Schaeffler Romania: Transformation is the key word to describe the automotive market in 2019

Schaeffler Romania is one of the largest and most solid companies in Brasov, with a well-trained team and large investments in R&D.

The year 2012 marks the inauguration of one of their most modern Engineering Centres in Brasov. This was an important step in the company’s development strategy, by adding value to the production processes.

It meant strengthening the position of “shared service R&D” worldwide within the Schaeffler Group, but also for other external customers. The engineering centre currently operates with over 200 engineers and has competencies in areas such as: Product Design, Technical Calculation, Technical Analysis, CAD Methods, CAE Software Programming, Design and Development of New Concepts.

In October 2018, Schaeffler Romania marked the transition to a new level, with its new Testing Centre, which added an important activity into the product validation process.

Schaeffler initiated and developed, together with other companies in the area and with the support of the authorities, the German Vocational School Kronstadt, which offers students the opportunity of professional trainings. “Young people learn – in the most modern and efficient conditions – the technical trades sought on the labour market, thus being qualified after graduating for a professional life in companies with the most modern technologies,” according to Schaeffler representatives.

Transformation – the key word for the automotive market in 2019 

For Schaeffler, the key word to describe the state of the automotive market in 2019 is “transformation”.

“Transformation comes very fast because of the increasing speed of evolution in the industry, as pressure grows on innovation. In the context of this transformation, we are also impacted by the new legislative norms regarding the pollution levels of the internal combustion engines, but it is also an opportunity for new solutions and technologies,” Schaeffler says.

The dynamic automotive market, particularly the increased speed to bring innovative products to the market in the shortest time, sets the challenges at the production level. In this context, global trends are what guide this process. Schaeffler Group details in its strategy the trends that shape the company’s activity and development, such as electrification, globalization, urbanization, and pollution reduction.

Schaeffler Romania produces components for the engines and transmissions of millions of cars worldwide. For example, their RSTO tappets are going into 20 million engines every year and the company’s variable camshaft timers are used in the Ford Eco Boost 1L engine and also in engines of Ferrari, VW, Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Volvo, and GM. Also, the tripod rollers from Schaeffler Romania are equipping cars that include Bugatti and the 918 Porsche Spyder.

The company is also working on R&D solutions in order to make a contribution to all forms of future mobility.

Schaeffler Romania concentrates on four areas: environmental-friendly drives, urban mobility, interurban mobility, and the energy chain. It also believes that within the next few years, all vehicles and machines will be connected with each other via the Internet of Things.

Schaeffler Romania is looking for R&D specialists in areas that range from mechanical and electrical design to technical computation, testing, software programmers, technical analysis and many more.

The entry level for engineers can start from a fresh graduate, as the company has different training programmes, and end as a specialist in different areas.

More than 400 students take part in Schaeffler’s educational programmes in Romania every year.

The Schaeffler Group is an automotive and industrial supplier. The technology company generated sales of almost 14 billion Euro in 2017. With more than 92,000 employees, Schaeffler owns manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies in 50 countries.

Since 2002, Schaeffler Romania in Brasov has been manufacturing components for the automotive industry and bearings for industrial applications.

(From the print edition)