NSK and Timken to Establish Operation in China

Leading bearing manufacturers NSK and Timken Company are to form a joint venture and set up a manufacturing operation near Shanghai in China. Construction of the plant will commence later this year, with production due to begin in 2004.

The agreement between the two companies will allow them to establish a low cost production facility as well as offering a geographical advantage in a competitive market. Costs will also be minimised through the use of second hand equipment from a Timken plant in the UK that is closing as well as from existing NSK plants.

The plant which will be owned equally between the two parties will specialise in single row tapered bearings suited to medium to high volume applications such as automotive and industrial applications.