SKF says the test centre meets new Russian Safety standards and will test axlebox bearings and units according to the test specifications of the Russian market.

"This investment will further strengthen our position as a supplier to Russian Railways (RZD), and provide the local market with high-quality solutions for its rapidly expanding railway infrastructure," says Mr Rutger Barrdahl, president of SKF's Railway Business Unit.

The company's factory at Tver opened in 2010 and produces SKF's latest sealed and pre-lubricated compact tapered bearing units (CTBU) for Russian and international customers.