GGB sets sights on China, India

GGB, part of the $838 million EnPro Industries, will set up a plant for self-lubricating metal-polymer bearings in China in 2007. By 2010, an India plant will also be up and running, said Jasvinder Singh Bhatia, national sales manager, GGB India. The US-based company is also likely to set up a corporate office here that would have India representatives for its various divisions worldwide.

According to sources, GGB India is also in talks with Maruti Udyog to supply its plain bearings. It already sells its products to OEMs as well as Tier-1 and Tier-2 companies. Through its vendors, the company supplies to Ford, GM (door hinges, transmission sub-assemblies), M&M, Gabriel India, Rane, Sona Koyo, TRW, MICO and Delphi. It has a share of nearly 70 percent in studs and shock absorbers. GGB India supplies its products to Bombay Syndicate, the largest wiper blade manufacturer in India.

The company sources its requirement from its plants in Europe and the US. The China plant will cater only to the domestic market while India will continue its sourcing from Europe and the US. Globally, GGB has a 32 percent share in plain bearings and this is almost the same in India. The turnover here is $2.6 million (nearly Rs 12 crore).

GGB, formerly known as Glacier Garlock Bearings, is the world's largest manufacturer of metal-polymer plain bearings. Its products include a full line of self-lubricated, marginally lubricated and fully lubricated plain bearings. The products are available in a variety of forms such as cylindrical wrapped bushes, flanged bushes, thrust washers, or as special parts manufactured to customer requirements.

Apart from the automotive industry, GGB India also supplies its plain bearings for industrial and hydraulic applications. "Our bearings are self-lubricating and used to reduce friction as well as wear and tear. They can be used in transmissions, shock absorbers, wipers, door hinges, steering systems, chassis and suspension, front axle kingpins, and seating systems," said Bhatia.

He reiterated that the company would focus on bush bearings. "Almost 80 percent of people are not aware of self-lubricating metal-polymer plain bearings and their applications. We are selling this concept, educating them and helping them design their bearings," he added.

EnPro Industries makes a range of products like engineered products, sealing products and engine products. GGB, Quincy and France are the three companies that constitute its engineered products division. The sealing products division includes Garlock, Garlock Klozure, Pikotek and Stemco among others.

The company's engine products and services division comprises Fairbanks Morse Engine that is into manufacture of heavy duty medium speed diesel and natural gas engines. EnPro operates 29 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, employs about 4,300 people worldwide and sells its products to over 50,000 customers in 100 countries.