The gearbox manufacturing industry has seen significant growth in recent years, thanks to the increasing demand for efficient power transmission systems in various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Top gearbox manufacturers are consistently striving to develop innovative, reliable, and durable products to meet the ever-evolving needs of their customers. In this article, we will discuss some of the leading players in this market, highlighting their achievements and the factors that set them apart from their competitors.
As technology advances and industries become more competitive, the need for precision-engineered components like gearboxes continues to grow.
Gearboxes play a crucial role in transferring power from the engine or motor to the driven machinery, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
The top manufacturers in this field are known for their excellence in design, quality, and engineering expertise, providing world-class solutions tailored to various industries and applications.
One of the leading names in gearbox manufacturing is STOBER, a company with over 85 years of experience in producing high-quality gearboxes and servo motors for a wide range of applications. Other prominent manufacturers include Astro Flight, Inc., which specializes in providing gearboxes for marine, micro, and cobalt & brushless motors, and Houston Gear USA, Inc., known for its production of spur, bevel, helical, worm, and herringbone gears. Stay tuned as we delve further into their accomplishments and contributions to the industry.
Some other key players including:
- ABB Ltd
- Siemens AG
- Schneider Electric SE
- Eaton Corporation
- Emerson Electric
- DanaInc.
- Sumitomo Heavy Industries
- Bonfiglioli Group
Global Market Overview
The global industrial gearbox market has been experiencing significant growth due to the increasing industrial automation in manufacturing industries and the need for energy transmission systems. In 2023, the global market size for industrial gearboxes was anticipated to expand.
Some leading global manufacturers of industrial gearboxes include:
- Siemens AG (Germany)
- Bonfiglioli Italia S.P.A (Italy)
- Bondioli & Pavesi (Italy)
- Sew-Eurodrive (Germany)
- Dana Brevini (Italy)
The industrial gearbox market is moderately consolidated, with other major players, including Nanjing High Accurate Drive Equipment Manufacturing Group Co. Ltd, Lenze SE, Flender Ltd, Getriebebau NORD GmbH & Co. KG, and Bosch Rexroth AG.
The precision gearbox market is another segment of the industry, with a global market size estimated at USD 2.5 billion in 2021. This market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% from 2022 to 2030. The demand for precision gearboxes is driven by their benefits across various industries, such as military & aerospace, machine tools, material handling, robotics, and medical.
The industrial gearbox market was valued at USD 27.3 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 28.56 Billion in 2022 to USD 39.12 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.60% during the forecast period (2022 – 2030). Factors contributing to this growth include the increasing focus on generating renewable power and the expansion of industrial automation.
Top Gearbox Manufacturers
One of the leading gearbox manufacturers in the world is Flender, a German company founded in 1899. They specialize in high-quality gearbox equipment intended for the oil, gas, and power generation industries.
Another prominent manufacturer is NGC, a Chinese company founded in 1969. NGC focuses on providing gearbox and power transmission solutions to customers globally.
Located in Italy, the ROSSI Group is another frontrunner in the gearbox manufacturing sector. Established in 1953, ROSSI produces and sells reduction gearboxes, gear reduction motors, electronic shifting, and brake motors that cater to various industries.
In the United States, Astro Flight, Inc is a noteworthy manufacturer of gearboxes, producing a range of products, including 700 gws gearboxes, helical gearboxes, marine gearboxes, micro gearboxes, and gearboxes compatible with cobalt and brushless motors. Another US-based manufacturer is Houston Gear USA, Inc., which produces gearboxes as well as spur, bevel, helical, worm, and herringbone gears.
The top gearbox manufacturers mentioned above all have established reputations for delivering quality products, showcasing why they are among the best in the industry. Seeking out these manufacturers for gearbox needs ensures customers will receive reliable and efficient equipment that meets the demands of diverse applications.
1. NGC
Country: China
Founded: 1969
About the company:
Founded in 1969, Nangaochi Group is dedicated to providing gearbox and power transmission solutions to customers worldwide.
The company is headquartered in Nanjing, China and was listed in Hong Kong in 2007 under the stock name “China High Speed Drive”.
Over the years, Nangaochi Group has established four main business areas: wind power gearbox, rail vehicle gearbox, industrial gearbox, and robot reducer. Its brand “NGC” is an internationally renowned brand, primarily developed and cultivated in Jiangsu Province.
