Global Plain Bearings Motors Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Bushings, Journal Bearings, Sleeve Bearings, Riffle Bearing and Composite Bearing.By Material Used;
Composite Self-Lubricating Bearings, Metallic Self-Lubricating Bearings and Plastic Compound Bearings.By End-User Industry;
Automotive, Construction Machinery, Oilfield Machinery, Energy, Aerospace and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Plain Bearings Motors Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Plain Bearings Motors Market was valued at USD 1108.89 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 1459.22 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.0%.
The Global Plain Bearings Motors Market is poised at the forefront of transformative change, driven by innovation, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences. Plain bearings, also known as bushings or sleeve bearings, serve as critical components within motors, facilitating smooth and efficient rotational motion by reducing friction between moving parts. As industries worldwide embrace automation, electrification, and sustainability initiatives, the demand for reliable, high-performance plain bearings motors continues to surge.
In recent years, the global market for plain bearings motors has witnessed remarkable growth, propelled by the expanding industrial sector, particularly in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy. The increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced operational reliability has further fueled the adoption of plain bearings motors across diverse applications.
This introductory exploration delves into the dynamics shaping the Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, examining key drivers, challenges, trends, and opportunities that define its landscape. From advancements in materials science to the integration of smart technologies, the market is undergoing rapid evolution, presenting both established players and new entrants with avenues for innovation and growth. In this era of digital transformation and sustainable development, the plain bearings motors market stands as a cornerstone of progress, driving efficiency, productivity, and sustainability across industries worldwide.
Global Plain Bearings Motors Market Recent Developments
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In September 2023, the demand for energy-efficient plain bearings motors has grown significantly, driven by industries focusing on automation and sustainability. Companies like NSK Ltd., Timken Company, and JTEKT Corporation are investing in advanced technologies for enhancing motor efficiency and durability
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In July 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic had initially disrupted supply chains but led to a resurgence in demand as industries focused on improving operational efficiency through automation and reduced maintenance costs
Segment Analysis
Plain bearings, also known as sleeve bearings or bushings, play a crucial role in machinery and equipment by providing smooth, low-friction motion between rotating or sliding surfaces. Motors incorporating plain bearings find applications across diverse sectors, including automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics.
In the automotive industry, plain bearings motors are widely utilized in engines, transmissions, chassis components, and other critical systems. They help reduce friction and wear, contributing to improved fuel efficiency, performance, and durability of vehicles. With the growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, the adoption of plain bearings motors in electric powertrains is also on the rise, driven by their reliability and efficiency.
Plain bearings motors are integral to the aerospace and defense sector, where they are employed in aircraft engines, landing gear systems, flight control surfaces, and various other applications. These motors must meet stringent performance requirements, including high reliability, lightweight design, and resistance to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. As aerospace technologies advance, there is a growing emphasis on developing innovative plain bearing solutions to enhance aircraft efficiency and safety.
The industrial machinery sector relies heavily on plain bearings motors for a wide range of equipment, including pumps, compressors, conveyors, and machine tools. These motors enable smooth and reliable operation in demanding industrial environments, contributing to increased productivity and reduced maintenance costs. With the ongoing industrial automation trend, there is a growing demand for high-performance plain bearings motors capable of supporting advanced manufacturing processes with precision and efficiency.
In the realm of consumer electronics, plain bearings motors are found in various devices such as home appliances, computers, printers, and audiovisual equipment. These compact and efficient motors help facilitate smooth movement and functionality in products ranging from refrigerators and washing machines to smartphones and gaming consoles. With the increasing focus on energy efficiency and miniaturization, plain bearings motors are being designed to deliver optimal performance while consuming minimal power and space.
Overall, the global plain bearings motors segment is poised for steady growth, driven by ongoing technological advancements, expanding industrial applications, and increasing demand for reliable and efficient motion control solutions across diverse sectors. Companies operating in this space are continually innovating to meet evolving customer needs and industry standards, thereby contributing to the advancement of machinery and equipment worldwide.
