John Stockton is the President of the Unified Abrasives Manufacturers’ Association (UAMA). The mission of the UAMA is to undertake those activities that can be pursued more effectively by an Association than individual companies in order to enable the industry to freely create and market safe, productive abrasive products throughout the world.

The Unified Abrasives Manufacturers’ Association was formed in 1999 from the merging of four predecessor organizations: the Abrasive Grain Association, Coated Abrasives Manufacturers’ Institute, Diamond Wheel Manufacturers’ Institute and the Grinding Wheel Institute.

UAMA was established in 1999 as a non-profit business association that develops standards to support the design and production of abrasives. Technical experts from related industries and UAMA members create and maintain industry standards to ensure the quality of abrasive products.

The new organization maintains a four-committee structure that allows for members to focus on the portion of the Abrasives Industry that is most pertinent to their company. A Board of Trustees elected from the membership governs the UAMA. It is also our mission to support the safe use of abrasive products. The UAMA website has resources such as a Safety Guide for Grinding Wheels and information on the Shelf Life of grinding wheels, abrasive discs, and abrasive belts. For more detailed safety information, please see publication B7.1-2017, American National Standard Safety Requirements for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels.