SantEnt: Leading independent distributor of Bower
Introduction
Since its inception, Bower has established itself as a premier American manufacturer of precision roller bearings, catering to a diverse range of industrial markets. Specializing in tapered and cylindrical roller bearings, Bower is renowned for its high-quality components that serve demanding applications in sectors like heavy-duty trucking, construction, and agriculture. The brand's commitment to engineering excellence ensures optimal performance and reliability in the most rigorous conditions. For decades, SantEnt has been a trusted global distributor, leveraging its expertise to supply genuine Bower bearings to its extensive customer base with efficiency and assurance.
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Bower at a glance
| Founded | 1907 |
| Headquarters | Macomb, Illinois, USA |
| Leadership | Paul Johnson (President & CEO, NTN Americas) |
| Tentative Revenue | Approx. $24.9 Billion USD |
| Listed on Stock Market? | No |
| Parent Organisation(s) | NTN Corporation |
| Subsidiary Organization(s) | No |
| Ownership | Public (as a brand of NTN Corporation) |
| Other Group Entities or Stakeholders | NTN Americas, NTN Bearing Corporation of America |
History of Bower
| Year | Milestone |
| 1910 | The Bower Roller Bearing Company is founded in Detroit, Michigan. |
| 1929 | Bower revolutionizes bearing technology by introducing crowned rollers for enhanced performance. |
| 1955 | The company merges with Federal-Mogul Corporation, expanding its market reach and capabilities. |
| 1973 | To meet growing demand, a second major manufacturing facility is established in Hamilton, Alabama. |
| 1987 | Bower is acquired by the Japanese bearing giant, NTN Corporation, becoming NTN-Bower. |
| 1993 | A new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant is opened in Macomb, Illinois. |
Bower Product Portfolio
Tapered Roller Bearings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Crowned Precision Rollers | Engineered for superior load distribution and reduced stress. | Wheel hubs, transmissions, differential and pinion assemblies. | Heavy-Duty Trucking, Automotive, Agriculture, Construction. |
| Full Line for Class 4–8 Trucks | Comprehensive range of single and double row bearings. | Axles, drivelines, and commercial vehicle wheel-ends. | Commercial Vehicles, Transportation, Fleet Maintenance. |
| Pre-adjusted Wheel-End Kits | Complete, pre-set kits (e.g., BowerSET™) for easy installation. | Steer, drive, and trailer axle wheel-ends. | Truck & Trailer Manufacturing, Aftermarket Repair. |
| Clutch Pilot Bearings | High-precision bearings for smooth clutch engagement. | Manual transmission clutch systems. | Automotive, Light & Heavy-Duty Trucks. |
| Differential Repair Kits | All-in-one kits for complete differential overhauls. | Heavy-duty axle differentials. | Commercial Vehicle Service, Off-Highway Equipment. |
Pre-Adjusted Commercial Vehicle Wheel End Kits
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Heavy Duty Cone Spacer | Precision-machined spacer that provides accurate bearing preload. | Complete pre-set wheel-end assemblies (e.g., BowerSET™). | Heavy-Duty Trucking, Commercial Vehicles, Fleet Maintenance. |
| Precision Tapered Roller Bearings | Two matched sets of high-quality tapered roller bearings. | Steer, drive, and trailer axle wheel-ends. | Transportation, Aftermarket Repair, Truck & Trailer Mfg. |
| Matched Outer Races | Paired inner and outer races to ensure optimal fit and performance. | Reducing installation time and eliminating manual adjustments. | Commercial Vehicle Service, OEM Assembly. |
Differential Products
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Heavy-Duty Axle Repair Kits | Includes all necessary bearings and seals for axle repair. | Drive axles on trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles. | Commercial Vehicles, Agriculture, Construction. |
| Complete Differential Rebuild Kits | Comprehensive kits containing bearings, seals, and hardware. | Rebuilding differential assemblies in heavy-duty applications. | Automotive Aftermarket, Fleet Maintenance. |
Clutch Pilot Bearings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Premium Clutch Pilot Bearings | Designed for longevity and precise fitment. | Flywheel and transmission input shaft alignment. | Automotive, Light Commercial Vehicles. |
| High-Temperature Bearings | Utilizes advanced materials for high-heat environments. | High-performance vehicles, heavy-duty clutch systems. | Performance Automotive, Heavy-Duty Trucking. |
| High-Temp Greases | Specially formulated grease for extended life in extreme heat. | Lubrication for clutch pilot bearings in demanding applications. | Automotive Repair, Fleet Service. |
Acquisitions & Group Companies
This is a former parent company. Bower merged with Federal-Mogul in 1955, so for a period, it was part of that corporation. However, Bower was later acquired by NTN Corporation in 1987. For the purpose of your article, the most relevant and current parent organization is NTN Corporation.
In 1987, Bower was acquired by NTN Corporation, one of the world's largest bearing manufacturers. This strategic acquisition allowed NTN to significantly strengthen its tapered roller bearing portfolio and expand its manufacturing footprint in North America, integrating Bower's legacy of American engineering excellence into its global network.
As part of the NTN group, Bower operates under the umbrella of NTN Americas, the regional headquarters for North and South America. This integration provides Bower access to NTN's vast R&D resources, global distribution channels, and extensive product lines, enhancing its ability to serve a broad range of industries.
Why choose SantEnt for your Bower requirements?
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Vast Inventory, Global Sourcing & Competitive Pricing
With over 60,000 bearings in stock, we maintain a comprehensive inventory to meet your immediate needs. Our strong relationships with manufacturers and global distributors ensure that no Bower product is out of reach. We leverage these extensive collaborations to secure competitive pricing, delivering exceptional value. Furthermore, as Authorised Distributors of Schaeffler, FAG, INA, FYH, Optibelt, and Dodge, our sourcing capabilities are second to none. -
Genuine Products Guaranteed over Decades of Trust
Established in 1977, SantEnt is a trusted name in the bearing distribution industry. Now led by a third generation equipped with modern engineering, technology, and business management expertise, we uphold our legacy of trust. We guarantee 100% genuine products and deliver professionalised service to our rapidly growing customer base, which spans over 60 countries across 6 continents. -
Robust Technical & After-Sales Support
We understand the critical nature of industrial spares. Our responsibility extends beyond mere supply; we provide expert technical support to help you identify the precise Bower part for your application, preventing premature failure. After the sale, we remain your dedicated partner, offering support with product warranties, installation guidance, and storage best practices to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
and leave the rest to your partner in Bearings & Power Transmission
