SKF, renowned for expertise in bearing technology since 1907, has maintained a global leadership position through the decade.
“Our vision is to equip the world with knowledge,” says SKF South Africa managing director, Gavin Garland. “SKF knowledge and capabilities are supported by five broad product technology platforms: bearings and units, seals, lubrication solutions, mechatronics and services”, continues Garland. “The bearings and units platform, which also incorporates power transmission, forms the core of SKF’s business. Growth in the other four platforms, through strategic acquisitions, has positioned SKF in the areas of lubrication solutions, asset management, mechatronics and seals. The company is well placed to provide integrated solutions to improve asset reliability by combining unique bearing technologies and lubrication system capabilities with a range of asset management services.”
Gavin Garland
SKF’s acquisition of a number of world-leading seal manufacturers has strengthened the company’s product range and added to its rotating equipment competence. Fifteen factories across the globe are currently producing seals in accordance with stringent quality and packaging standards. “We remain committed to continue developing products that are part of the solution to the global energy crisis,” remarks Garland and says that a new range of energy efficient bearings, offering 30% less friction will be in production at the beginning of 2008.
The company has complemented its existing power transmission portfolio by adding a range of SKF branded products. The range is in the process of being introduced to southern African markets and with 33 000 line items and R50m invested in stock, available through a single supply channel, SKF is poised to make a significant impact on the local power transmission market.
Mechatronics, the science of controlled motion, is growing locally and SKF manufactures units for ball and roller screws, precision and profile rail guides and linear actuation systems. Primary areas of application are in automation, manufacturing and robot engineering. Magnetic bearings, fly-by-wire and drive-by-wire technologies are also part of this platform.
“In order to provide further value to our customers, we have invested R4,5 million in a local Johannesburg-based bearing remanufacturing plant. This facility will greatly assist our customers in alleviating availability issues,” concludes Garland.
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