Timken Closes 3 Service Centers, Consolidates To CoLinx Facility

The Timken Co. said that it will close three of its U.S. regional service centers and transfer the assets to one of its joint ventures, CoLinx LLC. Assets from Timken's Chicago, Dallas and Columbus, Ohio, facilities will be transferred to CoLinx's distribution center in Crossville, Tenn. Customer service will be uninterrupted during the consolidation efforts, which are expected to be completed by Nov. 1, the Canton, Ohio-based bearings manufacturer said. CoLinx provides Web-based services and integrated logistics for industrial manufacturers. It is a joint venture involving Timken, Rockwell Automation, SKF USA and INA US Corp. Timken said this move is a matter of operational efficiency, which will be helped by pooled shipping lanes, optimized shipping freight and reduced inter-plant shipments. CoLinx already ships Timken product from its Sparks, Nevada, and Toronto facilities. "We are confident that this move . . . will occur in a fashion that's seamless to our customer base," says Kari Groh, general manager, global logistics and customer service for Timken's industrial distribution.