Nangaochi Group follows the enterprise philosophy of “step by step, strive for perfection” and takes “delivering the impetus of progress for human civilization” as its mission. The company continually improves its internal management, specializing and refining its operations, and expands its market development to an international level.
With its advanced technology, reliable quality, and considerate service, Nangaochi Group is capable of producing products and services that exceed customer expectations.
2. ZF
Country: Germany
Founded: 1915
About the company:
ZF is a global technology company that specializes in providing next-generation mobility system products for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology. ZF enables vehicles to sense, think, and act independently.
The company has extensive expertise in four key technical areas: vehicle motion control, integrated safety systems, autonomous driving, and electric drives. ZF provides a wide range of solutions for traditional automobile manufacturers and new mobility service providers.
ZF offers electric drive solutions for various vehicle models. Its product portfolio is designed to promote energy conservation, reduce emissions, protect the environment, and enhance travel safety.
ZF has been operating in China since 1981 and has achieved steady growth in the country. Currently, the ZF Group has established its Asia Pacific headquarters in Shanghai and two research and development centers.
ZF has nearly 40 manufacturing facilities, 3 after-sales companies, and almost 240 after-sales service outlets in major cities in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Changchun, Shenyang, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Wuhan. ZF has brought all of its global expertise to China.
Caiehu (China) Investment Co., Ltd. is the holding company that manages ZF Friedrichshafen AG’s investment business in China. In addition to managing the German headquarters, it provides market, business development, human resources, finance, information technology, research and development, and supply chain management services and information to ZF’s factories in China. It also supports ZF’s business activities in the Asia Pacific region.
ZF Asia Pacific Group Co., Ltd. is responsible for the business development of ZF’s Active and Passive Safety Technology Business Unit in the Asia Pacific region and oversees the comprehensive management of its factories.
3. ADVANCE
Country: China
Founded: 1960
About the company:
Hangzhou ADVANCE Gearbox Group Co., Ltd. is a leading enterprise in China specializing in the design and manufacture of gear transmission devices and powder metallurgy products. The company is also recognized as a national high-tech enterprise.
Founded in 1960 as Hangzhou Gearbox Factory, the company underwent a debt-to-equity restructuring in 2001 and became a state-owned diversified investment limited liability company. In 2008, it completed a shareholding restructuring and changed its name to Hangzhou Qianjin Gearbox Group Co., Ltd. The company was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in October 2010.
Located on the south bank of the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, the company covers an area of 568,000 square meters and employs over 1800 employees. It has 19 holding and actual controlling subsidiaries and 2 joint-stock subsidiaries.
The company’s main business is transmission devices and relies on scientific and technological progress to enhance its core competitiveness. It has established a strong position in the industry.
Since the 1980s, the company has relied on independent development and the introduction of foreign advanced technology to achieve secondary innovation.
The product line has expanded from a single marine gearbox to more than 1000 varieties in ten categories, including marine propulsion systems, engineering machinery gearboxes, wind power gearboxes, automobile gearboxes, agricultural machinery gearboxes, rail transit transmission devices, industrial gearboxes, special products, powder metallurgy products, and large precision gears.
The company follows a brand development strategy, continuously improving its technology, introducing world-class high-quality equipment, establishing a comprehensive quality management system, and building a comprehensive marketing and service network. It is dedicated to providing customers with high-quality products and satisfactory services.
“ADVANCE” brand products are sold in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China and 47 countries and regions around the world.
With the continuous implementation of the national manufacturing power strategy, the company will continue to uphold its enterprise spirit of “loyalty, dedication, unity, and excellence,” promoting the construction, transformation, and upgrading of intelligent manufacturing, and achieving sustainable development with higher quality, higher efficiency, and greater benefits.
4. Chongqing Gearbox
Country: China
Founded: 1966
About the company:
Chongqing Gearbox Co., Ltd. (referred to as “Chongchi”) is a large state-owned military enterprise that specializes in the research, development, and production of high and low speed heavy-duty gearboxes.
The company is part of China Shipbuilding Group (CSSC) and is located in Jiangjin District, Chongqing, covering an area of over 900,000 square meters. It has more than 2000 employees and total assets of over 7 billion yuan.
Chongchi was originally established in 1966 as the state-owned Yongjin Machinery Factory, renamed Sichuan Gearbox Factory in 1982, and restructured into Chongqing Gearbox Co., Ltd. in 1997.
The company’s core business is hard-surface gear transmission devices, and its products are widely used in industries such as shipbuilding, marine engineering, cement and building materials, metal smelting, traditional and clean energy, rail transit, engineering machinery, oil and gas mining, and solid waste treatment.
