Established in 1946, National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NEI), part of the renowned CK Birla Group, stands as a beacon of excellence in India’s bearing manufacturing and distribution industry. Known for its NBC brand, NEI has become India’s largest bearing manufacturer and exporter, producing 250 million bearings annually across 3,100+ variants. Headquartered in Jaipur, the company serves automotive, railway, aerospace, and industrial sectors in over 30 countries, cementing its global reputation for quality and reliability.
With five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in India and advanced R&D capabilities, NEI has set benchmarks in precision engineering and innovation. The company’s groundbreaking achievements include being the only bearing manufacturer globally to receive the prestigious Deming Grand Prize in 2015. Its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, coupled with strategic acquisitions like Kinex Bearings in Europe, further showcases NEI’s pursuit of excellence and global leadership.
As part of this special edition of BearingNews, we explore with the President & CEO Mr. Rohit Saboo how NBC Bearings has not only shaped the Indian bearing manufacturing landscape but also emerged as a trusted partner to leading automotive OEMs, railways, and industrial giants worldwide. Join us as we delve into NEI’s journey, innovations, and vision for the future in this exclusive interview.
What makes NBC Bearings a leader in the Indian and global bearing manufacturing markets?
NBC Bearings has established itself as a global leader through its dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainability. With over 75 years of expertise, NBC produces 250 million bearings annually across 3,100+ variants, catering to automotive, railway, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Our international footprint spans over 30 countries, supported by a Global Technology Centre in Germany, offices in Switzerland, and a new warehouse and office in the USA. These global touchpoints enable us to serve diverse markets with localized solutions.
Our leadership is also reinforced by our technological advancements, such as high-speed and sensor-integrated bearings for electric vehicles (EVs), and our recognition as the world’s only bearing manufacturer to win the prestigious Deming Grand Prize. This commitment to excellence ensures that NBC Bearings remains a trusted partner for leading OEMs and industrial giants worldwide.
How does NBC ensure sustainability in its manufacturing processes?
Sustainability is a cornerstone of NBC’s operations. We have implemented several initiatives to minimize our environmental impact, including:
- Generating 10 MW of solar power annually, contributing significantly to renewable energy usage. This is going to increase substantially with our upcoming manufacturing facility.
- Conserving over 6 million liters of water each year through advanced water management systems.
- Achieving zero wastewater discharge and maintaining low carbon emissions across all facilities.
These efforts are part of our broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) project, “PLANET,” which aims to embed sustainability into every aspect of our operations. By aligning with global sustainability goals, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also create long-term value for our stakeholders.
What role does digital transformation play in your manufacturing and operational strategies?
Digital transformation is at the heart of our growth strategy. By integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT, AI, and advanced analytics, we have transformed our manufacturing processes into connected factories. This enables real-time data collection and analysis, improving efficiency, quality, and decision-making.
For example, our supply chain operations are now fully digitized, offering enhanced visibility and agility. Additionally, systems like Digital Performance Management (DPM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) have reached maturity, becoming integral to our operations. These digital initiatives not only optimize productivity but also support our sustainability goals by reducing waste and energy consumption.
Could you provide insights into your R&D center and its contributions to product innovation?
Our R&D capabilities are pivotal to our leadership in the bearing industry. With over 150 skilled engineers and advanced facilities in India and Germany, our R&D focuses on:
- Developing cutting-edge solutions, such as high-speed bearings and sensor-integrated bearings for EVs.
- Rapid prototyping using 3D printing technology, reducing lead times and accelerating innovation.
- Leveraging global expertise to introduce advanced materials and manufacturing processes.
The establishment of the Global Technology Centre in Germany exemplifies our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, ensuring that we deliver innovative and reliable products to our global customers.
How has the acquisition of Kinex Bearings strengthened NBC’s global presence?
The acquisition of Kinex Bearings in Slovakia has significantly bolstered our global footprint. This strategic move has enabled us to:
- Access advanced European manufacturing technologies and processes.
- Strengthen our presence in critical markets like Europe, particularly in the railway and industrial sectors.
- Expand our product portfolio to include specialized bearings, meeting the unique demands of diverse industries.
