SKF France, subsidiary company of the leading global supplier of products, solutions and services in the market place for rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems, won the Prix d'Excellence 2007 organized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France for its dynamism on the French market and its actions in innovation and sustainable development. In its motivation, the jury felt that SKF France is "an exemplary model for conversion of a classic European industrial company into a Knowledge engineering competitive, efficient and environmental friendly company".

The Prix d'Excellence

To underline its active commitment in the promotion of the French-Swedish exchanges, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France awards each year its price to a Swedish company which particularly distinguished itself by its success on the French market. This year, the Price was given to SKF France on December 3rd by Swedish minister of Trade, Mrs Ewa Björling, during a great traditional evening which gathers the biggest companies of the French-Swedish business world as well as the personalities stemming from the political and economic world of both countries.

Our performance

An great capacity of innovation in the field of the industry
Nearly half of the new leading energy saving products launched by the SKF group during this year of jubilee celebration were developed in France and some are manufactured in our factories.

- The «Energy efficient» ball bearings which save at least 30% energy consumption. These bearings were developed in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire plant and, depending on the size, will be manufactured in France, Italy or Malaysia. The larger sizes are manufactured in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire plant and the smaller ones will be produced in Fontenay plant later. The first mass productions began in the second half of the year 2007, with two planned series. In 2008, ten series will be added.

- The automatic throttle control units reduce fuel consumption by one million liters during business jet lifetime (Or approximately 100 liters of fuel per hour of flight). These automatic throttle control units are certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and already mounted on jets produced by two business jets manufacturers. They are developed and manufactured in France at Saint-Vallier.

- The new technology in electromechanical cylinders allows 90% energy savings when using welding robots. This new type of cylinder is developed and made at Chambéry.

A continuous investment in training of the staff,with 5 % of the payroll dedicated to the training.
A strong commitment in sustainable development,with the "BeyondZero" program set up for 2 years which aims to deliver to all employees an original and complete training on sustainable development policy and its application in everyday life.
A dynamism in the policy of acquisitionand linking with regional companies specialized in products with high added value as SKF Aeroengine France in Valenciennes, Vogel in Saumur and Economos.
Competitive commercial results, SKF France provisional turnover for 2007 is over 1 Billion euros.
SKF France

Founded in 1907 in Göteborg (Sweden) and established in France since 1908, SKF in France counts 4500 employees, with 11 manufacturing units spread over 13 sites. This centenary allowed to assert, with strength and conviction, the commitment of more than 20 years of SKF in the environmental protection thanks to its sustainable development policy applied in everyday life. For SKF France, this celebration was the occasion to show the capacity of French innovation and the variety of the activities which SKF represents on the French territory.

Courtesy of  SKF