Kinex Bearings, A.s.
Kinex Bearings, a.s. is a 120-year-old Slovak manufacturer of standard and special rolling bearings and engineering components, serving railway, automotive, textile, industrial, and aerospace customers globally through direct sales, regional offices in India and China, and a distributor network spanning 20+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1906
- HeadquartersBytca
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Kinex Bearings, A.s. does
Kinex Bearings, a.s. is a privately held Slovak bearing manufacturer (akciová spoločnosť) founded in 1906 and headquartered in Bytča, Slovakia, with a second production plant in Kysucké Nové Mesto. The company designs and manufactures standard and special rolling bearings and engineering components, organized around four primary segments — Railway, Automotive, Textile, and Industrial — and supplemented by a Machinery Division (custom equipment, tool production, and NADCAP AC7102-certified heat treatment services for aerospace) and a newer Engineering Technologies Division (precision components launched 2024).
The product portfolio includes axle box bearings and traction motor bearings for rail (3M+ axlebox bearings delivered in the last decade), high-speed rotor bearings for textile spinning applications (T100 at 105,000 RPM in production, VALASKA 115 at 115,000 RPM in development), integral shaft and double row ball bearings for automotive water pump applications (270M+ cumulative units since 1978), and housed units plus bearings for mining, metallurgy, cement, and electric motor applications. Technical differentiation rests on in-house R&D, a materials and testing laboratory, non-destructive quality control, and aerospace-grade certifications including NADCAP AC7102 (recently renewed for an exceptional 2-year period), AS9100D, and 11 global certifications.
The company monetizes through direct sales from its Slovak headquarters, a global distributor network covering 20+ countries across Europe and Asia, and dedicated regional offices in Jaipur, India and Shanghai, China. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Named strategic relationships include Deutsche Bahn, NBC Bearings (NEI Limited) for joint water-pump bearing production in India, and long-tenured distributors such as ZVL Italia (20-year partnership). Aerospace heat treatment and railway OEM supply represent higher-margin specialties, while the catalog range and aftermarket distribution provide volume breadth. The company serves both enterprise OEM accounts and mid-market distributors, with operational reach across Europe, South Asia, and East Asia.
Kinex Bearings, A.s. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kinex Bearings, A.s.
- Legal name
- KINEX BEARINGS, a.s.
- Website
- https://kinex.sk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1906
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Kinex Bearings, a.s. is a 120-year-old Slovak manufacturer of standard and special rolling bearings and engineering components, serving railway, automotive, textile, industrial, and aerospace customers globally through direct sales, regional offices in India and China, and a distributor network spanning 20+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kinex Bearings, A.s. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Rolling Bearings and Engineering Components
- NAICS
- Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing (332991), Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing (3365), Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (336330)
- SIC
- Ball & Roller Bearings (3562), Railroad Equipment (3743)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wheel Hubs, Bearings & Knuckles (Hubs/Bearings/Spindles/Knuckles) (IMACAIAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Bogie/Truck, Wheelset & Bearing Shop Services (Reprofiling, Overhaul) (TLAKAIAD)
Keywords
Where Kinex Bearings, A.s. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bytca
Offices4 records
Markets served
Kinex Bearings, A.s. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Rolling Bearings Sales: Primary revenue from manufacturing and selling standard and special rolling bearings to OEM customers and aftermarket distributors across railway, automotive, textile, and industrial sectors.
- Machinery Division: Production of equipment according to customer design specifications, including components for aerospace, machinery manufacturing, and tool production. Includes service and repair of machinery.
- Technical Services: Services including technical support, customer training, bearings reconditioning, and installation guidance provided to customers.
- Heat Treatment Services: NADCAP AC7102 certified heat treatment services for aerospace components and other precision parts, including sub-contract certification for Rolls-Royce and Safran Group.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Kinex Bearings, A.s. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KINEX BEARINGS manufactures standard and special rolling bearings and engineering components for industrial applications across railway, automotive, textile, and industrial sectors. The company operates two production plants in Slovakia and produces rolling bearings (including high-speed textile bearings up to 115,000 RPM), axle boxes, housed units, water pump bearings, and provides NADCAP AC7102 certified heat treatment services for aerospace components through its Machinery Division.
