SKF is a global leader in bearings, seals and lubrication. The Swedish company also provides condition monitoring systems. Its success is founded on a rich history and two missions: to reduce friction and cost, and to save energy and time.
SKF was founded in Gothenburg in 1907 when Sven Wingquist invented the double-row self-aligning ball bearing and, along with Axel Carlander and Knut Johansson Mark, he started the Aktiebolaget Svenska Kullagerfabriken, which changed its name to AB SKF in 1976. SKF quickly made a name for itself in the early years. In 1908, it opened branch offices in Germany and France and appointed agents in various European countries. A year later, the company founded a subsidiary in New York and announced its presence in the Italian, Argentinian and Japanese markets.
SKF kept expanding and quickly established its international presence. The company opened many sales offices and production plants and conducted acquisitions worldwide. Today, SKF is present in 129 countries, including the UK, Russia, Poland, Mexico, India, China, South Africa, Brazil, and many more.
Furthermore, the company continued to develop new products. In 1915, SKF started manufacturing the single-row bearing with a filling slot. In the 1920s, SKF further built on its success by developing tapered roller bearings. In 1926, SKF produced a trial series of 10 cars under the subsidiary of AB Volvo.
After the turbulent 1930s and 40s, SKF was also introduced on various stock exchanges, such as the Zürich stock exchange and the NASDAQ system in New York. In addition, new products were still added to its offer, including wheel hub bearing units, spherical roller bearings, ground ball screws and oil seals.
Today, SKF is a global leader that continuously invests in research and development to provide the best quality possible.