Schaeffler, the motion technology company, and Swedish startup H2 Green Steel have decided to intensify their already close partnership. The two companies made the decision in the course of a recent equity funding round, in which Schaeffler agreed to invest a further 65 million euros, a significant increase that takes its total stake to 100 million euros. That’s the most equity Schaeffler has ever put into a minority stake in another company. As a strategic technology partner of H2 Green Steel, Schaeffler will channel its know-how into the development of new steel products, such as green e-steel for electromobility. In addition, the two companies will jointly develop new applications for the use of sustainable rolling bearing solutions in production. The aim is to maximize the efficiency of production through the use of first-rate components and integrated condition monitoring solutions. The two companies will also benefit from each other’s expertise in the areas of digitalization and circular economy.

Nord supports companies in undertaking the use of high efficiency electric motors funded by a program of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) and thus taking an important step towards energy efficiency and sustainability. Funding is available for both drives in new plants and conversions to more efficient systems, with up to 40 percent of the investment costs being covered.

The Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS), Canada's largest industry event, makes its return at its new home – the Toronto Congress Centre – from September 25-28, 2023. Over 500 suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), more than 8,000 manufacturing professionals and 250,000+ square feet of manufacturing excellence, housing 500,000+ pounds of live equipment are featured.

The Timken Company has acquired Des-Case Corp., a Nashville, Tenn.-based manufacturer of specialty filtration products for industrial lubricants. Founded in 1983, the company serves customers across a variety of industrial end markets. Des-Case's revenue for the calendar year 2023 is expected to be around $40 million.  

The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) welcomes three new distributors to its membership including Gordon Russell, MROSupply.com and Grainger.

Iwis Mobility Systems GmbH & Co KG and THIEN eDrives GmbH recently announced a cooperation to develop, market and produce projects involving electric drive systems for the automotive industry. THIEN eDrives specializes in the development and production of electrical systems consisting of motor and inverter, while Iwis manufactures precision chain systems.

A slow U.S. economy and high interest rates have taken a toll on robot orders in North American, resulting in a decline for the second quarter in a row after record purchases in 2021 and 2022. According to the latest report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), companies ordered 7,697 robots valued at $457 million from April to July 2023, a 37% decline in robot orders and 20% drop in value over the same period in 2022.  

Siemens Mobility and ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) are digitizing the Austrian rail network to further enhance the attractiveness of public transport. ÖBB is aiming to double the capacity of Austria’s entire rail system by 2040 to cope with increasing passenger numbers. This goal is now a bit closer: The most modern technology for railway operations – the digital European Train Control System ETCS – has now been implemented and commissioned on the 57-kilometer route between Linz and Vöcklabruck. The system controls distances between trains, as well as their direction and speed in real time. This enables the route to carry more passengers and freight, and ensures that the trains run more reliably, punctually, and safely. 

The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) Board of Directors elected two new members to serve a three-year term, from 2023 to 2026. This vote occurred at the most recent board of directors meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan in August.

Motion Industries, Inc. named NSK “2022 Supplier of the Year.” The award recognizes companies that have shown exceptional commitment to Motion through quality products and services and earned the highest score in the multi-faceted Supplier Stratification rating system. The presentation took place July 18, 2023, at NSK’s manufacturing facilities in Franklin, TN.