all over the world prize TYROLIT.

Companies all over the world prize TYROLIT.

TYROLIT grinding wheels aren't just used in Austria and the neighbouring countries. The products are also prized in Africa, Asia or South America. Companies in 67 countries all around the world now use TYROLIT grinding wheels.

So 40 years after registration, the company has reached a new milestone.
1959 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT launched a new Secur wheel on the market.

TYROLIT launched a new Secur wheel on the market.

In 1959, TYROLIT developed a new Secur grinding wheel with a sunk middle section under the name "Secur extra". The special feature of the wheel was the high stock removal possible per time unit.

So this was especially suitable for places where quick work was considered to be particularly important. With the development of this wheel, the company grants the wishes of many customers who have long been waiting for this Secur wheel.
1959 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - A new administration building for the plant in Schwaz

A new administration building for the plant in Schwaz

Ten years after opening the plant in Schwaz, another renovation became necessary. The management and R&D department needed new premises. At the end of 1959, the new administration building was finished. The sales and accounts departments, management and personnel office moved into their new premises at the beginning of 1960.

To push ahead with developing the company, TYROLIT's new R&D department was created on the third floor. The construction office also found a home here. In recent years, the construction work has constantly expanded.
1956 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT was diversifying:

TYROLIT was diversifying:

In October 1956, TYROLIT obtained approval for its 80 m/sec Secur portable cut-off wheel. These wheels are particularly suitable for cutting. There are various possibilities for use: Steel, bronze, light metal and also natural and artificial stone can be processed with the Secur portable cut-off wheel. Diversification in the company continued to progress.
1956 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The bulk was supported // A new furnace increased capacities

The bulk was supported // A new furnace increased capacities

Employment and production was continuously increasing so in 1956, the company decided to commission an electric tunnel kiln. The new "small" tunnel kiln had half the power of the "big" tunnel kiln, but this was still a considerable amount of power.

The technical requirements were met with flying colours: The temperature differences when firing were only +/-5 degrees Celsius at a maximum temperature of 1,290 degrees Celsius. The plant's firing capacity also increased by 30%.
1952 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - TYROLIT develops the Secur wheel

TYROLIT develops the Secur wheel

In 1952, two years after the opening of the new site in Schwaz, TYROLIT launches the first cut-off and rough grinding wheels with glass fibre reinforcement – the Secur wheels – on the market. These wheels also represent the consignment to history of the paper insert. Instead, a glass fibre reinforcement holds the wheel together and stops it separating into individual components – and endangering the operator – if used incorrectly. This wheel lays the cornerstone for TYROLIT's growth.
1950 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - Schwaz – A new site for TYROLIT

Schwaz – A new site for TYROLIT

Thirty years after registering the "TYROLIT" brand, the management decided to shift operations to Schwaz. It was intended that the abrasive plant would develop independently. Swarovski employees living in Schwaz would be able to work in their own town. No sooner said than done, the first workshop was constructed.

If the capacity of the machines moved from Wattens wasn't enough to start with, it would soon have to be expanded. Bigger wheels were also produced which led to an increasing customer base in a large number of countries. In 1950, production was 400 tonnes but just 10 years later, it was 2400 tonnes. A significant step had been taken – TYROLIT had a presence in 54 countries.
1919 TYROLIT - Inovations - Timeline - The founding of TYROLIT

The founding of TYROLIT

The TYROLIT success story began on 13 February 1919: The brand has been registered in the companies register. The desire of the company's founder, Daniel Swarovski, to no longer have to rely on a supply of basic tools to manufacture glass decorative discs was the spur for producing grinding wheels. But things didn't end with self-sufficiency. Gradually, the company began to supply neighbouring businesses with the grinding wheels under the name "TYROLIT" and expanded sales to Germany, Italy and Russia.

A success story began to take shape.