Product overview
KINEX BEARINGS offers a comprehensive portfolio of rolling bearings and mechanical engineering solutions. The core product portfolio includes standard and special rolling bearings organized into four main segments: Railway (axle boxes, traction motor bearings, with 3M+ axlebox bearings delivered in the last decade), Textile (high-speed bearings up to 115,000 RPM including the VALASKA 115 in development and T100 in production), Automotive (powertrain bearings including water pump bearings with 270M+ units since 1978), and Industrial (covering mining, metallurgy, cement, crushing, vibrating applications, and electric motors). Supporting divisions include Machinery (custom equipment manufacturing, tool production, heat treatment with aerospace certifications) and Engineering Technologies (precision components, tool repair). The company also offers housed units (UCPA type and variants) for quick installation. Product portfolio is supported by extensive catalogues, R&D capabilities, and services including technical support, training, and bearing reconditioning.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- 3,000,000+ axlebox bearings manufactured in the last decade
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Kinex Bearings, A.s.
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Kinex Bearings, A.s. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Kinex Bearings, A.s. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, flagship and minor.
- ZVL ItaliacoreLong-standing partnership spanning 20 years with ZVL Italia, a distributor in Italy covering aerospace, precision industry, and catalog range segments. Meeting held June 25, 2026 in Milan to reflect on partnership and explore future opportunities. Key contacts: Luigi Valagussa (Chairman), Maurizio Cucchi (Sales Manager) from ZVL Italia.
- PTDM 55 Trading & Import-ExportmajorLocal partner in Vietnam for textile industry bearings. PTDM 55 supported KINEX presence at SaigonTex 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, helping present bearing innovations to the Vietnamese textile market.
- Rotation World LimitedmajorChannel partner supporting KINEX at DTG 2025 exhibition in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Enabled engagement with textile customers including Square Group, Jamuna Group, NZ Group, and Noman Group.
- NBC Bearings (NEI Limited)coreJoint venture in India for water pump bearings production. NBC Bearings showcased KINEX water pump bearings at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, generating strong interest from Indian automotive customers.
- NEI Limited (NBC Bearings)coreJoint cooperation partner producing Integral Shaft Bearings and Double Row Ball Bearings for water pump applications in IC engines. NBC Bearings manufactures at their facility in Jaipur, India. Products showcased at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi with great response from the Indian automotive industry.
- Deutsche BahnflagshipMeeting at InnoTrans 2024 to explore future collaborations and innovative solutions to enhance railway performance, reliability, and sustainability. Both teams committed to pushing boundaries of rail technology and strengthening partnerships in European rail industry.
- NBC (National Bearings Company)flagshipMeeting at InnoTrans 2024 between KINEX CEO and NBC CEO to discuss future of rail transport. Both companies share vision for driving innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement in the railway sector, marking beginning of exciting collaboration possibilities.
- TD IRBIS / UKRZAHIDPOSTACHmajorUkrainian distributors: TD IRBIS LTD in Kharkiv and UKRZAHIDPOSTACH in Lviv. KINEX Bearings welcomed IRBIS to their facility in Bytča to reinforce partnership and align on future strategies.
- Global Aerospace CompaniescoreLong-time supplier of precision parts for global aerospace companies through the Machinery Division, built on quality, reliability, and engineering excellence. Collaboration includes NADCAP AC7102 certified heat treatment services for aerospace components.
- UKRZAHIDPOSTACHmajorUkrainian distributor meeting held in Bytča to reinforce partnership and align on future strategies for the Ukrainian market.
- Toneli, d.o.o.minorSlovenia distributor - Sp. Hotič 51, 1270 Litija, managed by Gorazd Pavliha, Director
- ABHISHEK TRADING COMPANYminorNorth India textile bearings distributor - No. 7, Amba Complex, Tau Devi Lal Market, Panipat, Haryana, managed by Jasram Singh
- EARNEST (I) TRADING COMPANYminorSouth India textile bearings distributor - 569, Dr. Radhakrishna Road, 6-Corner, Tatabad, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, managed by Earnest Chellaraj
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kinex Bearings, A.s. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ZVL Slovakia: Slovak bearing manufacturer with similar heritage, producing tapered roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, and special bearings for industrial and railway markets. Closest geographic and product-line peer to KINEX Bearings in Central Europe.
