The Schaeffler UK automotive plant in Llanelli, South Wales, commenced the volume production of turbocharger ball bearings in December, following an increase in world-wide demand.
Over the last 18 months, the company has invested much time and effort in training the workforce and preparing the new production line.
Schaeffler UK plant manager Dave Bate said: “The eagerly awaited volume production of turbocharger ball bearings has commenced; it represents a huge step forward for this plant in terms of repositioning itself for the future.”
Schaeffler UK’s plant in Llanelli, established in 1957, produces mechanical tappets for the automotive industry and employs 250 people.
Around a quarter of the 20,000m
2 floor space has now been transformed into production space for turbocharger ball bearings, with new plant and machinery for turning, face grinding, bore grinding, honing and washing, as well as ‘state of the art’ assembly and inspection equipment.
Turbocharger ball bearings are angular-contact bearings that rotate at speeds beyond 150,000rev/min and can reach temperatures of about 400°C.
They are designed to be cooled by the flow of lubricating oil, and the bearing materials must resist extreme conditions at all times over the complete life of the turbocharger.