SKF acquired 75 percent of NSK Aerospace of Stonehouse, England, and will change the company’s name to Aeroengine Bearings UK. The intention is to strengthen SKF’s position as a key supplier to European jet engine manufacturers.
NSK Aerospace designs, manufactures and sells bearings for main shafts and gearboxes for jet engines. Sales in 2001 amounted to 23 million euros. It employs 260.

“With this acquisition, SKF strengthens its position as supplier to the European aeroengine manufacturers, especially Rolls-Royce, which is this company’s main customer,” says Kaj Thorén, president of SKF Aero and Steel Division.

“We already have a strong position as supplier to the North American aeroengine manufacturers,” he says.

NSK Aerospace will join five other companies that make up the SKF Aerospace business. These are SKF Avio in Italy, SARMA in France, AMPEP in the UK and MRC and CR Aerospace in the US. SKF Aerospace’s principal customers include Boeing, General Electric and Airbus. SKF intends to acquire the remaining
25 percent of NSK Aerospace in 2005.