Oswaldo Almeida Filho, at
NSK: "Asian industry
growth
overloaded the company's
Japanese factory"

Bearing manufacturer NSK is investing R$ 10 million to nationalize its production of bearings for the heavy industry. Presently, this production is imported from the company's Japanese headquarters. A decisive factor for the change was the growth in Asian industry, which overloaded the factory in Japan with local orders. Now, imports will be restricted to products of pecific use and size, according to the sales manager at NSK, Mr. Oswaldo Almeida Filho.


NSK's new line, which is already in trial phase at the company's factory in Suzano (SP), will start to produce large-sized bearings in February, 2006. This type of product, with 180-millimeter diameter, is directed to machines used in the heavy industry. Until now, NSK manufactures in Brazil only smaller bearings, of up to 110 millimeters, used in lighter segments of the industry as well as in the automotive sector.


With the expansion, the company intends to grow in the paper and cellulose, petrochemical, steel works and mining segments. "We see more perspectives of growth in this markets", says Mr. Almeida.


The executive asserts that contracts closed with Klabin Celulose e Papel and Grupo Votorantim this year accounted for most part of the 20% growth NSK obtained in the replacement sector last year. The company's unit manufactures 4 million parts per month, out of which 30% is directed to the automotive sector.


NSK's factory expansion plans include exporting half of the new products to countries in Latin America and North America. External sales should rise from 5% to 15% in three years. By doing so, NSK intends to compensate for the internal market restrict demand, which, until now, has discouraged bearing manufacturers from investing in the industrial sector and stimulated operations in the automotive segment.