American Roller Bearing sold to The Timken Company

Employing 190 workers in Burke and Alexander counties, American Roller Bearing (AMB) was recently sold to Ohio-based The Timken Company, a global enterprise specializing in engineered bearings and industrial motion products.

Founded in 1911 by C.F. Succop in Ohio, American Roller Bearing is a leading manufacturer of quality Anti-Friction Bearings in the industrial markets.

In 1980, ARB purchased property in central Morganton to build a manufacturing facility. Two years later, with a boom in the oil field business, a significant sector in AMB’s customer portfolio, the privately-held firm expanded the Morganton plant by 50%. 

ARB employs approximately 190 people and operates manufacturing facilities in Hiddenite and Morganton. Prior to this transaction, three generations of the Succop family owned and operated ARB since its founding.

The Succop family retained 100% ownership until Timken’s purchase.

 ARB's products join Timken's industry-leading portfolio of engineered bearing solutions, the company reported in sale announcements. ARB, which boasts a large U.S. installed base and strong aftermarket business, generated sales of more than $30 million in 2022, Timken said.

A sale price was not disclosed, though Timken stated it funded the transaction with cash on hand.

"ARB's end-market mix, customer base and aftermarket position fit our Timken business model extremely well," said Richard G. Kyle, Timken president and chief executive officer. "We're proud to welcome ARB and its employees into The Timken Company.”

 For 2022, Tinken’s sales were $4.5 billion, up 8.8 percent compared with 2021, according to company filings with SEC. Timken employs more than 18,000 people globally, operating from 43 countries.

 Timken has been recognized among America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, the World's Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere, and America's Best Employers, Best Employers for New Graduates and Best Employers for Women by Forbes.

 Allen VanNoppen is publisher of The Paper. He may be reached at 838-445-8595, ext. 2008, or at allen@thepaper.media.