This acquisition aligns with our vision of becoming a global leader, allowing us to integrate the best practices from Kinex into our operations and enhance our offerings worldwide.
What inspired the establishment of the Global Technology Centre in Germany, and what are its key objectives?
The Global Technology Centre in Germany was established to leverage Europe’s advanced technological ecosystem. Its primary objectives include:
- Driving innovation by collaborating with global industry leaders and academic institutions.
- Introducing cutting-edge technologies, such as sensor-integrated and high-speed bearings, to meet the evolving needs of the automotive and industrial sectors.
- Strengthening our R&D capabilities to support both global and Indian markets.
By bridging the gap between global advancements and local requirements, the centre plays a crucial role in maintaining NBC Bearings’ competitive edge.
How does NBC Bearings cater to the specific needs of automotive, railway, and industrial customers?
NBC Bearings adopts a customer-centric approach to cater to diverse sectors:
- Automotive: We provide high- performance bearings for EVs and ICE vehicles, focusing on low noise, high RPM, and durability.
- Railways: As India’s largest supplier of railway bearings, we deliver solutions designed for safety and reliability under extreme conditions.
- Industrial: Our offerings include robust and efficient bearings for applications in steel, cement, power, construction and paper industries, supported by customized solutions to address critical operational challenges.
Collaborating closely with customers, we co-develop products that meet their specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance and satisfaction.
Could you discuss NBC Bearings’ network of authorized stockists and its role in serving the Indian aftermarket?
NBC Bearings has a robust network of over 550 authorized stockists and 18,000 retail outlets across India. This extensive distribution network ensures:
- Timely availability of our products in every corner of the country.
- Seamless service and support for our customers in the aftermarket segment.
- Strengthened brand trust and loyalty through consistent quality and reliability.
Our stockists are not just partners but integral to our growth, helping us maintain our leadership in the Indian bearing market. To extend its reach beyond India, NBC also has distributor partners in SAARC countries, Europe, and the Middle East, ensuring seamless access to its high-quality bearings for customers in these regions.
How does NBC Bearings maintain excellence in quality and precision across its diverse product portfolio?
Quality is embedded in our DNA. As the world’s only bearing manufacturer to win both the Deming Award and Deming Grand Prize, we uphold stringent quality standards through:
- State-of-the-art testing and inspection equipment.
- Rigorous quality control processes at every stage of production.
- Continuous training programs for our workforce to ensure adherence to global benchmarks.
This unwavering focus on quality ensures that every bearing we produce meets the highest standards of precision and reliability.
What are some of the emerging trends in the bearing industry, and how is NBC Bearings preparing to adapt?
Key trends shaping the industry include:
- Electrification: The rise of EVs demands high-speed, low-noise, and sensorized bearings, areas where NBC has already established expertise.
- Digital Transformation: Industry 4.0 technologies are driving efficiency and innovation in manufacturing.
- Sustainability: Growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices aligns with our ESG initiatives.
NBC Bearings is well-prepared to adapt to these trends through continuous R&D, digital adoption, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that we remain a step ahead in this dynamic industry.
What is NBC’s vision for the next decade, and how does it plan to continue leading the bearing industry?
Our vision is to solidify NBC Bearings’ position as a global leader by:
- Expanding into high-growth markets, particularly in the industrial and aerospace sectors.
- Leveraging digital technologies and AI to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Driving sustainability through renewable energy, resource conservation, and circular economy principles.
- Strengthening our global presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness, we aim to shape the future of the bearing industry while contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
NBC envisions a future where it leads the global bearing industry by setting benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Over the next decade, NBC aims to expand its international footprint through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and investments in high-potential markets.
The company is deeply committed to sustainability, focusing on renewable energy, water conservation, and waste management. NBC also plans to stay at the forefront of technological innovation by leveraging Industry 4.0, AI, and advanced analytics to enhance operational efficiency and develop next-generation bearing solutions for electric vehicles, railways, aerospace, and industrial applications. By aligning its strategies with global trends and investing in employee development, NBC is poised to not only maintain its leadership but also redefine the possibilities in the bearing industry.
