SKF has expanded its bearings business with the acquisition of S2M, a major European manufacturer of specialised magnetic bearings and motors for use in a wide range of demanding applications. SKF has purchased the S2M business from UK based Edwards, by increasing its existing shareholding of 12 percent in S2M to 100 percent with an investment of approximately Euro 55 million.
Founded in 1976 and now with an annual turnover of around GBP 27 million, S2M has its headquarters and manufacturing centre in France, where the company employs around 200 people in the design, development and production of highly specialised magnetic bearings and high speed motors. These are based on a combination of proven electromagnetic principles and precise sensor and servo-control technologies, creating products that are extremely energy efficient, reliable and capable of offering an extremely long operating life even under arduous conditions.
In particular, the company's latest contact-free magnetic bearings are used in a variety of technically and environmentally challenging applications that include vacuum pumps, small air and gas compressors, turbo expanders and compressors for the oil and gas, semiconductor and aerospace industries.
S2M will become part of SKF's Industrial Division. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
