Technological History

Introductory Period

1916

  • NSK establishment in Tokyo as Japan’s first ball bearing manufacturer

Deployment Period

1940 – 1969

  • Foundation of R&D department in Japan

  • Establishment of first European sales office (Düsseldorf, Germany)

  • Establishment of engineering research laboratory

  • Launch of needle roller bearings production as well as of automatic transmissions

  • Development of first NSK wheelset bearings for bullet trains

  • Entered steering column market

Growth Period

1970 - 1979

  • Opening of a production plant in Peterlee (UK)

  • Development of NSK’s first original bearing grease (NS7)

1980 – 1989

  • Introduction of HUB III

  • Enters the electronic power steering (EPS) market

1990 - 1999

  • Opening of the European Technology Centre (UK)
  • Development of high purity (EP) steel

  • Market introduction of half-toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT)

2010 – Today

  • Expansion of Technical Centre in Germany
  • Opening of Steering Test Centre in Germany
  • Further expansion of European production facilities
  • Development of
    • integrated column type - EPS System
    • ultra-long-life bearings for transmissions
    • friction optimised bearings for high-efficiency motors
    • hub unit bearings
    • low-friction ball screws for cooperative regenerative braking systems (electric & hybrid cars)
    • axle sensor bearings for rail vehicles
    • the world’s smallest (thinnest) roller thrust needle bearing for automotive automatic transmission planetary gear mechanism
    • the world’s lightest electric power steering system - EPS System
    • the world's most compact EPS (Toyota IQ)
    • the world's strongest EPS (Toyota Highlander)