The German Abrasive Manufacturers Association
The German Abrasive Manufacturers Association (Verband Deutscher Schleifmittelwerke, VDS) was founded on January 17, 1917 in Berlin. It currently has 62 member companies and is the largest national association of abrasive manufacturers in Europe. VDS represents the abrasive industry on technical, economic, environmental and legal issues, and as a high-level federal association, it also supports manufacturers in Switzerland and Austria.
According to its statutes, the mission of VDS is to understand and promote the overall economic and legal interests of its member companies, as well as provide advice and support related to abrasive manufacturing and sales. It establishes connections between members and authorities on technical issues such as standardization, safety, testing and regulations, and provides suggestions to these authorities for the benefit of all member companies through the provision of information, expert opinions, and statistical surveys on technical, environmental, economic and legal issues. Therefore, VDS is the main contact person for authorities and associations on all economic, political and legal issues related to the abrasive industry.
VDS is also a member of the European Federation of Abrasive Producers (FEPA).
Professional members of the association
Professional members of VDS are assigned to one or more expert groups based on their product range. These groups handle specific technical issues of their member companies, especially those manufacturing the same products, in order to maintain their special interests. The current expert groups include:
1.Abrasive expert group (made of bonded abrasives)
2.Flexible disc expert group (fiber-reinforced resin-bonded abrasives)
3.Coated abrasives expert group
4.Diamond and cubic boron nitride abrasives for the stone and construction industry expert group
5.Diamond and cubic boron nitride abrasives for precision applications expert group
Many of the association’s activities are cross-expert group, while others are specifically aimed at member companies in a certain expert group. In addition to the expert groups with their own management structure, there are technical committees and working groups that can quickly and effectively handle any issues in the VDS field of activity. The task of the working groups is to assess the possible impact of current political developments at the national and European levels on the abrasive industry and to develop association solutions. In addition to the “environment” and “occupational and product safety” permanent working groups, ad hoc working groups are convened as needed.
How to become a member?
Companies headquartered in an EU country, Norway or Switzerland registered in the commercial register or a similar register can become members of VDS if they manufacture and sell grinding tools in these countries/regions and have at least 10 employees. If the number of employees is not reached, the board needs to make a reasonable decision based on the specific situation. Manufacturing does not include further processing of semi-finished abrasive products purchased elsewhere.
Special members can be companies registered in the commercial register or a similar register, headquartered in an EU country or in Norway or Switzerland. Provided that they make a significant contribution to achieving VDS goals, they can attend VDS plenary meetings without voting rights. Membership is applied by sending an informal letter to the VDS office, and the decision to accept or reject is made by the board.
What services does VDS provide?
VDS provides comprehensive advice and support to its member companies in the areas of technology, environment, business, and law.
1.Technology
The focus is on grinding, with an emphasis on safety-related issues. VDS develops technical association recommendations, organizes training courses and information events, and actively participates in the creation and revision of all standards related to abrasives at the DIN, EN, and ISO levels. Expert committees, convened by VDS, can quickly and effectively handle any technical issues in the field of VDS activities, and members can also receive patent evaluations.
2.Environment
The focus is on environmental and occupational safety issues. VDS clarifies the requirements of existing case law and supports its members in legal interpretation (e.g., on factory approval, best available techniques, REACH and CLP regulations, safety data sheets, hazardous substances, corrosive waste, product safety, etc.). In addition to fixed “environment” and “occupational and product safety” working groups, ad-hoc working groups are also convened as needed to handle environmental-related issues, develop association recommendations and sample letters, as well as coordinate documents representing the association’s position. VDS’s cooperation with the Research Association for Grinding Technology (FGS), especially in the area of materials and environmental issues, complements VDS’s image in the environmental field.
3.Business
VDS creates detailed and professional sales statistics for specific groups of its members and provides information on market developments. VDS provides advice and support to its members on general economic issues and launches advertising campaigns for quality and industry image.
4.Law
VDS clarifies the requirements of existing case law, supports members in legal interpretation, and represents the interests of the industry at the national and European levels. In addition to the permanent working groups “environment” and “occupational and product safety,” ad-hoc working groups can also be convened as needed to develop association recommendations and sample letters, and to coordinate documents representing the association’s position on specific issues.
Conclusion
The Association of German Abrasive Tool Manufacturers (VDS) plays a crucial role in the abrasive tool industry in Germany and other regions. Through its various objectives and initiatives, the association has contributed to the development of the industry and the success of its members.
VDS focuses on promoting information and experience exchange among its members, which has led to the development and application of new abrasive technologies. The association participates in standardization and certification processes to ensure that its members comply with high standards of quality and safety, which is essential for maintaining the industry’s good reputation.
In addition, VDS advocates policies that are beneficial to its members and the entire industry, demonstrating its commitment to promoting the development of the abrasive industry. The association’s efforts to promote sustainable practices within the industry are also noteworthy as they contribute to the industry’s overall sustainability and help protect the environment.
Overall, VDS is an important organization in the abrasive industry, and its importance in promoting industry growth and success cannot be overstated. By providing its members with the latest research and technology information, networking opportunities, and advocating policies that benefit its members and the industry, VDS has become a valuable asset to abrasive manufacturers in Germany and other European regions.
Reference:
VDS official website https://www.vds-bonn.de/de/
