BEARING DOWN (OR UP)

Ball, roller and plain bearing demand in the United States is forecast to rise 3.1 percent per year through 2011 to $10.4 billion.

A new study from Cleveland- based research firm The Freedonia Group Inc., predicts suppliers will benefit from largely favorable economic conditions, with an acceleration in aerospace equipment output growth and an upturn in motor vehicle production driving demand.

A pickup in investment will help boost demand for bearings used in both OEM and maintenance/repair/operations (MRO) applications. Market gains will be constrained by a deceleration in overall durable goods output as U.S. companies continue to move manufacturing operations to offshore areas. Significant increases in average bearing life, attributable to the use of improved product designs, better-quality materials and better lubricants, will also dampen growth in aftermarket sales.

The strongest market gains through 2011 will be posted by un-mounted plain bearings, benefiting from renewed strength in North American production of aerospace equipment and motor vehicles, the study predicts.