Chongchi is a key military enterprise in the shipbuilding system and produces ship gearboxes, couplings, and shock absorbers. It is one of the largest research and development and manufacturing bases for hard-surface gears in China, and is also the research base for the rear transmission devices of naval ships in China.
Building on its foundation in mechanical transmission, the company is actively expanding into the fields of electromechanical and hydraulic system integration.
The company follows a high-quality development strategy, promoting military-civilian integration. It makes scientific decision-making the cornerstone, with technical guidance, lean management, integration of industrialization and industrialization as support. The focus is on market expansion, technological innovation, quality improvement, and team building, all while aligning with the requirements of military-civilian integration management.
The goal is to establish the company as a world leader in the field of gear transmission, respected by others and respected by others.
5. FLENDER
Country: Germany
About the company:
Flender is a recognized technical expert and supplier of high-quality products and services in the fields of mechanical and electrical transmission. Its innovation and efficiency stem from its professional and dedicated employees and strong consulting capabilities, as well as its extensive product portfolio.
Flender and Winergy are two brands of the same company. In 2001, to better serve the unique needs of the wind power industry, the brand Winergy was launched.
Winergy focuses on providing gearboxes, generators, and wind power services for the wind power industry, while Flender focuses on transmission technology products for other industries.
This brand strategy allows for greater flexibility in responding to customer needs and positions the company as a reliable and innovative partner with deep technical knowledge and a strong production foundation.
6. Bonfiglioli
Country: Italy
Founded: 1956
About the company:
Bonfiglioli is a global family-owned business headquartered in Italy with three business departments: discrete manufacturing and process industry, electromechanical integration and motion systems, and engineering machinery and wind energy industry. These departments provide comprehensive and professional support for customers’ development needs.
Bonfiglioli has a global network, allowing customers to receive support at any time and anywhere. The company designs, produces, and sells efficient and tailored solutions for various applications in industrial automation, engineering machinery, and wind energy.
Its solutions include a wide range of products, such as reduction motors, transmission systems, planetary reduction gearboxes, and frequency converters. These solutions serve many aspects of daily life, including food, roads, clothing, and home lighting.
With five influential brands in the power transmission market, Bonfiglioli is well-equipped to serve its global customers. Over the past 60 years, the company has embraced change and pursued innovation with great enthusiasm.
As a leader in the industry, Bonfiglioli offers a wide range of reduction motors, transmission systems, planetary gearboxes, and frequency converters to meet the demanding application requirements in the fields of industrial automation, engineering machinery, and renewable energy.
7. Donly
Country: China
Founded: 1997
About the company:
Ningbo Donly Co., Ltd. (referred to as “Ningbo Donly” hereafter) was established in 1997 and became publicly listed on the Shenzhen SME Board in 2007. The company is a listed A-share in China’s gear industry.
After two decades of growth, Ningbo Donly has established a diverse and professional business model with a focus on transmission equipment, door control systems, and engineering technology services. The company operates production and manufacturing facilities located in Ningbo Jiangbei Industrial Zone, Ningbo National High-Tech Zone, and Sichuan Chuandeyang, with a total area of 320,000 square meters.
Ningbo Donly Transmission Equipment Co., Ltd., located in Jiangbei Industrial Zone, Ningbo, is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to R&D, production, and service in the gearbox, motor, and transmission device industry. The company is equipped with high-precision and comprehensive gear processing, box processing, heat treatment, physical and chemical testing, and experimental equipment.
Ningbo Donly’s product offerings range from standard gearboxes to special gearboxes and non-standard gearboxes, with power capacities ranging from 0.12 KW micro gearboxes to 10,000 KW high-power heavy-duty gearboxes. The company has established partnerships with many Fortune 500 companies and has a global sales network. In the metallurgical industry, Ningbo Donly has maintained a high domestic market share for many years.
Ningbo Donly Transmission focuses on serving the high-end market with its transmission equipment offerings and provides comprehensive transmission solutions of high quality to its customers. The company adheres to the values of “loyalty, trust, respect, and perfection”, prioritizes value creation, and strives to be a value-leading listed company that integrates manufacturing, industrial management, and capital management.
8. Nord
Country: Germany
Founded: 1965
About the company:
The NORD Group, a transmission equipment manufacturer, was founded in 1965 with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. The company specializes in the production and sales of reducers, motors, and frequency converter equipment.
