Sweden. SKF AB

The 8-year-maturity loan totalling EUR 80 million has been provided for financing the company’s investments in research and development, including the development of new products and increasing the efficiency of production processes. Product R&D focuses on the reduction of friction and wear, the selection of materials, calculation models as well as the integration of mechanical engineering with electronics and intelligent computer control. Process-manufacturing R&D develops advanced manufacturing processes, the simulation of new manufacturing processes and the reduction of variations and waste in manufacturing. Founded in 1907, Aktiebolaget SKF is a global supplier of products, solutions, and services focusing on friction and motion management, including bearings, seals, mechatronics and lubricants.

SKF’s investments in R&D activities are expected to have positive, mainly indirect, environmental impacts in terms of increased energy efficiency and reduced energy losses. These impacts are expected to occur after new production processes have been installed and the company’s new, more environmentally friendly products have been introduced to the market. A 50% share of the project qualifies as an environmental investment.