Reducing Costs in the Paper Industry with NSK Global Paper Company Saves with NSK's Asset Improvement Program

Ann Arbor, MI, February 27, 2009 --(PR.com)-- NSK Corporation (NSK) continues to assist customers in cost reduction activities in a sluggish manufacturing environment. By complementing world-class motion and control products with unparalleled industry expertise and a comprehensive Asset Improvement Program (AIP), NSK offers customers access to the tools they need to cut costs without sacrificing quality and efficiency.

Working with a global paper company at its Michigan mill, NSK provided technical support and implemented improved tracking and reporting capabilities that led to the realization of cost savings of more than U.S. $75,000.

Although the mill already had a full maintenance program in place, the repair and refurbishment of large bore spherical bearings was an area in which the company was investigating potential cost-savings opportunities. NSK inspected bearings currently in use, and associated machinery and processes, and recommended a highly visible and efficient monitoring process that led directly to increased uptime and mill efficiency.

As the manufacturing sector struggles to maintain profits and output during the current financial climate, cost-cutting measures are being sought to offset declines in sales and increases in the cost of materials. NSK's AIP program provides valuable insight into the correct motion and control products for customers' applications in addition to optimum installation and maintenance procedures. NSK's technical staff also engages in application analysis to ensure that a customer's machinery is working at peak levels.

"By taking advantage of NSK’s expertise in the pulp and paper industry, our clients gain access to vital cost-savings tools and services. Our knowledge and experience enhance existing maintenance programs or allow us to implement new systems to ensure the highest level of productivity possible,” says Donald Robertson, NSK Segment Manager.

Allowing maintenance staff access to more engineering and technical support, faster and more accurate maintenance decisions can be made. Enhanced tracking of each bearing throughout the mill has led directly to cost savings as the company more efficiently maintains and replaces in-use components.

NSK has engaged in technological challenges for many years, working with customers in the pulp and paper industry around the world to develop effective solutions. Significant investment in R&D has led to NSK's continued development of industry-specific high performance products and value-added, cost-effective solutions to problems facing the industry as a whole.

NSK continues to create exceptional products and analytical techniques to respond to field requirements of the pulp and paper industry. NSK aims to provide a valuable resource in an economic climate that demands the highest efficiency and the lowest costs to keep manufacturers profitable.

About NSK Corporation
NSK Corporation is a member of the NSK Ltd. Group of companies headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. As one of the world's leading bearing manufacturers, it produces and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products.

In the United States, NSK operates with strategically located distribution centers that supply both the original equipment and industrial distribution market. Its network of authorized distributors have the expertise, inventory and delivery systems to meet industry needs- working in partnership with NSK sales and engineering teams to ensure that industry's needs are met with precision and speed. For more information, visit www.thinknsk.com.

About NSK Limited
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, NSK Limited is a world-class producer and innovator of motion and control products. Established in 1916, NSK became a world leader in the industry because of an intense commitment to engineering research, modern manufacturing processes and superior quality.

Today, the company is one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturers, employs over 23,000 people worldwide, has 57 global manufacturing facilities and over 125 sales offices, operates 13 technology centers and produces and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products. For more information, visit www.nsk.com.

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Eldred
5th Business
5100 Orbitor Drive, Suite 100
Mississauga, ON L4W 4Z4
T: 905 275 2220 x353
F: 905 275 2245

Source: http://www.pr.com/