- Schaeffler Group: German bearing manufacturer operating the INA and FAG brands, producing rolling bearings, plain bearings, and linear guidance for automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications. Direct competitor across KINEX's railway, automotive powertrain, and industrial divisions.
- JTEKT Corporation: Japanese manufacturer of bearings (Koyo brand) and automotive components, with European operations serving automotive, railway, and industrial markets. Competes with KINEX in powertrain bearings and industrial applications.
- NTN Corporation: Japanese bearing manufacturer with strong European operations through NTN-SNR, producing rolling bearings for automotive, railway, and industrial markets. Direct overlap with KINEX in railway axlebox bearings and industrial applications.
- SKF: World's largest rolling bearing manufacturer, producing ball and roller bearings across railway, automotive, industrial, and aerospace segments. Direct competitor in nearly all of KINEX's product lines including railway axleboxes, water pump bearings, and industrial bearings.
- NSK Ltd: Japanese global manufacturer of ball and roller bearings serving automotive, industrial, and railway markets with strong European presence. Competes with KINEX in railway bearings, automotive powertrain applications, and industrial segments.
- RBC Bearings: US manufacturer of engineered precision bearings for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets with strong specialty bearing portfolio. Comparable to KINEX's high-spec industrial and aerospace-certified bearing offerings.
- The Timken Company: US-based manufacturer of engineered bearings, including tapered roller bearings and spherical roller bearings, with strong industrial and railway exposure. Comparable to KINEX in industrial division offerings including mining and heavy-duty applications.
- NBC Bearings (NEI Limited): Indian bearing manufacturer producing rolling bearings for automotive and industrial applications. Direct comparable in size and scope, and an existing strategic partner of KINEX in India for water pump bearings production.
Broad incumbents
- Minebea Mitsumi: Japanese manufacturer of miniature and small bearings, with broader portfolio spanning motors, electronic devices, and automotive components. Adjacent competitor in precision bearings and an established global supplier at larger scale than KINEX.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kinex Bearings, A.s. social profiles
Digital presenceKinex Bearings, A.s. compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Kinex Bearings, A.s. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kinex Bearings, A.s. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Kinex Bearings, A.s. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kinex Bearings, A.s. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kinex Bearings, A.s.
What does Kinex Bearings, A.s. do?
KINEX BEARINGS manufactures standard and special rolling bearings and engineering components for industrial applications across railway, automotive, textile, and industrial sectors. The company operates two production plants in Slovakia and produces rolling bearings (including high-speed textile bearings up to 115,000 RPM), axle boxes, housed units, water pump bearings, and provides NADCAP AC7102 certified heat treatment services for aerospace components through its Machinery Division.
Is Kinex Bearings, A.s. a public or private company?
Kinex Bearings, A.s. is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Kinex Bearings, A.s. founded?
Kinex Bearings, A.s. was founded in 1906. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Kinex Bearings, A.s. based?
Kinex Bearings, A.s. is headquartered in Bytca.
How does Kinex Bearings, A.s. make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Rolling Bearings Sales are the primary driver. The others are machinery Division, technical Services and heat Treatment Services.
Who are Kinex Bearings, A.s.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ZVL Slovakia, Schaeffler Group, JTEKT Corporation, NTN Corporation, SKF, NSK Ltd, RBC Bearings, The Timken Company and NBC Bearings (NEI Limited). Minebea Mitsumi is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Kinex Bearings, A.s. have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kinex Bearings, A.s..
What industry is Kinex Bearings, A.s. in?
Kinex Bearings, A.s.'s product category is Rolling Bearings and Engineering Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAIAI, Wheel Hubs, Bearings & Knuckles (Hubs/Bearings/Spindles/Knuckles), with a secondary code of TLAKAIAD, Bogie/Truck, Wheelset & Bearing Shop Services (Reprofiling, Overhaul). Its NAICS code is 332991 and its SIC code is 3562.