Sven Wingquist – A Swedish Genius
It is fair to say that above everything else, SKF founder and visionary Sven Wingquist was a problem solver. A pragmatic man at heart, he saw possibilities where others saw problems – turning daily challenges into creative solutions. The eldest
It is fair to say that above everything else, SKF founder and visionary Sven Wingquist was a problem solver. A pragmatic man at heart, he saw possibilities where others saw problems – turning daily challenges into creative solutions.
The eldest of four siblings, Sven Wingquist was born in the small town of Hallsberg, Sweden, on December 10th 1876. He grew up under humble circumstances but got the opportunity to study at Örebro Technical Elementary School, graduating in 1894. At the age of 18 he attended John Lenning Textile School in Norrköping, before travelling to the United States in 1896 to learn more about the textile industry.
A couple of years later he began working at textile company Gamlestadens Fabriker, where Wingquist got the chance to really prove his worth. Built on blue clay, the factory had begun to subside, causing problems in production. Wingquist took on the challenge of solving the problem with burning enthusiasm and determination. It didn’t take long before he discovered a solution: the self-aligning ball bearing. This ingenious innovation became the foundation for SKF, making Sven Wingquist the director of an expanding international company at the age of 31.
But Sven Wingquist wasn’t just a multi-talented engineer; he was also a humanitarian deeply involved in the welfare of SKF’s employees. Amongst other things he established a 54-hour work week, instead of the usual 60-hour week; increased wages, and was among the first to introduce vacation in 1913.
Acting as the managing director of SKF until 1919, Wingquist continued working for SKF as a consulting engineer. In 1938 he became chairman of the board. Wingquist kept SKF close to his heart and by the time of his death in 1953 he had developed and taken out patents on an astounding number of innovations, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.
BOX
The self-aligning ball bearing was the initial bearings discovered by Sven Wingquist.
Rangababu Ch, Segment Leader Heavy Industry, SKF
SKF’s oldest or initial Bearings
The self-aligning ball bearing was the oldest & initial bearings discovered by Sven Wingquist.
It’s initial usage (where was the First Bearings used):
Textile company GamlestadensFabriker, where Wingquist got the chance to really prove his worth. Built on blue clay, the factory had begun to subside, causing problems in production. Wingquist took on the challenge of solving the problem with burning enthusiasm and determination. It didn’t take long before he discovered a solution: the self-aligning ball bearing. This ingenious innovation became the foundation for SKF, making Sven Wingquist the director of an expanding international company at the age of 31.
Latest Bearings for construction segment
We have developed drum bearing for compactors (CRB’s) in our domestic factories, we are also working on plain spherical bearings for articulation joints for compactors/ Hydraulic cylinders. Apart from this, we have hydraulic seals, chains for construction equipment’s as a product range.
SKF is a big player in the Lubrication systems area for mobile & earth-moving machinery to lubricate Chassis Parts, Pins, Bushes, Steering arms, Brake cams, Slewing Ring, Bucket & Boom parts. We are also working on intelligent, need-based lubrication systems to reduce the overall lubricant consumption and its associated costs.
Hits: 45
