NRB Bearings Limited, one of India’s most established manufacturers of cylindrical and needle roller bearings, has announced a strategic joint venture with Italy-based Unitec, part of the Mondial Group. The partnership positions NRB for stronger leadership in the industrial cylindrical roller bearings (CRB) market.
While NRB is already a major supplier to automotive OEMs in India and abroad, the company has been steadily expanding into industrial applications such as off-highway equipment, construction machinery, gearboxes, agriculture, and general machinery. It is also planning to build a presence in aerospace, defence, and robotics. The Unitec collaboration marks a significant milestone in this expansion, giving NRB access to deeper technological capabilities and accelerating its push into high-precision industrial CRBs.
Unitec, known for its engineering expertise and advanced customization for demanding industrial applications, is regarded as one of Italy’s respected independent manufacturers in this space. The parent Mondial Group has been in operation for over six decades and generates annual revenues exceeding €60 million. Unitec’s customers include notable OEMs such as Bonfiglioli in industrial gearboxes, SAME in agricultural machinery, Leonardo in aerospace and defence, ITEMA in textile machinery, MAINA in steel manufacturing, and a wide base of automation and robotics clients around the world.
NRB and Unitec will jointly set up the new venture in Uppal, Hyderabad, where a modern, LEED-certified facility will produce industrial CRBs with the option to supply specialized mobility applications as agreed by both companies. Unitec will contribute technical know-how, operational guidance, and engineering support. As part of the joint venture arrangement, Unitec has also agreed to purchase 20% of the annual production, securing consistent offtake and stable capacity utilization for the new plant.
The JV will have up to five directors, with NRB initially nominating three and Unitec nominating one. Both partners have agreed not to compete in the industrial CRB space within India. Unitec will represent the JV’s products in Italy and manage its existing customer relationships, while NRB will act as the exclusive selling partner for both the JV and Unitec’s offerings within India. NRB will retain at least a 75% stake in the new company, with Unitec owning up to 25%, dependent on regulatory approvals.
Managing Director Harshbeena Zaveri said the joint venture is a pivotal step in strengthening NRB’s industrial bearings portfolio domestically and internationally. She highlighted that Unitec’s strong engineering talent, customization strengths, and established OEM relationships are an ideal complement to NRB’s manufacturing scale and operational capabilities.
Together, the two companies will be equipped to meet a broader range of industrial requirements, deliver advanced CRB solutions to demanding OEMs in India, and build a differentiated product pipeline for global markets. She added that NRB remains disciplined on costs, working capital, and cash management, and continues to prioritize profitability while investing in high-margin segments and technology-focused areas that enable long-term, sustainable growth.
Ms Zaveri emphasized that as NRB enters a new phase of expansion, the focus will remain on engineering leadership, capacity growth, operational precision, and long-term value creation for stakeholders. She described the Unitec partnership as a major milestone that reinforces NRB’s position as a reliable global supplier of high-performance bearing solutions.
Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Mumbai, NRB Bearings Limited is India’s leading manufacturer of needle roller bearings and a pioneer in friction solutions for mobility applications. The company produces a comprehensive range of precision bearings—including needle roller, cylindrical roller, ball, and thrust bearings—along with next-generation lightweight drawn cup bearings and specialized parts for both automotive and industrial use.
NRB serves OEMs across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and has built strong capabilities supporting electric and hybrid vehicle platforms. With manufacturing locations in Waluj, Aurangabad, Jalna, Ranchi, Hyderabad, Pantnagar, and Thailand, along with R&D centers in Thane, Waluj, and Turbe, NRB continues to invest in innovation, quality systems, and expanded production capacity to meet growing demand from global Tier-1 customers.
