Craft Bearing Company, Inc. is a specialized manufacturer headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, recognized for its engineering and production of split cylindrical roller bearings. Rooted in the heavy industrial sector, the company distinguishes itself through a singular focus on split bearing technology, a critical component for machinery where accessibility and maintenance speed are paramount. While the organization serves various demanding sectors, including mining, steel processing, and power generation, its technology is particularly vital to the maritime and offshore industries due to the unique spatial constraints and reliability requirements found aboard vessels.
In the context of marine engineering, the company’s split-to-the-shaft design addresses a fundamental challenge associated with propulsion systems and intermediate drive lines. Traditional solid bearings often necessitate the complete dismantling of shaft lines, couplings, motors, and gearboxes for simple maintenance or replacement—a costly and complex process that keeps vessels out of commission for extended periods. Craft Bearing Company’s engineered solutions allow marine mechanics to assemble, inspect, and replace the bearing components directly around the shaft without disturbing adjacent equipment. This capability is essential for shipboard rotating machinery, where minimizing dry-dock time and operational downtime is a strict priority for fleet managers.
The company operates as a strictly domestic producer, manufacturing its components entirely within the United States. Their Newport News facility oversees the full production cycle, from the machining of through-hardened bearing steel to the casting of ductile iron housings. This centralized control over manufacturing allows for rapid response times and rigorous quality assurance, which has led to significant industry validation. Notably, Craft Bearing Company holds the distinction of being the first split bearing manufacturer to receive Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register, a definitive standard in the maritime world that verifies the safety and performance of marine equipment. Furthermore, the company is an approved supplier for the U.S. Department of Defense, underscoring its role in supporting naval and government maritime assets. By eliminating the need for complex extraction procedures during repairs, Craft Bearing Company enables ship operators and offshore platforms to convert potential catastrophic mechanical failures into manageable, routine maintenance tasks.
