Autumn 2020 marks BNL’s 50th anniversary. In 1970 we introduced the BNL moulded plastic bearing to the market. Over five decades, our products have developed from simple bearings, into innovative, integrated bearing solutions that offer so much more than just smooth rotation and excellent wear rates.

Back in the 70’s, BNL plastic bearings were the alternative to machined plastic or steel bearings; offering advantages over machined plastic bearings by wearing less in operation and over steel bearings by offering, non-corrosive, lighter weight bearings that did not need lubrication. Recognisable as a rolling element bearing, they soon became the bearing of choice for many industries, including material handling, poultry processing, sliding wardrobe doors and shower cubicles. Read more about how our bearings have evolved…

BNL bearings are now designed and manufactured to the shape, space and operational specifications of our customers –

often resulting in products that many engineers would have struggled to recognise as a bearing back in 1970! Having evolved from simple radial bearings and conveyor parts into complex, integrated components, BNL custom plastic bearings can now be found in products from Automotive Controls to Domestic Appliances, and from Satellite Antennae to Pool Cleaners. Read more about our capabilities…

Our HQ and UK manufacturing continues to be based in picturesque North Yorkshire, but we are now a global company, with a multi-national client base. We have recently doubled our Thailand production capacity and have sites in Japan, China and the USA. Read more about our expansion plans…

The last few months have been challenging across our network of global partners and customers and our thoughts are with all affected by the impact of Covid-19. Our top priority is the health and wellbeing of our employees, community and partners and as we continue to support them, we also continue to innovate and provide added value through our design and manufacturing development. Our products are not just bearings, they provide so much more to our customers. By continuing to develop new integrated features and product types we can assist in reducing overall components, costs and assembly steps during production, when manufacturing floors have to maximise space and staff for safe working.

2020 has seen us develop our expertise in plastic gears and plastic ball splines and cages so far and we have more news on our sealed bearings and thrust races to announce before the end of the year.

We are looking forward to an exciting future for BNL as we continue to innovate and expand on the technical specifications our products can achieve and work with our customers to find the right plastic bearing solution for their products.