Abrasive Technology has announced the development of a world-class Learning Center. The 8,000-square-foot facility, housed at the Company's world headquarters in Lewis Center, Ohio, USA, is an extension of the company's focus on developing a "Learning Culture". The Center will house educational, meeting and fitness areas; and will also be the home to Abrasive Technology's Learning Culture Communities of Practice (CoP).

AT invested in this project in order to create an environment to house the necessary tools to facilitate ongoing training, learning and development for all its staff, or associates as it prefers to call them. It was conceptualised by and is being led by a team of associates from all areas of its facility. Abrasive Technology considers this to be unique and progressive for a manufacturing facility of its size and scope - the company has nearly 180 associates at its Lewis Center location.

Key components of the Learning Center include an auditorium/classroom space that can accommodate training and development gatherings of up to 250 associates. The space will include movable walls and state-of-the-art audio visual amenities. AV equipment will include a retractable video screen, video conferencing, video recording, sound system, built-in projector and computers.

There is also a library that will house both print and web-based learning materials. The library will feature computer terminals/work stations for individualised on-line learning and training; as well as sofas and soft chairs for casual, small group meetings. There is also a fitness area to include treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and mats where fitness and yoga classes can be held.

Learning Culture Communities of Practice that will utilise the resources of the Learning Center include the Green CoP, which has developed a comprehensive environmental-awareness program which includes recycling of paper, aluminium, plastic and wood; as well as an initiative to reuse high volume packaging materials. The Wellness CoP has also been developed as a full range of activities including the Company's first-ever Health Fair, which featured an array of health-related vendors and topics. Other activities include healthy snacks, weekly wellness group meetings, healthy potlucks and fitness classes.

Abrasive Technology is a globally integrated leader dedicated to developing, manufacturing and marketing superabrasive grinding wheels and tools for a wide variety of medical, dental, electronics, industrial, aerospace, lapidary, optical and consumer applications. Founded in 1971, the Company has manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom and Spain; and sales offices in Singapore, Taiwan, Poland, China and France.