NSK aim to add value with AIP

TAKING their place on stand P45, specialist bearing manufacturers NSK say they will be going a step beyond innovative bearing products at Hillhead 2007 with their new Asset Improvement Programme (AIP) – a range of value-added services that can help end-user bearing customers in quarrying to reduce their operating costs and improve efficiency and profitability. These benefits are achieved by delivering tangible savings to assets, such as equipment and machinery, and also by improving the working knowledge of maintenance and engineering personnel.

AIP is simple to implement and the process is broken down into key stages, making it easy for customers to follow. The process incorporates NSK’s engineering expertise and experience of the aggregate industry alongside a wide range of supporting services, including detailed site surveys to identify critical processes and problem areas, failure-mode analysis and a technical support and consultancy offering.

As part of the AIP programme, all aspects of a quarry’s operations, including systems, stock, specific problem applications, lubrication, and training issues, are analysed, leading to recommendations for improvements.

These recommendations could relate to training: how to examine or look after bearings; how to spot failure modes; and how to handle bearings correctly. In addition, NSK may look at lubrication or bespoke design options for a bearing that would perform more effectively.

The overall aim is to deliver real benefits to the customer and to reach a stage where NSK can demonstrate and document the value that they have delivered as a result of adopting the AIP program. This will provide quarry management with firm figures to give them reassurance that they have saved money and improved their profitability.

NSK UK Ltd, Northern Road, Newark, Notts NG24 2JF; tel: (01636) 605123; email: info-uk@nsk.com; website: www.eu.nsk.com