CW Bearing Plans Third Phase of Expansion at Guanajuato Plant

CW Bearing USA, Inc. is strengthening its North American presence with the continued expansion of its manufacturing and technology center near Apaseo El Grande, Guanajuato. Following the completion of a physical expansion in 2022, the company has spent the past three years installing equipment, optimizing processes, and launching new production lines, marking the successful conclusion of Phase 2 of its growth plan.

“While the building expansion was completed earlier, we have focused the last three years on installing machinery, optimizing processes, and preparing for long-term growth,” said Mauricio Ramírez, General Manager, CW Technology Mexico. “This strategy will allow us to increase sales by 50 to 60% over the next three years, with minimal additional space investment.”

The Mexican plant, originally inaugurated in 2018, is part of a North American network that includes manufacturing and sales operations in Northville, Michigan, a corporate office in Irvine, California, and distribution centers in Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. In 2022, CW Bearing doubled the Guanajuato plant from 5,100 to 10,200m2, laying the foundation for sustained growth now realized with new production capabilities.

Recent investments include full-scale manufacturing of ball nuts (IBNA) from steel bar to finished product, expansion of four-point contact and double-row angular contact bearings, upgrades to deep groove bearing assembly lines with new equipment, and the opening of a metrology laboratory to strengthen quality control and product validation.

“The manufacturing of ball screws represents a key growth area, and we are focused on that business line,” said Jay Click, Vice President of North American Operations. “We are also expanding into segments such as wheel hub bearings to meet evolving customer needs.”

CW Bearing has also incorporated an eco-friendly coolant, reducing costs by 36% and decreasing hazardous waste. “Most initiatives come from our customers,” Click added. “We are seeing growing interest in products made with more carbon-neutral processes.”

In line with sustainability goals, the company is exploring vehicle fleet electrification and new internal strategies. “Our main focus now is understanding how our products and processes integrate into the global effort to reduce carbon emissions,” Click said.

The Guanajuato plant’s growth has created new job opportunities and established CW Bearing as a key player in regional development. “This primarily supports growth in the automotive sector,” said Kyle Weyers, Director of Industrial Sales. “It also benefits segments that value regional localization, such as recreational vehicles, automation, and robotics.”

With shorter lead times, competitive pricing, and increasingly customized production, CW Bearing Mexico is positioning itself as a top-tier supplier for both regional and global manufacturers.

As Phase 2 concludes, the company is already planning Phase 3, which will include new equipment, specialized talent, and process improvements. “We focus on delivering precision where it is most needed,” Click concluded. “Our customers demand agile, sustainable, and localized solutions, and we are ready to meet that demand.”