SantEnt: Leading independent distributor of NHBB
Introduction
New Hampshire Ball Bearings (NHBB) is a world-renowned American manufacturer of high-precision ball and roller bearings, catering to the most demanding applications in the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. Renowned for their exceptional quality, performance, and reliability, NHBB products are integral components in aircraft engines, landing gear, advanced robotics, and satellite systems. Their expertise in creating complex bearing assemblies and custom-engineered solutions has solidified their position as a market leader. With decades of experience, SantEnt possesses the global sourcing capabilities to reliably supply genuine NHBB products to our clients worldwide.
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NHBB at a glance
| Founded | 1946 |
| Headquarters | Laconia, New Hampshire, USA |
| Leadership | Rich Bardellini |
| Tentative Revenue | $454.4 million |
| Listed on Stock Market? | No |
| Parent Organisation(s) | MinebeaMitsumi Inc. |
| Subsidiary Organization(s) | NHBB comprises three specialized manufacturing divisions: Astro, HiTech, and a marketing division, NMB (USA) Inc. |
| Ownership | MinebeaMitsumi Inc. |
| Other Group Entities or Stakeholders | myonic GmbH, Mach Aero, C&A Tool, CEROBEAR, myonic, NMB-Minebea UK, RO-RA, and MinebeaMitsumi |
History of NHBB
| Year | Milestone |
| 1946 | The company was founded in a small garage in Peterborough, New Hampshire. |
| 1964 | The Astro Division was established in Laconia, NH, to manufacture spherical and rod end bearings. |
| 1985 | NHBB was acquired by Minebea Co., Ltd. (now MinebeaMitsumi Inc.), a global leader in precision components. |
| 1967 | A state-of-the-art, 120,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility for the Astro Division was constructed in Laconia. |
| 2017 | Parent company Minebea Co., Ltd. integrated with MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD., forming MinebeaMitsumi Inc. |
NHBB Product Portfolio
Ball & Roller Bearings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Miniature & Instrument Ball Bearings | ABEC 5 & 7 precision, low torque, corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., DD400), custom lubricants. | Guidance systems, gimbals, medical robotics, dental tools, flow meters. | Aerospace, Defense, Medical, High-Tech. |
| Medium to Large Ball Bearings | High load capacity, durable construction, specialized cage and seal designs, diameters up to 300 mm. | Aircraft engines, gearboxes, auxiliary power units (APUs), heavy industrial machinery. | Aerospace, Industrial, Energy. |
| Cylindrical Roller Bearings | Designed for high radial loads and high-speed operation, available in single and multi-row configurations. | Jet engine main shafts, helicopter transmissions, high-speed gearboxes. | Aerospace, Defense. |
| Thin Section Ball Bearings | Lightweight, space-saving design, available in radial, angular contact, and four-point contact types. | Satellite systems, radar equipment, robotic arms, optical-electronic devices. | Aerospace, Defense, Robotics, Medical. |
| Airframe Control Ball Bearings | Conforms to SAE and military standards, corrosion-resistant steel, sealed and unsealed versions. | Flight control surfaces (ailerons, rudders, flaps), pivot points, linkage systems. | Aerospace, Defense. |
| Complex Bearing Assemblies | Integrated solutions combining multiple bearings, housings, gears, and sensors into a single unit. | Aircraft engine gearboxes, missile fin actuation systems, helicopter rotor systems. | Aerospace, Defense. |
| Precision Mechanical Subassemblies | Custom-engineered assemblies providing higher-level functionality beyond standalone bearings. | Advanced weapon systems, optical targeting pods, specialized robotics. | Defense, Aerospace, Robotics. |
Rod End & Spherical Bearings
| Sub-categories | Products & Features | Applications | Industries |
| Rod End Bearings | Male/female threads, self-lubricating liner options (e.g., V-Liner series), high-strength materials. | Aircraft landing gear, flight control linkages, helicopter rotor controls, industrial actuators. | Aerospace, Defense, Industrial. |
| Spherical Bearings | Accommodate high radial loads and misalignment, available with metal-to-metal or self-lubricating liners. | Wing-to-body connections, engine pylons, landing gear trunnions, hydraulic cylinders. | Aerospace, Defense. |
| Sleeve Bearings (Bushings) | Journal-type bearings, custom designs, specialized liner systems for high wear resistance. | Aircraft door mechanisms, wing flap tracks, pivot points in heavy machinery. | Aerospace, Industrial. |
| Loader Slot Bearings | Specialized spherical bearings allowing for easier installation in tight spaces. | Flight control systems, landing gear assemblies where assembly access is limited. | Aerospace, Defense. |
| Next-Up Assemblies & Complex Bearings | Pre-assembled, higher-level components incorporating sphericals or rod ends for simplified installation. | Wing-to-fuselage attachments, complex linkage systems in flight controls. | Aerospace, Defense. |
| Patented Self-Lubricating Liner Solutions | Advanced, proprietary liner technologies (V-Liner, V-Groove) for maintenance-free, long-life performance. | Critical joints in aircraft, space vehicles, and military ground vehicles. | Aerospace, Defense, Space. |
Acquisitions & Group Companies
In 1985, NHBB was acquired by Minebea Co., Ltd. (now MinebeaMitsumi). This strategic acquisition provided NHBB with immense financial stability and access to a global R&D, manufacturing, and sales network, reinforcing its capabilities in producing ultra-precision components for the world's most critical applications.
Stay updated with NHBB
Learn more about NHBB's:
- The latest product innovations.
- Manufacturing Expansions
- Corporate News.
For the most current information, press releases, and media updates.
Acquisitions & Mergers - Media Coverage And so much more, on the link below!
Why choose SantEnt for your NHBB requirements?
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Vast Inventory, Global Sourcing & Competitive Pricing
Over 60,000 bearings in stock and strong relationships with the Manufacturer & other distributors helps us ensure no NHBB product is too far from you, and is always competitively priced through our extensive collaborations and strong relationships with our supply chain stakeholders to achieve the best prices for NHBB products. Additionally, we are Authorised Distributors of Schaeffler, FAG, INA, FYH, Optibelt and Dodge. -
Genuine Products Guaranteed over Decades of Trust
As a renowned Bearing distribution company established in 1977, our third generation is equipped with Engineering, Technology & Business Management education as well as corporate experience. This enables us to deliver genuine products with professionalised services to our rapidly growing global customer base spread across 60 countries and 6 continents. -
Robust Technical & After-Sales Support
Owing to the criticality of the products we deal in, our responsibility starts much before the supply of products, by way of Technical Support in identifying the right spare parts for the desired application, eliminating instances of failure or premature breakdown. Even after supply, we closely work with our customers in case of any queries or support requirements such as product warranty, installation & storage guidance to cite a few.
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