SKF Bearings South Africa (Gauteng, a subsidiary of SKF AB, Sweden) has appointed Bearings International Namibia as its exclusive distributor for bearings and components in that country.

Founded in Namibia in 1973 as Bearing Supplies and well known under that name, the company was acquired by Bearings International in 1977. The name change to Bearings International Namibia happened in early October 2002.

Butch Schenk, BI Namibia's senior manager, said, "Having the sole rights to distribute the entire range of SKF products to Namibia will have a significant impact on our bottom line. SKF is very well known here and many customers want no other brand."

Bearings International (South Africa, a division of Hudaco) is a leading distributor of bearings, belts, chains and seals to the mining, agricultural, manufacturing and automotive markets. The company currently operates 36 locations throughout southern Africa.

BI primarily carries premium brands; its other bearing lines are INA, Rex, Link-Belt, Koyo, Cooper, Timken and Nachi.