Our history
What began in 1981 with a bold decision and a great deal of expertise has developed into an international success story. From humble beginnings in basements and garages, JÖST abrasives has grown step by step into an innovative medium-sized company with a global customer base. The passion for innovative solutions and technical perfection has always remained the driving force and trademark. Each phase of the company's history is characterized by inventiveness, investment in state-of-the-art technology and the courage to break new ground – from pioneering patents to the development of suitable machines for the company's own abrasives. With modern locations in Affolterbach and Abtsteinach, the company today sets standards in quality, efficiency and customer orientation. The history of JÖST abrasives shows that with a clear vision, perseverance and a sense of responsibility, even a small idea can grow into something big.
Jöst abrasives company brochure
1981 – The Starting Signal
After many years as product manager for nonwoven abrasives at Freudenberg, Peter Jöst founds his own company. With a great deal of specialist knowledge, an international outlook and a host of innovative ideas, he starts in his brother's cellar in Wald-Michelbach - warehouse, production and office, all under one roof. He sets up his office in his parents' house.
1982 – The First New Developments
The first hand-drawn product information appears - including the newly developed HANDI sanding glove. Two garages are rented as a warehouse and Peter Jöst establishes his first international contacts. The first permanent employee joins the team - and is still with us today.
1983-1992 – Growth & Investments
Despite initial challenges, Jöst's growth surges ahead. To meet the growing demand, the young company is investing in new machines: a second die cutter, a cutting machine, two packing machines, a self-built laminating machine and an electric forklift.
1993-1994 – The First Company Premises
Peter Jöst buys the current property in the Wald-Michelbach district of Affolterbach. The first office outside the home is established in 1994. One year later, a new hall is added with a self-developed production facility for innovative abrasives.
1995-2010 – Innovation & Patents
During this time, numerous patents and product innovations are created – including the groundbreaking useit® Superpad P. It fulfills the basic principle of Peter Jöst's abrasive – to work more efficiently, save costs and be universally useable. His guiding principle? "If I see something that is inefficient or cumbersome, I want to make it simpler and more effective."
2014 – Machines Come to the Fore
Up to this point, Jöst Abrasives stood primarily for innovative abrasives. In 2014, the company takes the next step: the development of our own sanding and cleaning machines. The aim is to create perfectly coordinated systems, with machine and abrasive from a single source, meaning that the user can be 100% sure that performance, efficiency and ergonomics will harmonize perfectly.
2015 – New Construction of our Administration Building in Affolterbach
The company's constant growth requires more space and a modern infrastructure, so a new, spacious administration building is built in Affolterbach. The administration, sales team, technical support and management are now all housed under one roof. The open, bright rooms promote communication and short decision-making paths – and they also create a working environment that strengthens team spirit.
2020 – Production and Logistics Center in Abtsteinach
With the construction of the new production and logistics center in Abtsteinach, Jöst Abrasives once again sets an example for innovation and sustainability. The ultra-modern building combines production, storage and dispatch. New machines, optimized production lines and sophisticated logistics ensure shorter delivery times and consistently high product quality. New office and training rooms have also found their place here.