Global expertise – local knowledge – optimum customer performance

SCHWEINFURT, July 24, 2012. With the Global Technology Network, Schaeffler is combining its existing local expertise in the regions with the knowledge and innovative force of its experts all over the world – even those on the other side of the globe. Schaeffler is strengthening its local expertise and bringing engineering and service knowledge even closer to its customers through the introduction of Schaeffler Technology Centers and collaboration in global expert networks. Customers all over the world benefit from this and receive innovative, customized solutions of the highest quality. The Global Technology Network thus allows Schaeffler to comprehensively reduce the overall costs of machines and systems and to increase the competitiveness of its customers through efficient solutions.

Schaeffler Technology Center: In the region – for the region
Schaeffler has more than 1,000 sales engineers in the regions, who will be supported by local Schaeffler Technology Centers from July 2012 onwards. A standardized range of areas of expertise in rolling bearings and issues related to rolling bearings has been defined as a benchmark for the Schaeffler Technology Centers. This means Schaeffler is pursuing its requirement for offering optimum support to customers at the same high standard all over the world. The title „Schaeffler Technology Center“ is the confirmation – after a comprehensive internal audit – that these high demands are being met. To date, 21 Schaeffler Technology Centers have been certified in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Australia, with more to follow as market development progresses.

Linking the Schaeffler Technology Centers to the Schaeffler Expert Networks
The technical expertise of the local engineers is complemented by the link to Schaeffler's global expert networks, in which specialists from all Schaeffler locations around the world work together in a sector-specific way. The experts possess detailed specialist expertise, for example in rolling bearings, application engineering, service, or in customers' manufacturing processes. They exchange their knowledge, experience, and ideas systematically and work together across regional borders. This means they can be called upon to assist in customer projects that require in-depth specialist knowledge. The exchange of knowledge in the Global Technology Network also allows Schaeffler sales engineers around the world to proactively provide their customers with innovative solutions. In this way, Schaeffler is providing comprehensive support to machine manufacturers and plant operators.

Schaeffler, with its brands INA, LuK, and FAG, is a leading global provider of rolling bearings, plain bearings, and linear and direct drive products as well as a renowned supplier to the automotive industry. The globally active group of companies generated sales of approximately 10.7 billion euros in 2011. With approximately 74,000 employees worldwide, Schaeffler is one of the largest German and European industrial companies in family ownership.
The Industrial division supplies components and systems for around 60 industrial sectors via its worldwide organization with market proximity and its application support service. The range comprises more than 225,000 products from miniature bearings only a few millimeters wide, e.g. for dental drills, to large-size bearings with an outside diameter of several meters, e.g. for wind turbines.