The NORD Group currently has eight advanced production bases across five continents, providing drive parts to customers around the world. There are 36 branches worldwide offering adequate inventory, assembly, technical support, and customer service. Approximately 4,000 NORD employees provide customized drive solutions to customers globally.
NORD entered the Chinese market in 2005 and has since invested in and established modern assembly and production bases in cities such as Suzhou and Tianjin. In 2019, the number of employees in China was 700. NORD China is dedicated to providing the same quality and fast service as the NORD Group while adhering to a professional business philosophy.
NORD (China) Transmission Equipment Co., Ltd. was established in the Suzhou Industrial Park in 2004, covering an area of 65,000 square meters and consisting of a reducer assembly plant and a motor manufacturer. NORD (Tianjin) Transmission Equipment Co., Ltd., located in the Wuqing Development Zone in Tianjin, covers an area of 12,666 square meters and is comprised of a reducer assembly plant, serving customers in the north.
In addition, NORD China has an advanced high-precision motor laboratory and a modern frequency converter studio for equipment debugging, testing, and maintenance. The company also has two technical service centers and 25 sales companies located in major industrial cities in China.
NORD’s products have been widely used in various industries, including warehousing and logistics, grain, steel, ports, environmental protection, material handling, food and beverage, textile, automobile, airport, tobacco, stage, pharmacy, cement, chemical, and many others.
9. Wangjiang
Country: China
Founded: 1933
About the company:
Chongqing Wangjiang Industry Co., Ltd. (referred to as “the Company”) is a large-scale Class I enterprise directly owned by China Ordnance Equipment Group Co., Ltd. The company was originally founded in Qingyuan County, Guangdong Province in 1933 and later moved to Guojiatuo in Chongqing City in 1938. In 2003, the company underwent a system reform and became Chongqing Wangjiang Industry Co., Ltd.
The company now covers an area of 10.45 square kilometers and has a registered capital of 1.29 billion yuan. With a total asset value of over 6 billion yuan, the company is equipped with more than 2,500 sets of processing and testing equipment and has a strong comprehensive machining manufacturing and production testing capacity.
The company’s headquarters employs over 2,500 employees, including over 1,000 professional and technical personnel, 1 national outstanding talent, 3 technology leaders of the Ordnance Group, and 3 skill leaders, providing strong support for scientific research and production.
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the company has developed and produced dozens of special equipment and has been awarded over 100 awards by superiors, contributing to China’s national defense construction.
The company’s equipment has been used in the 50th anniversary parade of the National Day, the “9.3” parade, and the 90th anniversary parade of the founding of the army, and has honored the Party and the people of the motherland with its presence.
In this new era, the company is market-oriented and has developed wind power gearboxes suitable for different altitudes and land and sea applications, covering 17 provinces and cities in North China, Northeast China, Northwest China, and Southwest China. The company has also produced a variety of special vehicle products, such as dump trucks, semi-trailers, and tank trucks.
These products are sold in over 10 regions, including the Southwest, Northwest, and North China, and the company’s production and sales volume is among the highest in Southwest China.
Through continued and rapid growth, the company has seen an increase in its economic scale and overall strength and has greatly improved its contribution and influence.
10. DHHI
Country: China
About the company:
Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry Group Co., Ltd. (referred to as “Dalian Heavy Industry”) is a publicly listed holding company of Dalian Heavy Industry & Crane Group Co., Ltd. (stock code: 002204) and is a large-scale key enterprise in the national heavy machinery industry.
The company employs over 10,000 people and has a total asset value of nearly 20 billion yuan. Dalian Heavy Industry primarily provides complete technical equipment, high-tech products, and services for various basic industries in the national economy, including metallurgy, ports, energy, mining, engineering, transportation, aerospace, shipbuilding, environmental protection, and others.
The company has formed nine product structures, including metallurgical machinery, lifting machinery, bulk material handling machinery, port machinery, energy machinery, transmission and control systems, marine parts, engineering machinery, and marine machinery.
Dalian Heavy Industry has established “one headquarters and five research and development bases”, covering an area of more than 2 million square meters. The company has the capability for independent research and development of major technical equipment and for electromechanical and hydraulic integration design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and general contracting.
Dalian Heavy Industry has the capability for international operations, and its products are exported to over 90 countries and regions. The company has been recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China as the “National Wind Power Transmission and Control Engineering Technology Research Center”. It has 24 national, provincial, and municipal product awards, and many of its product technologies have reached the world’s advanced level.
