SKF joins LeadIT.
SKF has been announced as the latest company to join LeadIT during the annual high-level Leadership Group summit at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Company membership of the Group now stands at 28 from across the globe.
About SKF
SKF (Svenska Kullagerfabriken AB) is a Swedish multinational company, whose name is synonymous with ball bearings, but as well as being one of the world’s leading suppliers of bearings, it also provides industrial seals, lubrication systems, and other services. It has a presence in 130 countries with more than 38,000 employees.
Built on innovation
SKF’s history is rooted in Gothenburg, where it still has its global headquarters, and it boasts a proud track record of innovation. The company was founded in 1907 by Sven Wingquist, who revolutionized the use of ball bearings. His invention, the self-aligning ball bearing, made industrial machinery more reliable and efficient. For more than a century, SKF has built on this spirit of innovation, collaborating with industry and academia to drive continual improvements wherever smooth and frictionless motion is needed.
SKF serves more than 40 industries worldwide, both directly and through an extensive network of over 7,000 distributors. As a leading technology and engineering company, SKF customizes solutions to meet the needs of customers – whether optimizing for speed, durability, or efficiency – paving the way for a sustainable, resource-efficient future.
SKF offers a comprehensive portfolio and knowledge built on core technology platforms, including bearings and bearing units, seals, lubrication systems, and intelligent solutions, such as condition monitoring and services. By integrating these platforms, SKF delivers customized solutions that combine products, technologies, and services with flexible new business models to meet each customer’s unique needs.
Read our interview with SKF’s Chief Technology Officer, Annika Ölme.
Annika is responsible for SKF’s Group’s global research, technology development, product development, and technology strategy.
Why has SKF become a member of LeadIT?
At SKF, sustainability is central to our purpose: Together, we re-imagine rotation for a better tomorrow. Joining LeadIT is a natural step because it brings governments, industry leaders, and innovators together to accelerate the global low-carbon transition. For us, it’s an opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and influence impactful policies that matter, not just globally, but also in key markets like India, where we have a strong presence and deep customer relationships.
How does membership align with SKF’s ambitions for the future?
Our ambition is clear: achieve net-zero emissions across our value chain by 2050 and fully decarbonize our manufacturing operations by 2030. India is a strategic market for SKF, with immense opportunities in sectors like railways, cement, and heavy industry. LeadIT’s mission perfectly aligns with these goals and strengthens our resolve to drive sustainable innovation for customers especially in the hard-to-abate sectors and contribute to both people and the planet.
What will SKF bring to the Group?
SKF brings decades of expertise in reducing friction and energy use, helping industries cut emissions and meet their sustainability goals. We’re pioneering circular solutions like bearing remanufacturing, RecondOil technology, and partnering with steel mills to produce low-carbon steel. These efforts, combined with our strong customer connections across more than 40 industries in 130 countries, allow us to share practical insights and scalable solutions with the group.
What do you hope to achieve as part of the Group?
We hope to accelerate collective progress toward a low-carbon economy by contributing to policy development, supporting member companies, and scaling sustainable practices across global value chains, especially in fast-growing markets like India.
What can SKF offer to other LeadIT members?
SKF offers proven clean technologies and circular solutions such as RecondOil and SKF Infinium, along with energy-efficient practices that help reduce emissions and accelerate the decarbonization journey. We believe collaboration is key, and beyond technology, we bring strong experience in co-creating solutions with customers and partners across diverse industries. By sharing insights, building partnerships, and shaping practical frameworks together, we can drive systemic change and create long-term value for people and the planet. We’re proud to be part of LeadIT and look forward to building a cleaner, smarter future—together.