Production was transferred in early 2017 to Llanelli – a plant that is deemed highly suitable for high precision components – due to changing market conditions, a shift in customer requirements and an expected increase in worldwide demand for turbocharger ball bearings.
Dr Dave Bate, plant manager at Schaeffler UK, says: “The eagerly awaited volume production of turbocharger ball bearings has commenced, which represents a huge step forward for this plant in terms of redefining and repositioning itself for the future.
“It demonstrates the manufacturing performance of this plant and the commitment of its employees in helping to make this transition. Reaching this start-of-production has been an important milestone to safeguard the future of the Llanelli plant and its workforce, as well as providing benefits to the Welsh economy as a whole, particularly with regards to local businesses that support the plant and our supply chain partners.”
Schaeffler UK’s plant in Llanelli was established in 1957 and employs 250 people. The firm has invested in a variety of new plant and machinery to support the production of turbocharger ball bearings, including turning, face grinding machines, bore grinding, honing, washing, as well as state of the art assembly and inspection equipment.
Paul Richards, segment leader, TCBB Production at Schaeffler UK, adds: “The production systems, machine tools, fully automated assembly, handling and inspection systems that we’ve introduced here at Llanelli are some of the most advanced production systems you’ll come across in the world.
“This huge commitment and investment from Schaeffler, combined with our highly motivated, skilled workforce means we are in a very strong position to serve this fast-growing, global marketplace for lower-friction, more energy efficient, ball bearing guided turbochargers.”
