They say good things come in pairs, and that couldn’t be more true for Timken as the Manufacturing Express pulled a doubleheader at the company’s Tyger River and Shiloh plants—two pillars of Timken’s U.S. bearings division. Today was a journey across state lines, a recognition of the profound impact of equipment manufacturing in both North and South Carolina, and a celebration of the dedicated men and women who are continuing a legacy more than a century in the making.
Timken, a global manufacturer, was founded over 125 years ago by Henry Timken with a mission to defy friction. For nearly five generations, Timken has set the benchmark for bearings and industrial motion products, essential components across a wide range of industries—from renewable energy and aerospace to food and beverage and the racing world.
It’s difficult to understate the importance of Timken bearings as the foundation of many of the machines that drive our world. “Safety is a nonrecoverable metric,” says Marty Hallman, Director of Bearing Operations, Americas. “People may not always realize the importance of these components in keeping them safe, but I like to use those moments, like when a plane lands safely, to remind them that this wouldn’t be possible without our products.”
Timken has become as important to their communities as they are to the many industries they support. Their name has become synonymous with community and employee care, especially in the Carolinas, where the company employs more than 1,900 people across nine manufacturing and distribution facilities. Timken is deeply committed to keeping manufacturing local for years to come, supporting programs aimed at attracting the next generation of workers, including high school students, transitioning military veterans, and college students.
Timken’s investment in its communities is as robust as its industrial contributions. In 2022 alone, the company’s charitable donations exceeded $2 million, funding projects that have enriched lives across the communities they serve, including in South Carolina. At Timken – Tyger River, four grants enabled the rehabilitation and expansion of the Timken Sports Complex, a centerpiece for athletics in Union County that has attracted hundreds of tournaments and teams, creating better opportunities for young athletes. Timken is also a longtime supporter of United Way, an organization dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunities in local communities. This commitment holds special meaning at Timken – Shiloh, where the plant’s annual United Way Campaign matches employee donations 100%, amplifying the impact on the community.
Timken’s dedication to both industry and community is clear: they are not just manufacturing components; they are building a future where innovation and community go hand in hand. And as they continue to defy friction in every sense, their legacy only grows stronger.
