Company History In 1932 the National Metal Abrasive plant was built in Cleveland, Ohio and began making chilled iron abrasive. In the forties the company started to manufacture malleable iron products (Permabrasive) which is heat treated chilled iron. The material had a longer life and lower maintenance costs. The fifties and early sixties brought about the beginning of the future market of steel abrasives. The companies initial counter to this technology was the addition of rounded nail clips. Still utilizing the spinner atomizing process it started to produce the first steel abrasive in an induction furnace. This was the end of the iron era as chilled and malleable abrasive were phased out. In 1977 the plant was moved from its original location in Cleveland to Wadsworth, Ohio. A new melt building was added to what was the old Wadsworth Foundry facility. From 1985 to the present the direct sales force and secondary distribution have expanded to serve all North American markets.