SKF breaks ground for new aeroengine facility in New York

SKF will invest around US$18 million in a new heat-treat facility in Falconer, N.Y., as part of an expansion to its aeroengine operations in the country. The new 6,100-square-meter facility will house a new high-tech vacuum furnace for the carburizing and hardening of a variety of materials and is a very critical operation in the bearing manufacturing process.

At a groundbreaking ceremony that included dignitaries from the State of New York and the local community, Tom Johnstone, SKF president and CEO, remarked, "We are very pleased to dedicate the construction commencement of this significant investment in SKF's operations in Falconer. This new facility enables us to bring the nearby Jamestown operations to the Falconer campus, and implement a state-of-the-art heat treat operation with cutting edge technology. While SKF is making a significant investment in this project, it would not have been possible without the dedicated support of the State of New York and the various organizations. This is something the local community can take great pride in securing."

 "This is a tremendous investment in New York State's manufacturing base and one that helps solidify SKF's long-term viability in Chautauqua County," said New York Governor David A. Paterson. "I applaud Tom Johnstone and his team and would like thank SKF for their continued commitment to the southern tier of Western New York."

The new SKF heat-treating facility is expected to commence production in the spring of 2011 and will process parts for four SKF Aerobearing operations in the U.S., as well as for Venture Aerobearings, SKF's joint venture with GE, in Charleston, S.C. The facilities in Falconer and Jamestown have 691 employees.

The SKF Aeroengine North America business unit is a leader in high precision, custom-engineered ball and roller bearings for critical aeroengine and specialty applications, including ball and roller bearings for helicopters, main shaft and gearboxes for jet engines and various types of aircraft power assemblies. Specialty products are custom-designed bearings for technically and environmentally demanding applications such as pumps, motors and power transmission assemblies.

SKF president and CEO Tom Johnstone, breaks ground on a new heat-treating facility in Falconer, N.Y. Joining in the ceremonial occasion are (from left to right) Poul Jeppesen, president SKF USA; Dennis Mullen, chairman and CEO, Empire State Development Agency; and Catharine Young, New York senator.