Abrasive Technology, LLC (“Abrasive Technology”, or “the Company”), a leading developer and manufacturer of superabrasive products for the dental, aerospace, medical, and industrial end markets, announced that Clement Wiekrykas has been named as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Abrasive Technology, Wiekrykas served as the President of E.A. Patten, an aeroengine component manufacturing business within Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing, which was acquired by Stanley Black & Decker in 2020. Wiekrykas began his career at Pratt & Whitney and developed a strong track record at diversified manufacturing companies including Hamilton Sundstrand, United Technologies, General Electric Aviation, Canberra, and Quest Global.

“Clement is a highly accomplished executive, and we are excited to have him join our team,” said Butch Peterman, Founder of Abrasive Technology. “In addition to his strong experience in the aerospace and industrial markets, Clement is a fantastic leader and is someone who values people. I look forward to supporting Clement to grow the Company going forward.” With Wiekrykas’ appointment as CEO, Butch will transition to a Board role, while remaining involved as a strategic advisor to the Company.

Wiekrykas added, “I am excited to accept the position as CEO of Abrasive Technology and join this long-standing organization. Abrasive Technology is a unique company with engineered superabrasive solutions that are applicable to a wide range of growing end markets.” He also stated, “I am humbled to be entrusted with Abrasive Technology’s next chapter and look forward to building upon its 50-year heritage of innovative products, industry firsts, and long-term growth.”

According to Scott Kirkendall of Blue Sea Capital, Abrasive Technology’s private equity partner, “Clement is an accomplished executive who brings an extensive track record of consistent impact and business improvement to Abrasive Technology.” Kirkendall also noted that, “Looking forward to 2023 and beyond, Clement and the Company’s leadership team will be focused on growing share in the dental, aerospace, medical, and industrial superabrasive markets through best-in-class engineering capabilities, new product development, and strategic acquisitions.”

About Abrasive Technology

Abrasive Technology, founded in 1971, is a global leader in superabrasive grinding and tooling. The Company’s diversified portfolio of products ranges from the world’s highest performing diamond dental burs marketed under the Two Striper® brand to innovative diamond/CBN grinding wheels and coatings for the aerospace market to PCD/PCBN tooling. The Company has grown significantly over its history and has over 140 registered patents and trademarks.

About Blue Sea Capital

Blue Sea Capital is a private equity firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, that partners with growth-oriented, lower middle market companies and their entrepreneurial leadership teams. The firm has more than $750 million in assets under management and invests across three industry verticals: healthcare, industrial growth, and aerospace & defense. Blue Sea’s strategy is to partner, typically as the first or second institutional investor, with talented managers and differentiated companies to deliver strategic and operational value-add that drives growth acceleration, industry outperformance, and business transformation.