Automotive and industrial bearing manufacturer Orbit Bearings used Auto Expo 2012 to debut its new logo. The new logo was unveiled by Anuj Kathuria, executive director, Strategic Sourcing, Ashok Leyland.

Designed to reflect Orbit’s ethos of 'Optimising resources for best integration of technology’, the logo also marks the commencement of the third decade of operations for the Rajkot-based manufacturer.

Speaking at the Expo, Samir Patel, GM, marketing informed Autocar Professional of plans to establish a new R&D and testing facility and also set up a new plant. The new plant will be located very close to the existing facility and will significantly enhance capacity.

At present, Orbit produces 350,000-400,000 bearings a month. Of interest at the Orbit stand was the company’s unitised bearing that was also the first such product to be exported to European truck trailer OEMs from India. When asked about how the economic downturn affected business, Samir said it has actually worked in Orbit’s favour. “With all OEMs looking to lower costs, Orbit’s cost competitiveness and proven quality helped us become a prefered supplier with many international OEMs. The fact that our business has only grown from day one supports the same,” he said.

Orbit currently has a turnover in the region of Rs 100 crore. In India, it supplies to OEMs like Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Eicher and Greaves.

Nikhil Bhatia