CECAEN Rev 3
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Sections Correlation Guide About the Project Contact
Group 239

Manufacture of abrasive products

This category includes the manufacture of products used for grinding, sharpening or polishing hard materials, such as metal, wood or glass. From abrasive wheels and sandpaper to sharpening stones, all these products are essential in mechanical workshops, construction and the manufacturing industry.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Manufacture of millstones
  • ✅ sharpening stones Manufacture of abrasive discs and rolls Manufacture of abrasive paper and cloth Manufacture of abrasive products based on natural or synthetic grains Manufacture of abrasive products bonded with resin or ceramic Manufacture of abrasive powders

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Manufacture of tools with abrasive cutting edge (e.g.
  • ❌ files
  • ❌ trowels) – included in 2573 Manufacture of grinding and polishing machines – included in 2841 Manufacture of gear wheels – included in 2815 Manufacture of synthetic diamonds and other superabrasives – included in 2013 Manufacture of abrasive products from natural stone (e.g.
  • ❌ sandstone) – included in 2370

Subordinate Structure

2391 Manufacture of abrasive products
→
2399 Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products n.e.c.
→

Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

Industry of Manufacturing Abrasive Products, Coded by CAEN Division 239

The industry of manufacturing abrasive products, classified under CAEN 239, plays an essential role in the value chain of material processing in Romania. Although often overlooked, this niche provides critical components for processes such as grinding, sharpening, polishing and cutting, which underpin the production of metal parts, automotive components and agricultural machinery. In the Romanian economic context, the manufacture of abrasive products has evolved from a predominantly centralized production during the socialist period to a market dominated by SMEs and subsidiaries of multinationals after 1990. This branch significantly contributes to the added value in the manufacturing sector, offering solutions tailored both for export and for domestic demand generated by the automotive and construction industries. An important macroeconomic aspect is that this industry is closely correlated with the evolution of the metallurgical sector and mechanical processing. When industrial production increases, the demand for abrasives also increases. Entrepreneurs active here face challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices (aluminum oxide, silicon carbide), dependence on imports for high-purity grains, and the need to constantly innovate to meet customers' precision and durability requirements. Bureaucracy and compliance costs with environmental standards, especially in managing abrasive waste, are other frequent obstacles. In recent years, digitalization and automation have also entered this field, enabling the production of discs and rolls with superior performance, adapted to CNC machines. Also, the trend towards composite and recyclable materials opens up new opportunities for companies investing in research. With an increasingly specialized workforce and an emphasis on sustainability, this economic niche remains stable but requires adaptability to cope with global competition and ever-changing technological demands.