Awareness campaign to prevent bearing counterfeiting

It says that in the last two decades, product counterfeiting has grown substantially across the globe, and while much had been reported about consumers being taken advantage of by counterfeits within the music, film, home electronics and designer clothing industries, a far greater risk lies in industrial counterfeiting of items such as tyres, seals and bearings, many of which are safety-critical products. The WBA anti-counterfeiting information campaign will reach out to various audiences via e-mails, website banners, social media and the campaign site itself, www.stopfakebearings.com. At the website, interested consumers can learn more about threats imposed by illegal counterfeiting and what is being done to stop it. Dr Juergen M. Geissinger, president and CEO of Schaeffler with its bearing brands INA and FAG says the Group has successfully been fighting against counterfeiting for many years. "We are seeking close contact with public authorities and we are cooperating closely with associations and other industrial companies in order to draw public attention to this issue time and time again. In doing so, we strictly adhere to a consistent zero tolerance strategy. This means that we examine and pursue each and every case, also seemingly petty offences – worldwide." WBA president James Griffith, who is also president and CEO of Timken said the initiative was aimed at sensitising the public on the dangers associated with counterfeits.