SKF is making further investments in strengthening its manufacturing footprint in China for ball bearings. The company says this investment is in-line with the Group’s region-for-region manufacturing strategy.
The Group announced a SEK 370 million (about $39 million US) investment in a new factory in Xinchang in June 2019. With the factory now operational, a further SEK 400 million (roughly $42 million US) is being invested in expanding the site.
Patrick Tong, president, Industrial Sales Asia, said, “We have made great progress in China, the world’s largest market for deep groove ball bearings, over the past two years, thanks to our engineering competence and first investment phase in Xinchang. The next phase of the investment will allow us to serve our customers even better, across wider applications and with a wider product range.”
Kent Viitanen, president, Bearing Operations, added, “This investment is part of our strategic ambition to develop our regional manufacturing footprint. Following our successful initial investment in Xinchang, expanding the site is a logical next step in strengthening our ball bearing capabilities in China.”
The second phase of the factory in Xinchang is expected to be operational buy the end of 2021.
