SKF gained new railway contract for new generation of axlebox bearing units

SKF gained new railway contract for new generation of axlebox bearing units SKF's new generation of a compact tapered roller bearing unit for railways, "The Compact TBU", has been chosen by one of the leading railway system suppliers, Siemens Transportation Systems Group of Siemens AG, for the main part of the their new train concept DESIRO. The main benefits with this new unit are lower life cycle cost, longer maintenance intervals, and a more compact design. The DESIRO train represents a new modular concept for modern passenger trains that can meet specific needs such as for long distance service or for suburban systems. So far Siemens received several orders from railway operators in Germany, Greece, Malaysia and UK for this new train concept which can be powered by diesel engines as well as electrically. SKF has been working in close co-operation with the competence centre for bogies at Siemens SGP, Austria, and received orders for bearing units to this new train for more than 40 million SEK. The largest order includes 4800 axleboxes, which will be equipped with Compact TBU's. SKF is today the leading full assortment bearing supplier to the world railway industry. SKF is also a key supplier to the high-speed trains in Europe Göteborg, March 23, 2001 Aktiebolaget SKF (publ.) For further information, please contact: Lars G Malmer, SKF Group Communication, tel +46-(0)31-3371541, e-mail: Lars.G.Malmer@skf.com Aktiebolaget SKF, SE-415 50 Göteborg, Sweden, tel +46-31-3371000, fax +46-31-3372832, www.skf.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/03/23/20010323BIT00580/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2001/03/23/20010323BIT00580/bit0001.pdf