SKF secures Algerian steelmaker tender Following a rigorous and competitive evaluation process, SKF has been awarded a large-scale tender by a prominent Algerian steelmaker to supply 670 four row cylindrical roller bearings (4rCRBs) and thrust bearings for critical rolling applications.
M aher Khouaja, SKF manager for industrial sales in North Africa and the industry leader for Metals and Pulp & Paper in Africa, attributes this success to several defin - ing strengths: “SKF’s customer first mindset, perseverance, and value driven approach were key drivers in securing this strategic tender. By harnessing the full strength of our Full Value Chain (FVC), combining ap- plication engineering, product innovation, technical support and lifecycle expertise, we demonstrated the depth of capability that sets SKF apart, positioning the company as a true performance partner rather than merely a supplier. Coupled with this, our longstanding customer’s prior exposure to SKF’s proven quality and reliability also played a pivotal role in building trust and reinforcing the decision of this established strategic partner in Algeria.” The tender focused on critical rolling mill applications, particularly long product hot rolling operations, requiring four row cylin- drical roller bearings (4rCRBs) and thrust bearings engineered to perform under severe operating conditions of extreme loads, elevat- ed temperatures and heavy contamination. The SKF team engaged closely with the steelmaker through site visits and technical discussions to fully capture operating con- straints. “This proximity fostered a thorough discussions to fully capture operating con
understanding of the steelmaker’s process challenges, which, paired with our extensive expertise in metals and rolling mill applica- tions, enabled us to tailor a solution precisely aligned with real production conditions,” observes Khouaja. SKF 4rCRBs and thrust bearings are designed to deliver optimal load carrying capacity, dimensional stability and reliability in the demanding and stringent conditions of rolling mill environments. The capabilities of these bearings are defined by exceptional robustness and durability in extreme operat- ing conditions, an optimised internal design that ensures balanced load distribution, and extended service life. Moreover, precision manufacturing guar- antees consistent quality while reducing the risk of premature failures. Together, these attributes enable customers to move con- fidently from reactive maintenance toward proactive reliability, safeguarding uptime and strengthening long term performance. Khouaja further emphasises that this bearing selection was driven by SKF’s ability to unite deep application knowledge with advanced bearing design, ensuring solutions precisely matched to the steelmaker’s oper- ating demands. “The bearings’ strengths are rooted in SKF’s proven ability to minimise unplanned downtime and a strong focus on lifecycle performance rather than initial cost alone. By delivering total value beyond the bearing itself, SKF aligns seamlessly with the customer’s objective of maximising productivity and securing long term process stability.”
the close of Q2 2026. Khouaja affirms that execution is progressing smoothly under strong engagement from both teams. “We are expecting positive feedback from the customer, and although the bearings have only just been supplied, the customer has expressed firm confidence in the expected outcomes, drawing on prior positive experi- ence with SKF bearings in similar applications. “This proven track record of quality and reliability was instrumental in building trust and reinforcing the decision to select SKF for this project.” Installation and maintenance fall to the customer’s technical teams, with SKF provid- ing guidance and recommendations to SKF has been awarded a tender from an Algerian steelmaker for 670 four-row cylindrical roller bearings (4rCRBs).
Following the successful ten- der, SKF commenced supply at Following the successful ten
ensure best practices are consistently applied. This collaboration is rein- forced through ongoing knowledge sharing, covering critical aspects such as bearing handling, mounting and maintenance. In doing so, SKF demonstrates its commitment to enabling customers to fully lever- age the value of its solutions, ensur- ing reliability and performance are sustained throughout the lifecycle. Reflecting on the success of this project, Khouaja notes a few key takeaways: “Persistence pays off, as consistent engagement and disciplined relationship building enabled us to
Left: Optimised internal design of SKF 4rCRBs ensures balanced load distribution and extended service life in critical applications such as hot rolling mills. Right: SKF’s 4rCRBs are equipped with machined brass cages and are premium-engineered for the demanding, heavy-duty environments of long product rolling mills Optimised internal design of SKF 4rCRBs ensures balanced load distribution and extended service life in
14 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2026
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