Every second of production counts in a food or beverage processing plant, so preventing unplanned machine downtime is critical. Unplanned failures can shut down an entire production line, which can incur high costs. Therefore, condition monitoring is essential! David Smith, Lifetime Solutions engineer at Schaeffler UK, discusses why conditioning monitoring is essential for the food and beverage (FOOD AND BEVERAGE) industry.

For the UK to meet its net zero targets by 2050, renewable energy will play an increasingly important role in the total energy mix, with wind power continuing to be a central focus. Steve Boyle, Regional Sales Engineer MRO at Schaeffler UK, discusses how important the MRO business is in creating truly green energy for the renewable industry, helping the UK meet its targets.

We all know that product piracy costs billions – trillions even as the World Bearing Association states! Out of that 39% of fakes pose a threat to life. With this is mind all bearing manufacturers are dedicating to the fight to stopping fake bearings, and Schaeffler are no different. Leigh Hopkins, Schaeffler UK’s Country Manager – Industrial discusses.

Manufacturers are increasingly using Augmented Reality (AR) in their digital transformation strategy to make productivity improvements, improve project planning and reduce training costs. Kevin Robson, Segment Leader Operations & Assembly at the Schaeffler UK plant in Sheffield, discusses some of the benefits the plant is seeing by investing in AR. 

Charlotte Waller, Environmental, Health and Safety Coordinator at Schaeffler UK and winner of this year's MAKE UK SHE Rising Star award, explains how the company’s Sheffield plant has taken great strides in improving, not only the sustainability of its production, but also its employees.

Mark Dolloway, Schaeffler’s Automotive Aftermarket UK Managing Director, discusses the challenges the UK Aftermarket faces as the industry moves from internal combustion engine (ICE) -based repairs and servicing, to plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles and how repair workshops are adapting to meet these challenges.

Leigh Hopkins, Schaeffler’s UK Country Sales Director Industrial takes a look back at a challenging 2022 that saw growth despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. Though there are still reasons to be optimistic in 2023: Schaeffler has made some smart acquisitions over the last 18 months, which have extended the Industrial Division’s product portfolio and technical expertise.

Mark Dolloway, Schaeffler’s Automotive Aftermarket UK Managing Director, takes a look at the challenges the industry is facing as it gradually phases out internal combustion engine-based vehicles with hybrid and all-electric alternatives. But is the buying behaviour of UK consumers supporting this transition?

The benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce are becoming increasingly apparent and Schaeffler is blazing a trail in this area. As part of its activities, the automotive and industrial supplier is currently sponsoring Habiba Rashid as she undertakes a three-year accelerated Master’s Degree in Integrated Engineering (MEng) at NMITE. Farai Machekanyanga, UK Communications Intern, gets her insight into the world of engineering.

With 2022 coming to a close, Schaeffler UK’s managing director, Greig Littlefair, reviews the last 12 months and explains why, despite the current geopolitical turmoil, the company is reacting positively to ensure that production remains as unaffected as possible.

Earlier this summer, Climate Action Day was marked at all Schaeffler locations worldwide, from Herzogenaurach, Germany to Taicang, China, and from Port Elizabeth, South Africa to Sheffield, UK. Every one of the Schaeffler Group’s roughly 83,000 employees stopped work for 90 minutes to focus on climate issues. Our Environmental, Health and Safety Coordinator, Charlotte Waller, discusses how Schaeffler UK are supporting the Group's targets.

Equipment failure is one of the main reasons for lost production in food and beverage processing environments, but also one of the most preventable. Martin Ryan, our industrial distribution director, explains how innovative technology is the most effective way to maintain equipment uptime.

This year Ellie Matthews becomes Schaeffler UK's first female plant manager in over 75 years. In the month of international women in engineering day (23rd June) we understand that although this is a milestone, it shouldn't be. Ellie comments on the lack of female engineers and what strengths women can bring to our industry.

A look around the automotive industry, and you'll see how fast the world is changing. Schaeffler is at the centre of these changes. Since creating a dedicated e-mobility division four years ago, however, there is still a need for combustion engine parts during this transition period, which means there is a need for hybrid skills. Our VP of Automotive, Alena Useinovic, looks at what skills are required for the Automotive industry.

The production and availability of counterfeit rolling bearings has been a longstanding issue, with their use attributed to machine damage, extended periods of downtime and personal injury. Martin Ryan, Schaeffler UK’s industrial distribution director, explains why the problem is growing and the dangers of being tempted by deals which seem to be too good to be true – and usually are.

The UK’s automotive sector is going through a seismic change, driven by sustainability and changing consumer behaviour. Companies that embrace the potential of electric and autonomous vehicles, and adapt their operations accordingly, will be the ones to thrive in a post-pandemic world. Our VP Automotive UK, Alena Useinovic discusses this further.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has presented the manufacturing sector with numerous challenges, there is cause for optimism. Leigh Hopkins Schaeffler’s UK Country Sales Director - Industrial, assesses the impact of the last couple of years, identifies some key areas of potential growth for 2022 and explains how the company is making industry more productive through innovative technology.

Industry 4.0 has now evolved to a stage where it is possible to gather and analyse data across machines, enabling faster, flexible and more efficient processes that can produce high quality goods at reduced costs. However, some organisations are still failing to recognise the benefits that condition based maintenance (CBM) offers and how it can maximise the potential of this new industrial age.