At the end of 2021, Schatz Bearing celebrated its 40th year in business and has seen continuous growth since, with a bright future ahead. The company was founded in December 1981, at that time only making ABEC 1 and unground bearings. Throughout their years in business, they have weathered the ups and downs of the SARS outbreak, the financial crisis in the late 1990s, 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus on continuous improvement has led to steady growth for Schatz.
At all levels, the company has completely transformed since the days the doors first opened. Maintaining state-of-the-art equipment and keeping up with technological improvements have been key. The material that is used, gaging, size range, and precision levels have all improved to accommodate the requirements of numerous product lines, including aerospace bearings, space bearings, bearings for semiconductor equipment, medical bearings, and custom bearings. Personnel changes, with a strong focus on engineering, have helped to expand the capabilities and the workforce has been instrumental in the forward movement of the company, positioning them as experts in the field of precision ball bearings.
Bearings made in the USA are very important to founder, Steve Pomeroy, and the company has maintained that all bearings be made in their production facility in Poughkeepsie, NY. Current capabilities range up to ABEC 7 tolerances with a size range from 4mm ID to 350mm OD. With improved product capabilities their client base has grown tremendously. Developing product for aerospace customers includes rigorous attention to detail and the ability to prove that the product is truly reliable, the performance standards are set very high, as they should be. Schatz Bearing is proud to have received the Boeing Performance of Excellence Award for 7 consecutive years, an accolade they continue to strive for. They have achieved a greatly expanded approval base for Military Standard (MS) bearings and have developed a long-lasting business relationship in this regard.
The Mars Rover scouts the surface of the planet Mars. The mechanical arm that operates using Schatz bearings brings pride to the company. Thus, proving their qualifications in the field, they have become an approved supplier to several major space companies. There is a clear focus to exceed customer expectations by being flexible and responsive.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to everyone; Schatz is no different. Manufacturers have been faced with supply chain problems, severely delayed parts, employee sicknesses, canceled purchase orders, open positions that are tough to fill, and the list continues. Schatz Bearing has worked hard to navigate the onslaught of unknowns and has been able to maintain its workflow and production. Learning how to handle the ever-changing landscape is a necessary tool for all businesses to survive. Customers that they have retained since 1981, including their very first, have learned that they can depend on Schatz to be versatile in our uncertain world.
Schatz has built strong relationships and an exceptional reputation throughout the industries that they serve. With a tenacious desire to expand their capabilities and support their customers, they continue to develop their product lines to fill the needs of the market. From around the world, they receive custom bearing requests and spend a great deal of time producing and testing prototypes. All of this work aids in their effort to broaden their offering and expand to other industries.
Every customer that has helped them to grow over the last 40 years is greatly appreciated. Schatz looks forward to continuing those partnerships in the next 40 years and beyond. Thank you.
CONTACT: Nick Kolar
Business Development Manager
616-540-5894
