SKF Invests 15 Million Euros In Schweinfurt Production

SKF plans to modernize the cylindrical roller bearing production at the Schweinfurt location for around 15 million euros. The group is thus continuing its global investment program in production facilities. In the past 18 months, SKF has already announced investments of a similar magnitude for the locations in Gothenburg / Sweden and in Flowery Branch /uSA.

The introduction of the latest technologies in machines, assembly and packaging is planned for Schweinfurt. Ultimately, older production channels are to be replaced by largely automated technologies.

Improve flexibility with small lot sizes

Luc Graux, responsible for Bearing Operations in Group Management, says: “We are very pleased that we can continue to increase our investments in the development of first-class manufacturing technologies within our company. With automated assembly and minimal set-up times, we want to improve our flexibility and delivery times for medium and small batch sizes of standard cylindrical roller bearings.”The total investment for modernization and digitization of the factories in Gothenburg, Flowery Branch and Schweinfurt comprises around 50 million euros. "This is how we want to ensure that we support SKF's growth and profitability goals with flexible and modern manufacturing processes."

"After the construction of the test center for large warehouses in Schweinfurt, the investments in production are a further sign of the dynamism and future viability of the location," says Manfred Neubert, SKF CEO. "We are facing the challenges that Industry 4.0 brings with regard to digitization and networking of production processes. And we want to underline our claim to be one of the leading high-tech companies in Germany.”

Works council chairman Norbert Völkl welcomes the investment decision. Employees must be prepared for the new production conditions. "I am convinced that investments in modern technologies together with highly qualified employees will strengthen the Schweinfurt location in the long term." The announced investment project is expected to be completed by mid-2018.

Large warehouse test center

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roller bearing

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