PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 28, 2007 - Kingsbury Inc., the nation’s oldest and most respected manufacturer of babbitted bearings, is pleased to announce the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Bearing Repair & Service facility in Yuba City, CA. The facility, located at 219 Burns Avenue, officially opened for business on March 15, 2007.
Dr. Albert Kingsbury started the company in Philadelphia in 1912 following years of design, testing and manufacturing various types of babbitted bearings. In fact, the original bearings that went into service in a hydroelectric plant on the Susquehanna River in 1912 are still in operation today, with all their original parts.
Babbitted bearings (also called “fluid film” bearings) are widely used in all types of heavy industry where loads are high, including power generation, petrochemical, naval propulsion, and many others. Kingsbury bearings fueled the great western hydroelectric boom in the 1930s and 40s, providing large thrust and journal bearings for projects such as Hoover Dam and Bonneville Dam, which became major catalysts for growth of the American West.
And so, it is fitting that Kingsbury decided, in 2006, to commit to opening a Western US Service facility.
Kingsbury began a marketing research study in May of 2006 to determine where to locate the new operation. The company’s desire was to be in close general proximity to the high population of hydroelectric plants located in Northern California, and the numerous steam and gas plants to the south. After months of searching and evaluating, Kingsbury selected Yuba City.
Kingsbury’s Western US facility will provide expert repair and service of all types of babbitted fluid film bearings; bearing upgrades such as high pressure lift systems, load cells, and spring plate retrofits; 24/7 emergency service; and spin casting up to 120” diameter.
Kingsbury expects to play a significant role in the local economy, and will look to the community and its skilled labor force for support as the work force grows to meet the demand for services.