Fairborn manufacturer to add lines in joint venture with German firm

Ali Industries Inc. will house new manufacturing work at its Fairborn facility as part of a joint venture with German firm DRONCO AG.

Ali, a manufacturer and distributor of coated abrasives, sanding and finishing tools, employs about 150 people. Its primary brand in retail stores is Gator Finishing Products.

Ali’s facility at 747 E. Xenia Drive will be home to the joint venture, known as DRONCO America LLC.

An Ali spokeswoman on Tuesday said she was unsure how many people may be hired, or how soon hiring might begin.

Ali, founded in 1961 by Frank Ali, father of Ali’s current president, Terry Ali, has annual sales of about $40 million, according to a news release. DRONCO, a manufacturer of resin-bonded cutting, grinding and polishing wheels, as well as diamond tools, has annual sales of $50 million.

Ali said no decision has been made about who will lead the joint venture. For now, Terry Ali will lead the local operation. He was not available for comment Tuesday. The two companies said their product offerings are complementary, with both potentially benefiting from expanding their current product ranges.

DRONCO AG workers will set up new manufacturing lines in the Fairborn facility this summer. DRONCO also will be the exclusive distributor of coated abrasives for Ali Industries in Europe.