European Bearing Corporation And Uralvagonzavod Will Cooperate

EPK Expands Bearing Deliveries to UVZ

In 2008, European Bearing Corporation (EPK) announced plans to increase bearing deliveries to Federal State Unitary Enterprise Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) by more than one-third.

This expansion is part of a long-term strategic cooperation aimed at supporting the development and manufacturing of rail carriages with increased axial loads.

The Long-Term Cooperation Agreement, signed at the Magistral-2007 exhibition, will remain in effect until 2015. Under this agreement, EPK is expected to meet nearly 100% of UVZ’s demand for carriage bearings in the near future.

Focus on Carriage Engineering for Russian Railways

The partnership centers on carriage engineering solutions that align with the requirements of Russian Railways JSC, the key regulator of the domestic railway market.

As part of the deal, EPK and UVZ agreed to:

• Supply serial journal bearings of higher fidelity class.

• Provide cassette-type tapered roller bearings for axle equipment in UVZ’s new low-sided cars.

• Collaborate on next-generation railway bearings capable of handling axial loads of up to 30 tons.

These bearings will play a crucial role in Russian Railways’ long-term development program, which aims to increase the carrying capacity of rail vehicles.

Collaboration on Innovation and Quality Improvement

A central component of the agreement is the creation of a joint work group to develop proposals for improving the technical control system of railway transport. This initiative is designed to advance the production of next-generation trucks and axle equipment, making Russian carriage engineering more attractive to both domestic and international investors.

In addition, EPK and UVZ will:

• Exchange information on innovation projects and designs.

• Address operational challenges through joint specialist teams.

• Establish an associated Science and Strategy Board to strengthen cooperation and accelerate research.

Leadership Perspectives on the Agreement

According to Nikolay Malykh, Director General of Uralvagonzavod:

“We have the objective to increase the overhaul life of our carriages to one million kilometers. To achieve this, we need high-quality bearings, which makes this cooperation essential.”

Andrey Tatanov, President of EPK, added:

“For EPK, it is important to cooperate with such a large and respected company as Uralvagonzavod. This partnership stimulates a new phase of our corporation’s development and improves the overall performance of Russian Railways.”

Uralvagonzavod: A Key Player in Russian Industry

Uralvagonzavod is one of Russia’s leading industrial enterprises, known as the primary manufacturer of tanks for the armed forces. The company also produces a wide range of products, including:

• Military hardware

• Road-building machinery

• All-metal low-sided cars

• Special-purpose carriages

• Tank cars

UVZ currently controls 35% of Russian cistern production and over 57% of low-sided car production, making it the leading supplier of low-sided cars for Russian Railways until at least 2010.

European Bearing Corporation: Market Leader in Bearings

Founded in 2001, European Bearing Corporation consolidates several key facilities, including:

• Moscow Bearing JSC

• Moscow Aviation Bearings Plant JSC

• Stepnogorsk Bearing Plant JSC (Kazakhstan)

• Volzhsky Bearing Plant JSC (Volgograd Region)

• Aviation Bearings Plant JSC (Samara)

• Saratov Bearing Plant JSC

• EPK Research Center LLC

• EPK Trade House LLC (sales division)

• EPK Holding Company JSC

Together, EPK controls 42% of Russia’s bearing production market. In 2005, EPK signed a five-year agreement with Russian Railways JSC, covering nearly 80% of its bearing supply needs.