Global Plain Bearings Motors Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Plain Bearings Motors Market has been segmented by Type, Material Used, End-User Industry and Geography.
Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Plain Bearings Motors Market has been segmented by Type into Bushings, Journal Bearings, Sleeve Bearings, Riffle Bearing and Composite Bearing.
The Global Plain Bearings Motors Market has been meticulously segmented by Type, distinguishing between Bushings, Journal Bearings, Sleeve Bearings, Riffle Bearings, and Composite Bearings. Each type of plain bearing offers unique characteristics and advantages, catering to specific applications and operational requirements within the motors industry.
Bushings, also known as plain bearings or plain bushes, are cylindrical components designed to provide low-friction support and alignment for rotating shafts or axles. They offer simplicity in design and installation, making them suitable for a wide range of motor applications across various industries.
Journal bearings are designed to support radial loads while allowing rotational motion around a fixed axis. They consist of a shaft or journal rotating within a sleeve or bearing housing, minimizing friction and wear to ensure smooth operation and extended service life.
Sleeve bearings, also referred to as sleeve or plain sleeve bearings, are cylindrical bushings with a smooth inner surface, allowing shafts to rotate with minimal friction. They are commonly used in motors and other rotating machinery to provide support and reduce frictional losses.
Riffle bearings, also known as tilting pad or pivot shoe bearings, feature multiple pads or segments arranged in a circular configuration around the shaft. These bearings offer enhanced load capacity, stability, and vibration damping, making them suitable for high-speed and high-load motor applications.
Composite bearings combine different materials, such as polymers, fibers, and solid lubricants, to achieve superior performance in terms of wear resistance, load capacity, and friction reduction. They are increasingly being adopted in motors and other rotating equipment to enhance efficiency and reliability.
This segmentation enables a comprehensive analysis of the diverse range of plain bearings motors available in the market, allowing stakeholders to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities while addressing specific industry needs and preferences.
Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, Segmentation by Material Used
The Global Plain Bearings Motors Market has been segmented by Material Used into Composite Self-Lubricating Bearings, Metallic Self-Lubricating Bearings and Plastic Compound Bearings.
Composite self-lubricating bearings represent a significant segment within the plain bearings motors market. These bearings are engineered using composite materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, and fibers, combined with solid lubricants or additives. The composite construction offers advantages such as high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and self-lubricating properties, reducing the need for additional lubrication systems and maintenance. Composite self-lubricating bearings find applications in automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery, where they deliver reliable performance and extended service life in demanding operating conditions.
Metallic self-lubricating bearings constitute another prominent segment in the market, leveraging the properties of metal alloys combined with solid lubricants or coatings. These bearings are commonly manufactured from materials such as bronze, brass, stainless steel, and aluminum, offering excellent load-bearing capacity, thermal conductivity, and resistance to wear and fatigue. Metallic self-lubricating bearings are widely used in heavy-duty applications such as automotive engines, hydraulic systems, and marine propulsion systems, where they provide robust performance and withstand harsh operating environments.
Plastic compound bearings form a distinct segment within the plain bearings motors market, featuring materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide, and acetal. These bearings offer advantages such as low friction, chemical resistance, and compatibility with food-grade and sterile environments, making them suitable for applications in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Plastic compound bearings are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and capable of operating without external lubrication, contributing to improved efficiency and reliability in a wide range of equipment and machinery.
By segmenting the plain bearings motors market based on the material used, manufacturers and suppliers can better address the specific performance requirements and application demands of various industries. Each material category offers distinct advantages and capabilities, allowing customers to choose the most suitable bearing solution for their particular needs, whether it be high load capacity, low friction, or resistance to extreme conditions. This segmentation facilitates innovation and customization in bearing design and manufacturing, driving the continued advancement of plain bearings technology across global markets.
Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, Segmentation by End-User Industry
The Global Plain Bearings Motors Market has been segmented by End-User Industry into Automotive, Construction Machinery, Oilfield Machinery, Energy, Aerospace and Others.
The segmentation of the Global Plain Bearings Motors Market by End-User Industry provides a structured framework to understand the varied applications and demands across different sectors. The end-user industries identified include Automotive, Construction Machinery, Oilfield Machinery, Energy, Aerospace, and Others.
The automotive industry represents a significant segment for plain bearings motors, where these components are widely used in various vehicle systems such as engines, transmissions, steering mechanisms, and suspension systems. Plain bearings motors contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of automotive machinery, enhancing performance and reliability.
In the construction machinery sector, plain bearings motors play a crucial role in powering equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, loaders, and compactors. These motors are subjected to heavy loads, harsh operating conditions, and frequent vibrations, requiring robust and durable plain bearings for optimal performance and longevity.
Oilfield machinery relies on plain bearings motors for critical applications in drilling rigs, pumps, compressors, and other equipment used in the exploration, extraction, and processing of oil and gas resources. The rugged construction and high-performance capabilities of plain bearings motors are essential for withstanding the demanding environments encountered in oilfield operations.
The energy sector encompasses various applications for plain bearings motors, including power generation, renewable energy systems, and utilities infrastructure. Plain bearings motors are utilized in turbines, generators, pumps, and other machinery essential for producing, transmitting, and distributing electricity and other forms of energy.
The aerospace industry relies on precision-engineered plain bearings motors for aircraft engines, landing gear systems, flight control surfaces, and auxiliary equipment. These motors must meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety standards to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of aircraft in commercial, military, and space exploration applications.
Others category encompasses additional industries and applications where plain bearings motors are utilized, including marine, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and consumer appliances. These diverse sectors benefit from the versatility, efficiency, and durability of plain bearings motors in various mechanical and electromechanical systems.
By segmenting the market based on end-user industries, stakeholders gain insights into specific market dynamics, trends, and opportunities within each sector, enabling targeted strategies and tailored solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers across different industries.
Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Plain Bearings Motors Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America.
Global Plain Bearings Motors Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America stands as a significant market for plain bearings motors, driven by robust industrial and automotive sectors, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. The United States and Canada are key contributors to market growth, with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries. The region's emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability also fuels demand for high-performance plain bearings motors in various applications.
Europe represents another important market for plain bearings motors, characterized by a mature industrial base, stringent regulatory standards, and a focus on innovation and quality. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are major players in the region, with thriving automotive, aerospace, and machinery sectors driving demand for reliable motion control solutions. The European market prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, leading to the adoption of energy-efficient and eco-friendly bearing technologies.
The Asia-Pacific region emerges as a key growth engine for the global plain bearings motors market, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development. Countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea are at the forefront of market expansion, driven by strong manufacturing capabilities, increasing investments in automotive and transportation infrastructure, and rising demand from sectors such as construction, mining, and consumer electronics. The Asia-Pacific market offers significant opportunities for plain bearings motor manufacturers, given the region's large and diverse industrial base and growing emphasis on technological innovation and efficiency.
Latin America presents a growing market for plain bearings motors, supported by expanding industrial sectors, infrastructure projects, and investments in renewable energy and transportation. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are key contributors to market growth, with opportunities arising from sectors such as oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing. The region's focus on modernization and sustainability drives demand for reliable and efficient plain bearings motors to support infrastructure development and industrial activities.
The Middle East and Africa region exhibit significant potential for the plain bearings motors market, driven by infrastructure projects, construction activities, and investments in oil and gas exploration and production. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa offer opportunities for market expansion, with demand arising from sectors such as petrochemicals, mining, and power generation. The region's focus on diversifying economies and promoting industrialization presents opportunities for plain bearings motor manufacturers to cater to the growing demand for motion control solutions.
