SKF Opens New Factory in Monterrey

SKF, a Swedish and seal manufacturing company, has inaugurated a new facility in Monterrey, Mexico, a greenfield factory investment totaling US$70 million that is aimed at strengthening its electric and commercial vehicle markets.

“Building on over 100 years of presence in Mexico, it is fantastic to see our new factory now being inaugurated. Investing in engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the strategically located Monterrey will make us stronger and more flexible and increase our competitiveness in the Americas,” said Rickard Gustafson, SKF president and CEO.

The facility, located in the municipality of Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, aims to support SKF’s strategic development in the Americas and meet customer EV requirements.

“These investments further strengthen our offers within the fast-growing and strategically important electric driveline, both for passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as our delivery and regional capabilities in North America. This will reinforce our position as a global, leading supplier to the electric and commercial vehicle markets,” said Kerstin Enochsson, president Automotive.

SKF’s Monterrey facility, with an area of 46,000 square meters, is expected to produce 20 million bearings in 2024 and generate 1,200 new jobs. In addition, deep-groove ball bearings (DGBB) for North American car manufacturers will be developed and manufactured, as well as tapered roller bearings (TRB) for industrial customers, as well as for those in the agricultural sector and in commercial vehicle applications, reported the company.

“Regionalization is an important part of our strategy, and this factory will create a strong regional base for development and manufacturing, and further strengthen our value chain in North America. By being closer to both existing and new customers, we will be able to serve them even better,” said John Schmidt, the company’s Americas president.

SKF Committed to Decarbonization 

Today, the world faces many pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity and pollution. To contribute to a better, cleaner and sustainable future, SKF has also decided to accelerate its green trajectory and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

The company has emphasized that over time, industries change in the manner they work and operate, but more importantly, a shift in culture is required to start taking meaningful action. SKF has said it firmly believes the path to sustainability is an obligation for stakeholders, in addition to ensuring good conditions for future generations.

SKF's new environmental strategy aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions at all operations worldwide. Moreover, the company expects to generate 100% of its energy from renewable sources — it currently generates 40%.

The company also aims to have a supply chain with net-zero emissions by 2050. As steel is the most carbon-intensive segment in its supply chain, the company is working with suppliers to drive that change. The SteelZero and ResponsibleSteel initiatives have been launched with other steel industry players to promote and accelerate green steel production.

Established in 1907, SKF offers industry-leading automotive and industrial engineering solutions through its five technology-focused platforms: bearings and drives, seals, mechatronics, lubrication solutions and services.

For more information, please contact Karla Mendez at Karla.mendez@skf.com