Grindwell Norton Ltd. (GNO) pioneered the manufacturing of grinding wheels in India and has since grown to offer a comprehensive portfolio of solutions ranging from abrasives, adhesives, life sciences, performance plastics, and ceramics.
In 1990's, GNO became a part of Saint-Gobain, a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction. This partnership has enabled GNO to enhance its offerings and expand reach worldwide. The Group currently holds 51.66% of equity in GNO, reinforcing the strong partnership. The company is listed on the Bombay and the National Stock Exchanges.
Grindwell - The early years
Two Parsi gentlemen set up Grindwell Abrasives at Mora, a small fishing village near Mumbai, with technical assistance from two Czechs. They were soon joined by Mr. Noshir Sidhva. This was the first Grinding Wheels factory in India.
The Launch of Compass
In mid-1950s Grindwell launches its first Brand – Compass. It continues to be a major brand till date. (Note: Carborundum is the generic name for Silicon Carbide).
For many years, GNO’s registered and Head Office was located in the iconic Army & Navy Building in the heritage Fort area of Mumbai
Partner with Norton Co., USA
Grindwell Abrasives enters into a technical collaboration with Norton Co., USA
First Modernization of the Grinding Wheel Plant in Mora
First modernization of the Grinding Wheel plant and start of manufacture of Coated Discs and Super Refractories at Mora
The Birth of GNO
Norton Company becomes a partner and Grindwell Norton Ltd. (GNO) comes into being
Silicon Carbide Plant, Bangalore
GNO pioneers the manufacture of Silicon Carbide (SiC) in India at its new site in Bangalore
R&D Center Set up in Bangalore
R&D Centre set up in Bangalore to support the manufacturing function, in areas like process optimization, improvement in furnacing technologies, etc.
Silicon Carbide Plant, Tirupati
Manufacturing of SiC moves to a new site near Tirupati
Second modernization of Mora plant with introduction of new age machinery and the Pullman tunnel kiln
GNO goes Public
GNO goes Public. Following an Initial Public Offering (IPO), GNO is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Manufacture of Fused Alumina Grains
GNO starts manufacture of Fused Alumina grains in the old SiC plant at Bangalore. Later discontinued
Marketing of Centralized Lubrication Systems
GNO forays into marketing of Centralized Lubrication Systems manufactured by Lincoln GmbH
Manufacturing Centralized Lubrication Systems
GNO starts manufacturing Centralized Lubrication Systems in Bangalore. In 1993, Lincoln Helios (India) Ltd. is formed as a JV between GNO and Lincoln GmbH
High Performance Refractories (HPR) plant - Bangalore
GNO commissions High Performance Refractories (HPR) plant at Bangalore
Life Beings at 50
GNO celebrates a major milestone in its history - its Golden Jubilee - with the theme: ‘LIFE BEGINS AT 50’
Coated Abrasive Plant – Bangalore
A state-of-the-art plant set up at Bangalore to manufacture a full range of Coated Abrasive products
Non-Woven Abrasives Plant
GNO sets up a new Non-woven Abrasives plant and pioneers its production in India
GNO becomes the Subsidiary of Saint-Gobain India
GNO becomes the first majority-owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain in India. Earlier in 1990, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain had acquired Norton Co., USA, and thus became a stakeholder in GNO
Super Abrasives plant set up for manufacturing Diamond and cBN Grinding Wheels
Abrasives Plant - Nagpur
A state-of-the-art plant set up at Nagpur for manufacturing Thin Wheels and Bonded Abrasive products
Orient Abrasives becomes a part of GNO
GNO acquires the Grinding Wheels business of Orient Abrasives
GNO’s Head Office moves to Leela Business Park, Mumbai
GNO’s Head Office moves from the heritage Army & Navy Building to a new owned office at the Leela Business Park, Mumbai (near the International Airport)
Abrasives Plant – Himachal Pradesh
GNO commissions a new Abrasives plant near Baddi in Himachal Pradesh for manufacture of Thin Wheels and Coated Abrasive products
An ultra-modern Performance Plastics plant set up on GNO’s Bangalore campus
Silicon Carbide Plant – Bhutan
Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials Bhutan, a majority-owned subsidiary of GNO, commissions a new plant for manufacturing Silicon Carbide near Phuentsholing, Bhutan
INDEC
GNO launches INDEC, a captive, global IT Development Centre in Mumbai for providing a range of services to the Saint-Gobain Group worldwide
High Performance Refractories Plant – Halol (Gujarat)
GNO commissions a new High Performance Refractories plant at a new site at Halol in Gujarat
Enters a new business - ADFORS - with a plant at Bangalore for manufacturing mine-grids
Commissions a new, high-tech Non-woven Abrasives plant at Bangalore
Bonded Abrasives Plant – Nagpur
GNO commissions a new Bonded Abrasives plant at Nagpur
No. 1 Abrasives company in India
GNO becomes the No. 1 Abrasives company in India
SoAlive@75
GNO celebrates its 75th Anniversary - with the theme: SoAlive@75
GlassGrid and TPE:
Comissioning and Expansion of GNO's:
Socially Responsible Actions during COVID-19
Around ₹ 24.14 Million were spent on COVID related CSR activities through SG India Foundation
Acquisition of Permacel
Grindwell Norton Ltd. Completed the acquisition of PRS Permacel Pvt. Ltd
Sales Offices 
GNO Plants 
Address
Grindwell Norton Ltd Unit no. 807, 8th floor, Prestige Meridian-2No. 30, M G Road Bangalore – 560 001
Address
Saint-Gobain Grindwell Norton Limited
# 1609,Shapath-V,Opp. Karnavati Club, Above Crown Plaza Hotel, S.G.Highway, Ahmedabad- 380015
Address
Grindwell Norton Ltd. # 1/4, Block No. 4, Nolambur High road, Mogappair West, Chennai – 600037, Tamilnadu, India.
Address
Grindwell Norton Ltd, Flat No – 501,5th Floor, Holding No – E620, ‘A’ Block, Sonari Bastee Area, East Layout, Sonari,
Jamshedpur – 831011.
Tel: +91-0657-2228432
Mobile: 8873381922
Address
Grindwell Norton Limited.
23, Ganesh Chandra Avenue, Kolkata - 700 013
Address
Grindwell Norton Limited.
Shop No, 1,2,3 & 4,Amar Singh Palace Opp. E.P.F. Building, Sham Nagar, Ludhiana- 141 001
Address
Grindwell Norton Limited.
Office Number: T1065,T WING – First floor, Akshar Business Park,Sector-25 . Plot 3 Vashi – 400703, Navi Mumbai
Address
Grindwell Norton Limited.
A-80, 1st Floor, Sector – 2, Noida – 201 301.
Address
Grindwell Norton Limited.
H NO.6-3-1191,Unit No. F, 1st Floor, Brij Tarang Towers (Mebaz Building),Beside White House Building, Begumpet,Hyderabad-500016
Tel: 040-42703562
Address
Grindwell Norton Limited.
Shivsagar Co-op Housing Society, 161-A, Modi Baug, Ganesh Khind Road, Pune - 411 016
Socially Responsible Actions
Within the global framework of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). GNO focuses on fulfilling 9 SDG goals, encompassing health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, sustainable living, and climate action.