NRB Bearings Forms Joint Venture with Italian Manufacturer Unitec

NRB Bearings Limited has announced a strategic joint venture with Italy-based Unitec Group, marking a significant expansion into the industrial cylindrical roller bearings market. The partnership was disclosed on December 1, 2025.

The collaboration brings together NRB's manufacturing expertise with Unitec's engineering capabilities in high-precision industrial bearings. Unitec, part of the Mondial Group, operates with over 60 years of experience and generates annual revenues exceeding €60 million. The Italian manufacturer supplies major European OEMs including Bonfiglioli, SAME, Leonardo, and ITEMA across industries ranging from agricultural machinery to defence and aerospace.

The joint venture will establish manufacturing operations in Uppal, Hyderabad, at a LEED-certified facility focused on producing cylindrical roller bearings for industrial applications. Under the agreement, Unitec Group has committed to purchasing 20% of the joint venture's annual production, providing guaranteed demand for the new operation.

NRB Bearings will hold a majority stake of at least 75% in the venture, with Unitec Group owning up to 25%, subject to regulatory approvals. The venture will be governed by up to five directors, initially three from NRB and one from Unitec Group.

The agreement includes non-compete provisions preventing both parties from independently manufacturing or distributing industrial cylindrical roller bearings in India. Additionally, exclusive selling arrangements have been established, with Unitec serving as the sole agent in Italy for the joint venture's products, while NRB will handle exclusive distribution in India for both the joint venture and Unitec Group's offerings.

NRB Bearings currently supplies automotive bearings to major OEMs in India and internationally. The company has been expanding beyond its automotive base into industrial machinery, construction equipment, off-highway applications, and gearboxes, with plans to enter aerospace, defence, and robotics segments.

Managing Director Harshbeena Zaveri stated that the partnership would enable the company to address a broader range of industrial applications while maintaining operational discipline and focus on profitability. She described the collaboration as strengthening NRB's position in high-performance bearing solutions for global markets.