Radiac Abrasives is looking towards an increase in business and more employees in the second half of the year.
Human Resources Director Sherry Porter presented an update on the company to the Salem Chamber of Commerce monthly membership meeting last week.
“2021 we had around 188 headcount, 163 was hourly and 25 salary employees. In 2022 our expected headcount towards the end of the year we expect to be 235 with 190 hourly and 45 salary so we are rebounding back up from the Covid crisis and we are looking to continue the grow into the future years. It’s looking very positive for Radiac and plan to be around for a long time.”
Radiac makes grinding wheels for applications across numerous industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, oil and gas, and surface conditioning. The company makes 50,000 different products, ranging from those the size of your pinkie finger to those 48 inch in diameter.
General Manager Jim Sheehan says they are seeing their biggest growth in the aerospace industry, but automotive is showing signs of rebounds following the chip crisis. Like many industries, he reports they are facing lengthy supply chain issues and dramatically higher prices for raw materials. The Salem plant is one of three for Radiac Abrasives in the US and one of 29 production facilities in 12 countries around the world. The Salem plant was first built in 1967 as Symonds Abrasives. It was acquired by Radiac in 1985 and was purchased by its current owner Tyrolit in 2009.
