Nachi Expands Automotive Bearing Production

Nachi Fujikoshi Corp. (Japan; TSE 64740 announced it plans to invest almost USD $9 million by 2010 to expand production of "high durability" ball and roller bearings. The primary target market for Nachi's additional production will be automotive and truck transmissions; the bearings allow equivalent power handling in a smaller transmission, or higher power handling and longer life in the same size transmission. Nachi said its decision was made on the basis of numerous serious inquiries by Japanese automakers. Nachi already supplies bearings into this highly competitive transmission/transaxle segment. Within the next two years, Nachi is forecasting automaker demand for these transmission bearings will more than double, reaching ¥5 billion (USD $45 million). Other markets for the bearings will be offset presses and any other industrial equipment where bearing life and durability are issues, particularly when space is at a premium.