The Economy

Manufacturer of Roller Bearings to Expand in South Carolina

Sept. 28, 2010

Expansion will add 70 new jobs at the facility.

Schaeffler Group USA, a Fort Mill, S.C.-based manufacturer of roller bearings and components, plans to expand one of its facilities in Cheraw, S.C.

The $26 million expansion will increase production and add more than 70 new jobs at the facility.

"This expansion will allow the company to introduce a new technology in North America that produces engine modules, which increase performance and improve fuel efficiency for a major Detroit automaker," the company said.

The Schaeffler Group has three facilities in Cheraw. Plants 1 and 5, which are housed on the same site, manufacture bearings and components for bearings and motor elements. Plant 2 manufactures roller bearings, engine components, rocker arms, tripod rollers and roller assemblies for the automotive industry.

Schaeffler Group USA is part of the Herzogenaurach, Germany-based Shaeffler Group, which products the INA, LuK and FAG brands of bearings and components for the automotive OEM, industrial OEM and distribution markets as well as the aerospace industry.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.