NRB Bearings Forms Joint Venture with Unitec for Industrial CRBs

NRB Bearings Limited has entered into a joint venture with Italian industrial bearing manufacturer Unitec, part of the Mondial Group. The agreement aims to manufacture industrial cylindrical roller bearings (CRBs) and expand NRB’s presence in the industrial bearings market. The joint venture will be established in Uppal, Hyderabad, with a focus on leveraging Unitec’s engineering capabilities and NRB’s manufacturing expertise.

NRB Bearings will hold a majority stake of at least 75% in the joint venture, while Unitec will own up to 25%, subject to regulatory approvals. As part of the agreement, Unitec has committed to a buyback of 20% of the joint venture’s annual production, ensuring a steady offtake. The financial terms of the joint venture include Unitec acting as the exclusive selling agent in Italy, while NRB will serve as the exclusive selling agent in India for the joint venture’s products.

The joint venture will focus on manufacturing cylindrical roller bearings for the industrial segment, with potential applications in mobility sectors as mutually agreed. The facility in Hyderabad will be a LEED-certified plant, emphasizing sustainability in operations. Unitec will provide technical, operational, and engineering expertise to the joint venture, enhancing the production capabilities and technological depth of NRB Bearings.

Unitec, part of the Mondial Group, is recognized for its high-precision industrial bearings and has a strong presence in Europe. The company serves globally recognized OEMs such as Bonfiglioli, SAME, Leonardo, ITEMA, and MAINA. This collaboration with NRB Bearings is expected to strengthen Unitec’s market position and expand its reach in the Indian market.

The joint venture will initially have up to five directors, with three nominated by NRB and one by Unitec. Both companies have agreed not to compete in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of industrial CRBs in India. The collaboration is a strategic move to enhance NRB’s technological capabilities and expand its product offerings in the industrial bearings sector.

NRB Bearings Limited is a leading manufacturer of needle roller bearings and a pioneer in friction solutions for mobility applications. The company designs and supplies a wide range of precision-engineered bearings for automotive and industrial sectors. NRB is committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability, with a focus on expanding its presence in emerging platforms such as electric and hybrid vehicles.