Understanding the specific attributes and distinctive requirements of each industry is a core principle of the RKB business model. It generates a broad range of commitments regarding actual knowledge of the customers’ production flow, bearings’ applications and outputs. Consequently, as RKB serves a broad range of industries all over the world, we have developed in-depth knowledge and expertise in each of them.

In our view, the effective coverage of multiple industries and businesses is also important from another perspective. Being a supplier for a limited range of sectors may turn into vulnerability and risks if the respective industries enter a stagnation or recession period. The merits of this broad coverage approach were confirmed, and, as a result, the positive impact in the current challenging market environment increased.

RKB has been connected to various technological developments in practically every industry it covers and serves throughout its more than 80-year presence in the bearing industry, dating back to 1936. To maintain our competitiveness and organic growth, we invested significant resources in producing bearings that meet the ever- increasing demands of our customers.

A relevant example in this respect is the progress RKB achieved in the marine industry, where we now cover the following applications:

Jacking systems

Winches

Cranes

Deck equipment

On-board auxiliary machinery

Propulsion equipment (thrusters, retractable thrusters, waterjets, and pods)

Propulsion systems

Intermediate shaft line bearings

Main shaft bearings

Marine gearboxes

Marine engines, generators, alternators, electric motors

Fin stabilizers

Rudder lines

Vertical-axled rotating machines

Steering systems

As known, the marine industry can be divided into two major segments. Marine and offshore engineering involves production and work of large structures, typically for the exploitation of resources such as oil and gas in a marine environment. The shipyard sector, instead, refers to the shipbuilding and ship repair activities. Over the years, RKB successfully met the special requirements of various manufacturers, including some world market leaders, in these segments, by offering reliable and effective bearings.

Following regular deliveries to leading companies in the marine industry, RKB consolidated its position as a major worldwide supplier of special rolling bearings for this sector. From recreational watercraft to frigates and large ships, RKB continues to provide bearings with competitive operational and ROI performance.

RKB offers products for countless maritime applications, including bearings for intermediate and main shafts, which are crucial parts of a vessel that transmit power to the propellers.

Last but not least, in a time with long-lasting bottlenecks in the supply chains, we rate as a competitive advantage our extended network of well-stocked bearings warehouses, which effectively guarantees just-in-time deliveries.