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No power train without Miba technology

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36<br />

Research & Development<br />

<strong>Miba</strong> consistently develops its product portfolio further through market-oriented innovations.<br />

Targeted innovation secures <strong>Miba</strong>’s competitive strength for the long term. The<br />

strategic focus is on product and <strong>technology</strong> leadership as the basis for profitable growth.<br />

Working together with customers, <strong>Miba</strong> develops new solutions at competitive prices.<br />

In-house R&D operations are complemented by collaboration with universities and other<br />

research institutions. In this cooperation, <strong>Miba</strong> focuses on exploring components for more<br />

efficient or alternative <strong>power</strong> <strong>train</strong>s, particularly materials and processes for their production.<br />

In the 2009-2010 business year, <strong>Miba</strong> invested EUR 18.7 million in R&D. Research thus<br />

comprises approximately six percent of total sales volume. This area employed 150 people.<br />

The key R&D sites are Laakirchen, Vorchdorf and Roitham. The results of development are<br />

protected through new patent applications. The number of patent applications increased<br />

by seven percent in the 2009-2010 business year.<br />

Innovative engine bearing solutions<br />

<strong>Miba</strong> Bearing Group focused its research and development activities in 2009-2010 on the<br />

further development of bearings resistant to heavy oil for medium-speed diesel engines.<br />

A new lead-free bearing solution with electroplated tin running layer for trucks is being<br />

developed. Along with the expansion of the range of materials to include aluminum and<br />

copper alloys, electroplated backside coating of the bearing shell to improve installation is<br />

also a key focus. In order to meet the demands of coming generations of engines, <strong>Miba</strong><br />

has begun the process of qualifying new materials. These developments move forward in<br />

close cooperation with our customers, who are highly prominent engine and vehicle manufacturers.<br />

New generations of bearings make it possible to comply with new environmental

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