SKF Life Cycle Costs for Tikhvin Freight Car-www.tengdabearings.com

SKF received a large order of Compact Tapered Bearing Units (CTBUs) for innovative Russian freight car OEM, Tikhvin Freight Car Assembly Plant (TVSZ), affiliated company of United Wagon Company (LLC "UWC").

In 2014 SKF Tver, manufacturing facility in Russia, will produce a total of more than 40,000 SKF axlebox CTBUs for TVSZ freight cars with a 25-ton axle load. Under the cooperation agreement SKF will provide technical support to TVSZ, which is recognised as an innovation leader in Russian freight car design.
SKF CTBUs help to significantly increase reliability and extend maintenance intervals. This agreement is an acknowledgement of SKF status as a leading manufacturer of axlebox bearings for railway freight car applications. With pressure on rail operators to improve freight car reliability and uptime, a key benefit for OEMs is that the SKF CTBUs reduce ‘hotbox’ (overheating axlebox) stoppages, as they function at a lower operating temperature than other solutions.

TVSZ is in the process of ramping up production of a new generation freight car and required reliable partners to supply components. SKF CTBUs have met the need of TVSZ which required delivery of a large volume of high quality bearings at a competitive price. As a result SKF has become the key supplier of CTBUs for new generation freight cars produced by TVSZ.

“This is an important strategic order for the SKF Tver facility,” said Rutger Barrdahl, Director SKF Railway and Off Highway Business Unit. “It will develop SKF’s key partnerships with an innovative OEM in Russia and above all will help develop freight cars with longer maintenance intervals, higher performance and safer operation.”

In recognising its contribution to the Russian Railway Industry, SKF Tver was presented a prestigious award from JSC Russian Railways at the International Conference organized by non-profit partnership “Union of Industries of Railway Equipment” in Moscow during November 2013. The SKF CTBU bearings were the winners for best quality in the Components for Rolling Stock and Infrastructure category.