Streamlining Ball Screw Operations

To further accelerate selective streamlining and concentration of its business in line with its structural reform plan, “NEW Plan 21”, NTN Corporation has focused on automotive actuator ball screws as a future growth area and will concentrate management resources in that area. To that end NTN has decided to transfer its general industrial ball screw manufacturing and test facilities to NSK Ltd.

NTN has a well earned reputation among customers for ball screws it manufactures for injection molding equipment. To ensure customers' current production and development will not be inconvenienced, NTN has requested NSK to take over the supply of ball screws to its customers. The two corporations will also be cooperating in technical and other areas. The transfer of manufacturing facilities is targeted for completion within the year.

The two corporations previously agreed on a tie-up concerning OEM supply for specific bearing products and joint access to proprietary technology in October 1999 to improve cost competitiveness and operating efficiency.