The move comes due to changing market conditions, a shift in customer requirements and an increase in worldwide demand for turbocharger ball bearings, the firm said.
The Welsh plant (pictured), which was established in 1957 and employs 250 people, is more suited to high volume, high speed, lower cost production of high precision components, Schaeffler UK added.
Dr Dave Bate, plant manager at Schaeffler UK, said: “We expect the demand for turbocharger ball bearings to increase over the next five years to reach millions. This demand will come from multiple turbocharger customers worldwide.
“This is therefore a great opportunity for the Llanelli plant to secure its future by expanding its portfolio of products. This is just the beginning of the plant redefining and repositioning itself for the future.”
Over the last year or so, Llanelli has invested time and resources in preparing the new turbocharger bearing production line and in training its workforce. Other employees have also been involved in the transfer of production from Plymouth (Barden) to Llanelli. Start of production is planned for Week 21 of 2017.
“Following a rigorous selection procedure, we chose five people to lead our turbocharger ball bearing production at Llanelli,” Bates added. “This team has a unique blend of skills that we believe are important.
“These are the guys who will set up and operate the machines. However, as demand for the bearings increases, they will take a step back and become supervisors of the new members of the team, training and supporting them as required.”
Schaeffler UK transfers turbocharger ball bearing production to Wales
1 min read
Schaeffler UK has chosen its automotive plant in Llanelli, South Wales, as the global location to produce high volume turbocharger ball bearings.
