SKF South Africa has secured a three-year tender with a South African steel manufacturer. The agreement came into effect in July 2026 and runs until 2028.
The agreement covers SKF tapered roller bearings and bearings for metals-processing applications. SKF will supply New Generation E9 BT4 four-row tapered roller bearings and VA9B1 metals-specific bearings for caster and reduction mill applications.
According to SKF, the New Generation E9 BT4 tapered roller bearings have dynamic load ratings up to 23% higher than the previous design. The bearings are intended for applications involving high loads and operating speeds. Design features include reduced friction torque, noise and vibration, as well as improved running accuracy.
The bearings use specific materials and heat-treatment processes intended to increase fatigue life, contamination resistance and dimensional stability. They can also be configured for applications involving high speeds, heavy loads, contamination, elevated temperatures and vibration.
“They can also be customised to meet specific requirements such as high speeds, heavy loads, contaminated environments, elevated temperatures or vibratory conditions,” says Shailin Govender, SKF Key Account Manager: Heavy Industries.
SKF’s spherical roller bearings for continuous casters are designed for the operating conditions found in steel casting applications. The bearings use high-grade steel and a cage design intended for low-speed rotation.
The tender also includes arrangements for local stockholding. Predetermined quantities will be held locally and reviewed annually. The supply arrangement includes distributor support, 24/7 support and SKF supply through onsite vendor-managed inventory (VMI).
According to SKF, the arrangement is intended to address procurement and supply issues, including delivery reliability and duplication of inventory.
The agreement follows a relationship with the customer that began nearly four decades ago under Andre Weyers, a former SKF metals key account manager. Continued support is being provided by Mohcine Rakhami, Customer Experience Manager – Southern Africa; Maher Khouaja, Industry Leader – Metals; and Marjan Trstenjak, GKAM Primetals, Senior Industry and Application Engineer – Metals.
SKF will also provide product and technical training on an ad hoc basis.
“Our ability to balance local competitiveness with global product excellence was a decisive factor in winning this contract,” says Govender.
The supply agreement covers bearings used in caster and reduction mill applications, supported by local inventory and technical support arrangements.