By segmenting the plain bearings motors market by geography, stakeholders can gain a comprehensive understanding of regional dynamics and tailor their strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities, address specific market needs, and foster sustainable growth across diverse regions.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Plain Bearings Motors Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity
Drivers:
- Industrial Automation
- Rising Demand in Automotive Sector
- Infrastructure Development
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Oil and Gas Exploration Activities - Oil and gas exploration activities represent a pivotal sector driving demand within the Global Plain Bearings Motors Market. As the global population continues to rise and industrialization expands, the demand for energy, particularly oil and gas, remains robust. This sustains the need for efficient and reliable equipment, including plain bearings motors, to support exploration, extraction, and processing operations in the oil and gas industry.
In recent years, technological advancements in drilling techniques, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have unlocked vast reserves of unconventional oil and gas resources. This has led to a resurgence of exploration activities in regions previously considered economically unviable. Plain bearings motors play a critical role in powering drilling rigs, pumps, compressors, and other machinery used in upstream operations, ensuring smooth and efficient extraction of hydrocarbons from deep beneath the earth's surface.
The offshore oil and gas sector presents unique challenges and opportunities for plain bearings motors. Offshore drilling platforms and floating production facilities require robust and corrosion-resistant equipment capable of withstanding harsh marine environments. Plain bearings motors used in offshore applications must adhere to stringent safety standards and performance specifications to ensure reliable operation in challenging offshore conditions.
The ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources and the increasing focus on environmental sustainability are reshaping the oil and gas industry. This transition necessitates the adoption of more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, including plain bearings motors with lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact. Manufacturers are innovating to develop next-generation plain bearings motors with enhanced efficiency, durability, and environmental performance to meet the evolving needs of the oil and gas sector.
In conclusion, oil and gas exploration activities continue to drive demand for plain bearings motors, particularly in upstream operations where reliability, efficiency, and performance are paramount. As the industry evolves to meet the challenges of a changing energy landscape, opportunities abound for manufacturers to innovate and deliver solutions that address the unique requirements of oil and gas exploration applications.
Restraints:
- Market Saturation in Mature Economies
- Cyclical Nature of Industrial Sectors
- Volatility in Raw Material Prices
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Shift Towards Electric Vehicles -The automotive industry is experiencing a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), reshaping the landscape of propulsion technologies and impacting the traditional market for plain bearings motors. This transition reflects a global push towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and mitigating the environmental impact of transportation. Electric vehicles, powered by batteries or fuel cells, offer the promise of cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
One of the key implications of this shift for the plain bearings motors market is the evolving demand for different types of propulsion systems. Electric vehicles often employ alternative motor technologies such as brushless DC motors or permanent magnet synchronous motors, which operate on different principles than traditional internal combustion engines. These electric motors may have distinct requirements in terms of bearing design, materials, and performance characteristics, posing challenges and opportunities for manufacturers of plain bearings motors.
The electrification of vehicles is driving changes in automotive design and engineering, leading to lighter and more compact drivetrain systems. This trend towards miniaturization and integration may influence the specifications and form factors of bearings used in electric vehicle components, requiring adaptations and innovations from bearing manufacturers to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
While the shift towards electric vehicles presents challenges for the traditional market of plain bearings motors in automotive applications, it also opens up new avenues for growth and diversification. For example, electric propulsion systems still require bearings for various auxiliary components such as cooling fans, pumps, and steering systems. Additionally, the broader electrification trend extends beyond passenger cars to include electric buses, trucks, and industrial vehicles, offering opportunities for plain bearings motor manufacturers to serve emerging segments of the electric mobility market.
