Timken Acquires QM Bearings to Expand High-Performance Power Transmission Portfolio

On July 19, The Timken Company announced it has agreed to acquire QM Bearings and Power Transmission Inc., a Ferndale, Washington‑based manufacturer of spherical roller bearing steel‑housed units and elastomeric and steel couplings for demanding processes such as sawmill and logging operations.

The acquisition aligns with Timken’s strategy to deepen its footprint in high‑performance applications and broaden its power‑transmission capabilities beyond its core bearing business. It is part of the company’s ongoing effort to deliver customers a wider range of friction‑management and power‑transmission solutions that support their machinery throughout its life cycle.

QM’s product portfolio will complement Timken’s recently launched Type E line, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the roller‑housed‑unit segment and providing a robust offering for markets such as forestry that demand durable, high‑performance components.

"QM is a great addition for Timken, with a solid, value‑added product line that extends our portfolio to offer a wider selection of high‑performance products for our customers in the process industries," said Chris Coughlin, president of Timken’s Process Industries segment. "These units are an excellent fit with our existing line, and Timken’s focus on distribution will create greater opportunities as we expand them further into the global aftermarket channel."

The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in its first full year and is subject to government and regulatory approvals. Timken anticipates closing the deal by the fourth quarter of 2010, though terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1951, QM Bearings and Power Transmission originally served area sawmill and logging customers and has since engineered bearings capable of withstanding the harsh operating conditions common to logging equipment. In the past 12 months, QM reported sales of more than $14 million.

About The Timken Company
The Timken Company is a manufacturer and supplier of innovative friction‑management and power‑transmission products and services. The company generated $3.1 billion in sales in 2009, operates in 26 countries/territories, and employs approximately 17,000 people.