News Release

The Timken-NSK Bearings (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., located in the historic city of Suzhou, is a 50-50 joint venture established by NSK Ltd. and The Timken Company to manufacture tapered roller bearing products for the automotive industry. Production capacity is expected to reach 15 million pieces per year.

The ceremony was held on a very sunny day and was an event that had included the traditions and customs of China, Japan and the United States. The traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance was performed at the entrance to welcome the many distinguished guests who came to attend this event. The building was decorated with traditional Chinese ornamental ribbons, lanterns, as well as balloons, all of which gave the hall a very festive atmosphere. The Honorable Mr. Wang, Deputy Mayor of Suzhou City and a committee member from the CCP Working Committee of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone made congratulatory speeches. The speeches were then followed by remarks from Timken’s President, Mr. James Griffith and NSK’s President, Mr. Seiichi Asaka.

Mr. Asaka’s remarks began with thanks to the local authorities and everyone involved in this project for enabling production to begin as planned. He continued further by stressing “the importance of accelerating business development in China. Beginning with the plant in Suzhou, the other NSK plants located in Kunshan, Zhangjiagang, and Changshu are also expanding production with the twin objective of becoming a global supply base and a supply base capable of satisfying the demand of the growing Chinese market. Production at this Suzhou Plant is expected to progress smoothly and should reach its full production capacity of 15 million units per year by next year.” Mr. Asaka closed his remarks by saying that “the triangle is said to be the most stable shape. China, Timken and NSK represents the three corners of the triangle and with combined efforts, will become a company that Suzhou will be proud to have and one that will catch global attention.”