Schaeffler Launches Production of Steering Ball Screws in Xiangtan, China

On 21 February 2024, Schaeffler officially commenced production of steering ball screws at its Xiangtan manufacturing facility. As a core mechanical component of electric power steering (EPS) systems, this product plays a crucial role in vehicle steering. The launch of production in Xiangtan further strengthens Schaeffler’s manufacturing footprint for ball screws in China, providing robust support for business expansion and enhancing the company’s ability to meet local customer demand efficiently.

Timo Schmidt, Head of the Chassis Solutions Business Unit within Schaeffler’s Chassis Systems Division, commented:
“Whether for electromechanical steering systems or future steer-by-wire solutions for autonomous driving, precision mechanical components such as ball screws are indispensable. Schaeffler has nearly two decades of experience in mass production in this field and continues to leverage its expertise in precision manufacturing to provide customers with safe and reliable ball screw products.”

Dr Peng Li, President of Schaeffler Greater China’s Powertrain & Chassis Division, added:
“Ball screws are a hallmark of Schaeffler’s mechanical component portfolio, exemplifying our outstanding manufacturing capabilities and stringent quality standards. As the automotive industry accelerates towards electrification and intelligent mobility, ball screws will play an increasingly significant role in steering and chassis systems. Schaeffler will continue to expand local production capacity to ensure the delivery of more reliable and competitive products to our customers.”

Schaeffler has extensive experience in both the design and mass production of ball screws. As early as 2007, the company began large-scale production of ball screws for automotive steering systems, becoming the first supplier globally to implement this technology at scale. Over the past two decades, the application of Schaeffler’s ball screws has expanded significantly, with cumulative global production exceeding 100 million units. These products are now used not only in steering systems but also in braking systems, engines, and transmissions. Since 2015, Schaeffler has been manufacturing ball screws for braking systems at its Taicang facility, with cumulative production now surpassing 50 million units.

For many years, Schaeffler has supplied automotive manufacturers with high-precision steering system components, including steering bearings and ball screws. Drawing on its deep expertise in mechatronics and steer-by-wire technology, the company has expanded its portfolio to include more complex system-level solutions. In addition to precision mechanical components, Schaeffler has successfully developed and launched commercial vehicle electro-hydraulic power steering systems (e2HPS) and mechatronic rear-wheel steering systems (RWS). At the same time, the company is accelerating the industrialisation of steer-by-wire system components and complete systems, providing strong support for the future of intelligent mobility.