In response to the shift towards electric vehicles, stakeholders in the plain bearings motors market are investing in research and development to develop innovative bearing solutions optimized for electric propulsion systems. This may involve the use of advanced materials, novel lubrication technologies, and specialized bearing designs tailored to the unique operating conditions of electric motors. By adapting to the changing dynamics of the automotive industry and embracing the opportunities presented by electric mobility, plain bearings motor manufacturers can position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Opportunities:
- Rapid Urbanization
- Infrastructure Development
- Renewable Energy Expansion
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Aftermarket Services and Maintenance - Aftermarket services and maintenance represent a significant opportunity within the Global Plain Bearings Motors Market. As industries increasingly rely on plain bearings motors for critical applications, the demand for aftermarket support services such as preventive maintenance, repair, and replacement continues to grow. Manufacturers and service providers play a crucial role in ensuring the ongoing performance, reliability, and longevity of plain bearings motors throughout their operational lifecycle.
One key aspect of aftermarket services is preventive maintenance, which involves regular inspections, lubrication, and component replacements to prevent potential failures and optimize performance. By implementing proactive maintenance schedules and leveraging predictive maintenance technologies, stakeholders can identify potential issues before they escalate, minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of plain bearings motors.
In addition to preventive maintenance, timely repairs and replacements are essential to address wear and tear, damage, or component failures that may occur during operation. Service providers equipped with technical expertise and specialized tools can diagnose issues, source replacement parts, and perform repairs efficiently, minimizing disruptions to operations and maximizing equipment uptime.
The aftermarket presents opportunities for manufacturers to offer value-added services such as refurbishment, upgrades, and retrofits to enhance the performance and efficiency of existing plain bearings motors. Upgrading outdated components, incorporating advanced materials or technologies, and optimizing system configurations can extend the service life and functionality of plain bearings motors, providing customers with cost-effective solutions to meet evolving needs and regulatory requirements.
The transition towards digitalization and Industry 4.0 principles is transforming aftermarket services through the adoption of smart technologies and data-driven analytics. Remote monitoring, condition-based maintenance, and predictive analytics enable real-time insights into the health and performance of plain bearings motors, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions, optimize maintenance strategies, and minimize operational risks.
In conclusion, aftermarket services and maintenance play a critical role in supporting the reliability, performance, and longevity of plain bearings motors in various industries. By offering comprehensive aftermarket support solutions, manufacturers and service providers can enhance customer satisfaction, build long-term relationships, and capture additional revenue streams in an increasingly competitive market landscape.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Plain Bearings Motors Market include.
- Boston Gear LLC
- GGB Bearing Technology
- Minebea Mitsumi Inc
- NTN Corporation
- Schaeffler Technologies Ag & Co. Kg
- SKF Group, THK Co., Ltd
- Thomson Industries, Inc
- Timken Company
- Zollern GmbH & Co. Kg
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Material Used
- Market Snapshot, By End - User Industry
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Plain Bearings Motors Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Industrial Automation
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Rising Demand in Automotive Sector
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Infrastructure Development
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Oil and Gas Exploration Activities
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- Restraints
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Market Saturation in Mature Economies
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Cyclical Nature of Industrial Sectors
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Volatility in Raw Material Prices
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Shift Towards Electric Vehicles
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- Opportunities
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Rapid Urbanization
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Infrastructure Development
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Renewable Energy Expansion
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Aftermarket Services and Maintenance
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Bushings
- Journal Bearings
- Sleeve Bearings
- Riffle Bearing
- Composite Bearing
- Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, By Material Used, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Composite Self-Lubricating Bearings
- Metallic Self-Lubricating Bearings
- Plastic Compound Bearings
- Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, By End - User Industry, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Automotive
- Construction Machinery
- Oilfield Machinery
- Energy
- Aerospace
- Others
- Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Plain Bearings Motors Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Boston Gear LLC
- GGB Bearing Technology
- Minebea Mitsumi Inc
- NTN Corporation
- Schaeffler Technologies Ag & Co. Kg
- SKF Group, THK Co., Ltd
- Thomson Industries, Inc
- Timken Company
- Zollern GmbH & Co. Kg
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market