SNI Expands Bearing Grinder Capacity

Service Network Inc. (SNI, USA) announced it has expanded and upgraded its bearing grinder production equipment capacity. SNI (on the web here) manufactures high precision ID and OD grinding machines, primarily for the bearing industry but also used to manufacture automotive, aerospace and industrial components. SNI is North America's largest manufacturer of new high production ID and OD grinders. Founded in 1984, SNI's first direction was strictly to rebuild and remanufacture Heald Machine Company grinders. Heald grinders have been so ubiquitous across the bearing industry that grinding departments were often called Heald departments. SNI has evolved over the years from the Heald business, which it still does, to manufacturing its own line of grinders. The latest acquisition by SNI for its grinding equipment manufacturing operation is a large capacity precision way grinder. This equipment will allow the company to build its line of SN400 and SN600 ID and OD precision grinders with additional precision. SNI is addressing "unprecedented demand" for its entire lineup of new and remanufactured grinders, and Heald retrofit packages. A physical expansion is ongoing, as is a program of building more production equipment and hiring a significant number of new engineering and assembly technicians. Demand for SNI's grinders reflects a generally increasing worldwide demand for grinders, and bearing grinders in particular. Additional space is also being dedicated to a new grinder under development, a new concept, high performance compact grinder, slated for introduction late in 2006.