To support its scientific research and development efforts, the company has established the National Technology Center, composed of one design and research institute, nine professional design institutes, four research institutes, and three laboratories.
Additionally, the company has established a German Technology Research and Development Center, a postdoctoral workstation, and an academician workstation, creating a comprehensive scientific research and development system.
Selecting Gearbox Manufacturer
When selecting a gearbox manufacturer, several factors should be taken into consideration to ensure you receive the best product and service for your specific needs. These factors include the manufacturer’s product range, industry experience, and quality assurance processes.
Firstly, it is essential to examine the product range offered by the manufacturer. Top manufacturers such as Astro Flight, Inc., NGC, and Sumitomo Drive Technologies provide a diverse array of gearboxes, including helical, marine, micro, spur, and bevel gearboxes. By choosing a manufacturer with an extensive product portfolio, you can ensure that your requirements for power transmission and application-specific features are well catered to.
Another critical aspect to consider is the manufacturer’s industry experience. A well-established gearbox manufacturer typically boasts a rich history of providing reliable and innovative solutions for various applications. For example, Sumitomo Drive Technologies has been in operation for over 130 years, positioning itself as a leading provider of gearmotors, speed reducers, and control products for brands worldwide.
In addition to assessing the company’s experience, evaluating their quality assurance processes is crucial for ensuring the durability and performance of your gearbox. Manufacturers such as Ondrives.US emphasize the importance of backlash ratings, which can vary depending on the gearbox type. Low backlash gearboxes, for example, are ideal for positioning applications that require a specific level of precision. Also, consider evaluating the machining capabilities and assembly processes at the manufacturers’ facilities, as these factors contribute to the overall quality of the product.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider the manufacturer’s ability to cater to your specific needs. Factors such as customization options, lead times, and support services can significantly impact the overall experience and satisfaction when working with a gearbox manufacturer.
In conclusion, selecting the right gearbox manufacturer involves carefully considering and weighing various factors such as product offerings, industry experience, quality assurance practices, and their ability to cater to your unique requirements. By doing so, you can ensure that you receive an optimal gearbox solution that aligns well with your specific needs and applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top global gearbox manufacturers?
Some of the leading global gearbox manufacturers are ZF Friedrichshafen AG, SEW-Eurodrive, NORD Gearbox, Bosch Rexroth, Siemens AG, Bonfiglioli Group, and Dana Brevini. These companies are known for their quality products, innovative solutions, and diverse product offerings catering to various industries.
What types of industries rely on large industrial gearboxes?
Large industrial gearboxes are critical components in numerous industries. Major sectors that rely on them include wind energy, marine propulsion, mining, materials handling, oil and gas, power generation, and heavy-duty transportation. In these industries, gearboxes help transmit power and torque, ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of various equipment.
What features make a gearbox the best in its class?
A best-in-class gearbox typically exhibits the following features:
- High efficiency for reduced energy consumption and long-term cost savings
- Durability and reliability for continuous, demanding operations
- Low noise and vibration levels for better performance and workplace safety
- Compact design, allowing for easy integration into existing systems
- Easy maintenance and accessibility to minimize downtime
- Wide range of customization and configuration options to suit specific applications
How do ZF gearboxes stand out in the market?
ZF gearboxes are renowned for their advanced technology, robust design, and high-quality materials. Some distinguishing factors that set them apart include:
- Extensive research and development leading to innovative, energy-efficient solutions
- A broad product portfolio for various industries and applications
- Tailored and modular designs, ensuring the perfect fit for customers’ requirements
- Global presence and strong technical support network for quick assistance and service
What products and services does NORD Gearbox offer?
NORD Gearbox is a leading provider of drive technology solutions. Their product range encompasses:
- Industrial gear units
- Electric motors
- Variable frequency drives
- Motor starters and drive electronics
They offer comprehensive services, including system development, commissioning, maintenance, and spare parts. NORD Gearbox is known for its customization capabilities, delivering tailored drive solutions to meet specific industry requirements.
What factors should be considered when purchasing gearboxes?
When selecting a gearbox, consider the following factors:
- Power and torque requirements, to ensure efficient and reliable operation
- Application-specific demands, such as environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) and industry standards
- Material and build quality, for long service life and minimum maintenance requirements
- Availability of support and services in your region, for timely maintenance and assistance
- Cost, including the initial purchase price, as well as long-term operating and maintenance expenses
