Norton and USA Luge announce partnership renewal

LAKE PLACID, N.Y.—Norton/Saint-Gobain and USA Luge today announced the continuation of their partnership past the 2030 Games in the French Alps. The Worcester, Mass. based company will continue in their role as primary sponsor, which they have held since 2009.

What started out as a simple request for a donation of sandpaper in 1979 has blossomed into one of the most enduring sport sponsorships in the nation. Today, Norton provides critical financial support, allowing USA Luge athletes to train, travel, and compete in competitions taking place globally. The company still provides the team with abrasive products to polish their runners to a mirror finish, with other products being used to build, maintain and repair sleds throughout the season. USA Luge also relies on technical expertise regarding the use of those products and materials. Finally, Norton also plays a key role in the team’s project to improve runner performance.

Another important element of the sponsorship involves the employees of Norton. Norton employees will continue to attend World Cup events held in the U.S. and USA Luge Fantasy Camps in Lake Placid each spring. USA Luge also participates in Norton’s annual Community Day each fall at the company's headquarters in Worcester.

The annual Norton Luge Challenge, held the past two years at the Worcester EcoTarium, will also remain as a key element in the agreement. The Luge Challenge provides the public with a chance to try luge on recreational sleds.

The new partnership will become effective on January 1, 2027. 

Jamie Reale, manager, channel marketing, Norton/Saint-Gobain: “It is an amazing to see how our technical expertise is helping the athletes compete in this fast-paced sport. Over the years of working with USA Luge, our involvement has resulted in some significant learning about our product performance. This has led to technology improvements not only important to USA Luge but to other applications in our business. Plus, as many of our employees say, it’s just fun feeling part this fast-paced sport.” 

Scott Riewald, CEO, USA Luge: "I can't say enough about the support Norton provides for USA Luge, and we are excited that this partnership will continue through 2030. 2029 will mark 50 years that USA Luge and Norton have been together, dating back to when the US Luge Association was formed in 1979. As the title sponsor of USA Luge, Norton contributes to support USA Luge across the board - from research & development, technological support, providing abrasive products that are used, as well as financially. We would not be where we are today without Norton being by our side. We look forward to the rest of this season but can't wait to see what we will be able to accomplish together over the next four years.”

About Saint-Gobain Abrasives Saint-Gobain Abrasives offers powerful, precise, user-friendly solutions, which enable customers to cut, shape and finish all materials in the most complex and challenging applications. By working closely with end-users and grinding expert partners, Saint-Gobain Abrasives designs and provides customized solutions to secure the best option for performance, cost and safety. Leveraging its global manufacturing presence, Saint-Gobain Abrasives serves its customers locally through its structured sales operations in over 27 countries, employing over 10,000 people.