Schaeffler - LogoDr. Georg Schaeffler Sr. was posthumously honored with the American Bearing Manufacturers Association’s (ABMA) Industry Icon Award. The ABMA announced the recipients of its inaugural award at a special celebration dinner and recognition event during the 2016 ABMA Annual Meeting, held May 12-14 in Amelia Island, Florida. Dr. Schaeffler, who passed away in 1996, was honored in recognition of his groundbreaking invention of the cage-guided needle roller bearing as well as many other important contributions to the bearing industry. Dr. Schaeffler was an early pioneer of globalization, who quickly expanded his company, The Schaeffler Group, beyond his native Germany to countries throughout the world – especially the United States. The Schaeffler Group began producing products in the United States in 1964 at its manufacturing facility in Cheraw, South Carolina. Fifty-two years later, Schaeffler’s U.S. operations have grown to include eight manufacturing plants and three R&D centers. The ABMA’s highest honor, the Industry Icon Award, recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to the bearing industry while also demonstrating the qualities of a global leader and a true innovator. All of these attributes create a profile that aptly describes the life and legacy of Dr. Schaeffler, ABMA says. Schaeffler Americas CEO Bruce Warmbold accepted the honor on behalf of the Schaeffler family from the ABMA Event Chairman Jeff Manzagol.