SKF awarded major contract with Goldwind

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SKF has been awarded a contract worth around SEK 500 million with Goldwind, one of the leading turbine manufacturers in China. This is one of the biggest orders ever for SKF in the wind energy industry. Goldwind has selected the SKF Nautilus bearing as the main shaft arrangement for their new 2.5 MW direct drive turbine. The SKF Nautilus bearings will be delivered during 2011 and first quarter of 2012.

The SKF Nautilus bearing, launched in 2005 has been very well received by the market, and growing demand has led to new investments in the factories in Schweinfurt and Dalian.

- We are very pleased to sign this contract with Goldwind since the company is a very valuable partner to SKF and also because the wind industry is an important market for us and a growing segment in China. This is a recognition of the technologies and services that we offer to the market. It also shows SKF's long-term commitment to supporting our customers by providing high-quality products and solutions, as well as contributing to a sustainable community, says Henrik Lange, President SKF Industrial Division.

- During the past years we have had an excellent relationship with SKF that has provided us with world-class products and technical support. Added to this, SKF has also offered integrated R&D solutions that have proven further value for our wind turbines, says Mr Wu Gang, Chairman of the Board, Goldwind.

Goldwind and SKF have worked closely together for many years and signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2006 with the ambition to strengthen the cooperation even further. During the last couple of years, this has resulted in advanced technology being developed at the same time as the demand for energy provided by wind turbines rapidly has increased in China.

In 2010 SKF received the award from Goldwind as best overall supplier.
Gothenburg, 28 February 2011

Aktiebolaget SKF(publ)