INNOVATION THAT MOBILISES THE WORLD The Schaeffler Group is a globally integrated industrial supplier of high precision roller bearings, components and systems. These are principally manufactured for the automotive, avionics and global manufacturing industries. Philip Yorke takes a closer look at one of the world’s largest privately owned companies, its innovative products and strategy for future growth.
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ince its foundation more than 120 years ago, Schaeffler has relied upon its pioneering spirit and high quality innovative products for its on-going success. Over the years, the company has been responsible for the invention of the ball-grinding machine, the development of the cage-guided needle roller bearing and the diaphragm-spring dual clutch for tractors. The group’s global brands include INA, LuK and FAG. Today the company is a major player in the roller bearing industry and a significant partner for virtually all of the world’s automotive manufacturers. Schaeffler is one of Europe’s largest technology companies to remain in family ownership. It has a worldwide network of ‘state-of-the-art’ manufacturing facilities, as well as research and development facilities in over 170 locations across 50 countries worldwide. 236 Industry Europe
In 2014 the Schaeffler Group generated sales of around €12 billion and employed more than 80,000 people. Today the company has over 27,000 international patents in force.
Strong global brands The Schaeffler Group has three well-recognised global brands – INA, Luk and FAG – and operates two key business divisions: Automotive and Industrial. The group’s main customer is the automotive industry to which it offers expertise and products for the entire drive train, including engines, chassis, transmissions and accessory units for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In the industrial sector, the group’s INA and FAG brands produce over 40,000 high-volume products and cover over 60 sectors of the world’s
