By Lily Bearings
©2004-2008
Barden Corporation (UK; a wholly-owned subsidiary of Schaeffler Group, Germany; parent of INA/FAG Bearings) is cutting approximately 10% of its workforce in Estover, Plymouth, Devon.
In Plymouth, Barden manufactures super-precision ball and cylindrical roller bearings for the aircraft, aerospace, high-performance automotive, medical and dental, food processing, turbomolecular pump, and machine tool markets. A large portion of Barden's production is dedicated to manufacturing bearings for specific applications, and which incorporate multiple components.
Barden has two other locations, both in the U.S. -- Barden USA in Danbury, Connecticut; and Winsted Precision Ball in Winsted, Connecticut.
Approximately 45 of the company's 430 skilled workers will be laid off. The company gave no indication if the layoffs were temporary or permanent.