Jesper, Denmark
European producers - not only of abrasives - have a much longer time horizon on investments in production equipment to reduce labor costs than is prevalent in the USA. Not so much focus on next quarter's earnings, but more on staying in business long term.

Also, don't forget that there are close countries in the old East Bloc and the south, where labor costs are lower and the work ethic less focused on a 37 hour week and 5 weeks vacation.