SKF Group, Swedish giant in bearing technologies and lubrication systems, opened its Asia-Pacific headquarters and R&D center on Feb 4 in Anting town, Jiading district, Shanghai.

"This project is crucial to unlocking SKF's automotive business potential and planning for the future," said Miao Xiaopeng, legal director at SKF China.

With an investment of over 200 million yuan ($14.48 million), the facility integrates regional headquarters, sales, and R&D functions, creating a complete value chain. It serves customers across 20 countries and regions, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

"We expect more innovative, locally customized products to emerge from here," said SKF Asia-Pacific CFO Wang Ke.

The R&D center will concentrate on four areas: boosting local and global collaboration, pioneering innovations in new energy vehicles and smart chassis, merging technology with digitalization, and developing an industrial ecosystem to attract partners and foster innovation.

As Jiading is striving to become a world-class automotive hub, SKF is driving regional automotive industry growth with its innovative technology and open approach. This new development demonstrates its long-term commitment to the Chinese market and its response to the sector's transformation.

The project contract was signed in April 2025, and Miao praised the "Jiading speed" and "Anting service" as evidence of the local government's support. The business registration process, which usually takes two weeks, was completed in just three days, ensuring the R&D center's timely inauguration.

Yuan Ya, director of Anting's economic development office, highlighted that SKF's presence strengthens and extends the town's automotive supply chain. "SKF brings high-level expertise, top talent, and quality output, boosting our competitiveness in automotive components," Yuan said, emphasizing that Anting will fully support the company's growth in the region.

Source: Jiading district government