SKF Unveils New Automated Digital Production Unit 

SKF Group, a global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems and services is getting a boost to its operations in Sweden. The company recently announced the inauguration of a completely new, fully-automated and digital production line in Gothenburg, adapted for the manufacture of spherical roller bearings. The new production unit is the first of its type to be put into operations within the SKF Group and is part of a programme of next generation manufacturing technology within the company. “The production flow is totally unique within the bearings industry, and constitutes a new manufacturing standard for us, which we will replicate into numerous facilities within the Group,” said Luc Graux, director of manufacturing for the SKF Group. “The investment programme is important for us if we are to utilize our manufacturing capacity even more efficiently, as well as increasing our global competitiveness and the flexibility we can offer our customers.”

The company reports that it is using digital technology to connected the entire value chain, from the inflow of input components to the delivery of the product to the end user. In addition, the unit combines mobile infrastructure with the manufacturing process in order to enhance efficiency.

"The new production unit will open up new possibilities for us to reduce lead times and to improve flexibility and efficiency in our production," said Sten Karlsson, project manager for the new production unit.

Parallel to the investment in Gothenburg, similar investments are planned for Schweinfurt in Germany and Flowery Branch in the USA.

Over a million bearings per year are manufactured in the Gothenburg facility. The majority of these are exported for use in heavy industry, including mining, steelworks, paper machines, wind turbines, train gearboxes, fans and pumps.

For more information, visit the SKF Group website.