Voith Paper now has an SKF-certified bearing inspection facility. Voith Paper North America, headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., has signed a strategic preferred service partner agreement with SKF USA, where SKF will supply its expertise, quality bearings, advanced tools and equipment in Voith’s Neenah, Wis., rolls facility. “We're continuously seeking to elevate the quality of our products and their performance on our customers' machines," said John Fox, president of Voith Paper North America. "To this end, we've partnered with SKF experts to ensure that all repairs are performed in accordance with best-in-class industry practices." The Voith Paper-SKF strategic partnership is an agreement that focuses on high-quality repairs for maximum service life in the pulp and paper industry. The preferred service partner program is intended to provide less machine variability. Consistent specifications and standards will be in place at the certified facility. SKF is a global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. With the creation of the SKF preferred service partner program, SKF is making it easier for papermakers to identify service providers who meet the industry’s highest standards. “SKF is very pleased to partner with Voith Paper,” says Dan Donnelly, senior vice-president, pulp and paper, SKF USA. “The Preferred Service Partner Program means both SKF and Voith can focus on their key strengths. SKF has the superior bearings and reliability expertise to maintain machine availability and we are proud to partner with a company who focuses on increasing the overall performance at the paper mill.”