Grinding acquisition for 3M

has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire

, a manufacturer of superabrasive grinding wheels, dressing tools and machines used to dimension and finish hard-to-grind materials in industrial and commercial markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

According to 3M, demand for hard-to-grind materials is fuelling the need for improved grinding and finishing processes using superabrasives.

3M's diamond and CBN (cubic boron nitride) flexible abrasives and General Industrial Diamond Company's bonded superabrasives produce precision finishes on hard to grind materials such as ceramics, thermal spray coatings, stone, glass, carbides, and nonferrous metals.

General Industrial Diamond Company facilities are located in New Jersey and Colorado employing approximately 100 people. The transaction is expected to close next month, subject to customary closing conditions.