JTEKT’s Koyo brand celebrates a century of bearings production

JTEKT is celebrating the 100th year anniversary of Koyo Bearings in 2021, a milestone the company says is enabled by the brand’s loyal customers, dedicated associates, and the support of local communities. Throughout the year, the company will celebrate this occasion by highlighting customers’ successes and shine the spotlight on the Koyo associates who continue to make the brand a success today.

“The global vision for the company is to be number one and only one, for all of our stakeholders—customers, suppliers, associates, and communities,” said Gary Bourque, vice president, Koyo Bearings North America. “Our journey to be the preferred brand began 100 years ago and we continue on this path today through meaningful innovation, manufacturing excellence, and the commitment of thousands of associates who bring the highest quality bearings to market.”

Koyo Bearings Cairo manufactures rocker arm, solid race/thin ring, FAB, and cage and roller bearings for the automotive and industrial industries. The facility has been in operation for more than 40 years and has 350 current associates.

“We are very proud to be a part of Koyo’s success for four decades,” said Charlotte Arnold, Koyo Cairo human resources manager. “We have a great team of associates and amazing support from the local community. We look forward to continuing to support the Koyo brand for years to come.”

JTEKT North America has eight Koyo manufacturing sites, three Koyo distribution centers, and a full-scale bearings testing facility, all of which employ more than 3,000 associates.

Koyo’s 100-year legacy includes bringing the first ceramic bearing to market in 1984 to now producing bearings specified for use in space shuttle missions. Today, Koyo bearings are found in modern applications from eco-conscious wind power generators to aerospace to the latest in high-speed transportation. Along with a legacy in traditional industrial applications, Koyo officials say they remain a leader in advancing innovative new materials, manufacturing expertise and precision engineering capabilities with bearings ranging from the extremely large with outer diameters up to seven meters to miniature bearings as small as one millimeter, all providing unique customer solutions.

“One hundred years is a remarkable amount of time and we are very fortunate to be an integral part of a global network of customers and suppliers,” added Bourque. “We also know that the future will look very different for the bearings market and we are evolving to ensure we continue to exceed the needs of our customers.”