SKF, with a century of experience in rotating mechanical equipment, is one of the world's largest and most experienced manufacturers of quality bearings and rotating equipment, sealing systems, power transmissions and couplings. SKF also manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of linear products.
SKF's industrial sales manager, Graham O'Donoghue, who gained his experienced in linear products with over seven years as sales manager at THK UK, said that it was a natural progression for SKF, as a global leader in rotary motion, to move into linear motion because: "Where there is rotary motion, there is usually linear motion."
"SKF expanded its linear range offering when, in 2004, the company acquired sole distribution rights for THK's linear product range in southern Africa, and we celebrate the third year of a mutually successful alliance in 2007, which also happens to be SKF's 100 Jubilee year," said O'Donoghue.
SKF has always believed in providing a broad product offering of 'traded products' ie, products that may not be core to SKF and by extending its own range of linear products and by adding another world class linear range, SKF is confident in securing an even larger market share.
It was in 1972, that linear technology specialist, THK, pioneered the world's first 'linear motion system' to realise 'rolling' in a linear motion unit - a system that is currently used in diverse markets as an indispensable mechanical element in the mechatronics industry. Linear motion systems play wide ranging roles across industry such as electronics, automotive, railroad, etc, and THK claims more than 60% of this market share, world-wide. "The SKF brand is synonymous with overall excellence and the THK brand is globally respected for the same qualities. Both companies have a fine tradition of quality and the two product ranges complement each other perfectly," said O'Donoghue, and explains the benefits of being able to offer both SKF and THK linear guides: "Apart from the unique opportunity to source the best possible linear solutions, we can rely on the support of SKF and THK's international technical and product know-how, to guarantee that customers are given the right product, on time and at the right price. In short, we never deviate from the high standards set in terms of delivering advanced technology, quality products and committed, reliable service. Our local knowledge is regularly up-dated by visits from overseas based technical experts and these technical training sessions always give a boost to our technical know-how."
SKF's range of linear guides is stocked and distributed throughout the company's extensive branch and distributor networks, and specialists are in place at each major region for consultation.
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