GLENS FALLS, N.Y., January 10, 2025 — Barton International today announced the appointment of Charlie Kashiwa as president, effective January 1, 2025. A sixth-generation descendant of founder Henry Hudson Barton, Kashiwa continues the company’s 147-year legacy of family leadership at the industrial minerals firm.

Kashiwa brings more than 15 years of international experience to his new role, spanning mineral development, technical product innovation, supply chain strategy, and commercial leadership. At Barton, he has played a central role in guiding the company’s strategic management and international growth, including the multiphase ramp-up of Barton’s partnership with Nordic Mining, which secures a long-term supply of high-quality garnet from a new Norway-based mine.

Prior to joining Barton, Kashiwa held leadership roles in product development, sales, and operations at Green Diamond Performance Materials and Calcean Minerals and Materials, where he launched new technologies and negotiated high-impact infrastructure and logistics projects. His background also includes work in West and Central Africa, where he helped secure mining rights and build international trade platforms for strategic minerals.

Kashiwa holds a B.S. in natural science from the University of Puget Sound. He is known for his data-driven approach, calm operational leadership, and ability to execute in complex global supply environments. He currently resides in New York.

About Barton International
A family-owned business for six generations, Barton International was founded in 1878. Barton is one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of industrial garnet grains and powders for diverse applications such as waterjet cutting, sandblasting, bonded and coated abrasives, and specialty grinding media.