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Timken's Emergency Airlift Gets Dragline Back in Production
The Timken Company (NYSE:TKR) returned a major coal-mining operation to production in Australia's remote Bowen Basin in central Queensland. In cooperation with a distributor, Timken airlifted two critical replacement bearing assemblies weighing more than 1,500 pounds within 24 hours to the isolated Rolleston coal mine so that a dragline could be restarted.
The unusual weekend delivery in mid-2007 was facilitated by Timken associates based at the company's Australian headquarters in Ballarat, Victoria. They acted after a late Saturday emergency call from a branch manager at distributor Statewide Bearings. Because of advance planning, Timken had stocked extra inventory specifically for the Rolleston mining operation. Timken associates then had to tackle the logistics of airlifting the heavy crates nearly 1,200 miles away.
"As part of our relationship with Statewide Bearings, we kept an emergency stock of the bearing assemblies used by mining draglines," said Peter A. Storey, managing director of Timken's operations in Australia. "However, getting the assemblies to the mine required an exceptional logistical effort by Timken associates, who had only inches to spare in loading the oversized shipment. Our associates also had to solve weight and balance issues - all during a heavy storm. It's that kind of extra effort that translates into extra value for both distributors of Timken products and ultimately the companies that use those products."
"We were confident we could depend on Timken to stock the replacement assemblies," said Scott White, Mackay branch manager for Statewide Bearings. "Timken's extraordinary airlift clearly demonstrated their determination to deliver extra value to us and to our customers. Timken's response sets them apart from other bearing manufacturers."
About Statewide Bearings
Established in 1974, Statewide Bearings is headquartered in Kewdale, Western Australia, and has distribution branches strategically located around the country. Ensuring quality products and maintaining a close relationship with both customers and suppliers are a major focus of the company.
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| 2063 bearing | 11.113 | 23.8 | 12.7 |
| 2003 bearing | 11.113 | 19.05 | 6.35 |