SKF Acquires John Crane Safematic

SKF AB (Sweden) has agreed to acquire John Crane Safematic Oy (Finland, a division of Smiths Group plc, UK). Via the acquisition, SKF extends its value-added lubrication system offerings. Safematic manufactures industrial grease and oil lubrication systems, including automatic systems, and lubrication systems for heavy vehicles, off-road, construction, and agricultural equipment. Acquired by John Crane in 1998 and headquartered in Muurame, Finland, Safematic has its manufacturing operations there. Sales offices are in Sweden, Brazil, Germany, and the United States. With 127 employees total, John Crane Safematic had 2005 sales of approximately