Sven Wingquist, who founded SKF in 1907, invented the revolutionary self-aligning ball bearing through hard, round-the-clock research, to resolve problems that plagued the textile factory where he worked.
The textile factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, experienced recurrent axle fractures. Axles in the textile machines frequently became misaligned and the rigid bearings of those days could not cope, resulting in worn bearings and broken axles.
SKF maintains that Wingquist invented the first modern self-aligning ball bearing in 1907 in response to these challenges and, with the full support of his employers, founded SKF in the same year.
Since then SKF has remained a global leader in the development of new bearings and related, increasing safety and operational life of bearings, while at the same time reducing maintenance and costs.
Today, as in 1907, SKF's service offering is designed to assist customers to derive optimal value from their investments. "So, over a hundred years, there is a straight line combining cutting-edge technology with exact knowledge of customers' service requirements into knowledge engineering solutions," says Tom Johnstone, president and CEO of SKF. The company has, over the last century, pioneered many innovations including the spherical roller. Its latest innovation is the revolutionary CARB toroidal bearing with unconstrained axial displacement ability.
Although the SKF Group is a world leading knowledge engineering solutions provider, it maintains a great sense of caring about the well-being of employees as well as for the community. The company has, for over a century, followed the good example set by its founder, who, even in those days, recognised and appreciated the contributions made by employees.
A hundred years later, the concept of making the most of people through human resources (HR), is more valid than ever - be it the Zero Accident workplace programme, SKF College, Training Centres or SKF World Works.
Johnstone says that as a global company, SKF is contributing to development not only through paying taxes and providing job opportunities, but also through the provision of education, training and health care.
Today, the SKF Group offers technical support, maintenance services, condition monitoring and training based on the five global product platforms: bearings and units, seals, lubrication systems, mechatronics and services.
It’s full steam ahead for SKF’s sustainable leak detection solution SKF South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
One of SKF’s key customers based in Cape Town, which depends on steam systems for its production processes, was facing costly challenges related to high energy consumption and excessive maintenance hours. SKF recommended the TKSU 10 ultrasonic leak detector as a more streamlined, user-friendly alternative.
Read more...BMG backs emerging driver talent in South African motorsport Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
BMG has reaffirmed its commitment to local talent development through its sponsorship of Karabo Malemela, a driver on the Pablo Clark Racing Development Company’s motorsport development programme.
Read more...Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage Beckhoff Automation
News & events
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.
Read more...Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News & events
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.
Read more...Building skills and sharing knowledge for growth in Africa SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long-term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.
Read more...Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version