New centre to boost bearing development

New centre to boost bearing development INA has invested Eur 24 million in a new research and development centre at its world headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The seven-storey annex took over one and a half years to build and the previous floor space used for testing has now increased to 7500m2. The new centre will serve all activities associated with INA Schaeffler KG's entire product range, from the research into and development of new bearing technologies to the development of valve train systems in engines and systems testing in vehicles. At the official opening INA company owner Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler said: "The INA Group's constant growth has always been characterised by in-house innovations. Every year, INA introduces over 1000 product innovations and this successful tradition will continue with the research and development centre". Over 500 engineers and support staff will work in the R and D complex, and development engineers from INA's international companies, including many employed at INA UK's operations in Sutton Coldfield and Llanelli will be trained there. Worldwide, there are over 1500 INA employees involved in research and development.