Sustainability
Energy Efficient Operations, Driven by Employees
Sustainability investments positively impact the environment and drive global business forward. Timken recently doubled its capital investment to fund programs that increase efficiency and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its global facilities. The target: reduce aggregate Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity by 50% by 2030.
Backed by a culture of innovation and problem-solving, Timken already reduced its emissions intensity by over 40% as of December 31, 2024 — off of a 2018 baseline. Cross-functional teams around the world continue to advance operational efficiency through strategic equipment upgrades, energy savings, and waste-reduction initiatives — delivering meaningful benefits for the planet, customers, and communities.
“Our team is at the heart of Timken’s sustainability journey,” said Andy Dillon, director of European manufacturing and supply chain at Timken. “Our best efficiency improvement ideas and insights come directly from those closest to the work.”
“Our team is at the heart of Timken’s sustainability journey. Our best efficiency improvement ideas and insights come directly from those closest to the work.”
Andy Dillon, director, manufacturing and supply chain – Europe
Efficiency starts with equipment — and employees
Across its global footprint, Timken empowers employee-led committees to identify opportunities for sustainable capital investment. These cross-functional groups regularly propose and implement equipment upgrades that reduce energy use and emissions while supporting productivity and performance.
In Romania, Timken is upgrading HVAC systems to repurpose heat generated by air compressors to warm administrative offices in colder months. The project is based on a similar upgrade previously made to the Timken manufacturing facility in Poland, which is currently investing in new filtration pump technology to substantially reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions. In China, another Timken facility repurposes heat from furnaces used in the bearing heat treatment process to warm the plant.
According to Dillon, these improvements are as valuable to customers as they are to Timken’s own operations.
“In many industries we serve, sustainability is a key differentiator,” Dillon said. “Customers partner with suppliers with strong programs to help meet their own sustainability goals. We take a holistic approach to our program — regional investments in Europe are part of a broader sustainability ecosystem across our global footprint.”
For example, in the U.S., plant management, EHS, finance and sourcing teams recently worked together to implement new chiller and cooling tower solutions that cut energy consumption and emissions. The new equipment also elevates productivity and shortens customer lead times at the company’s largest North American manufacturing facility.
Timken leveraged its strategic relationship with a sustainability-focused supplier to identify the right solution, which is expected to reduce emissions by 6,200 metric tons of CO2eq. annually. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator (epa.gov), that’s the equivalent of taking more than 800 homes off the grid.
The Team Driving Greater Sustainability
Energy-efficient solutions positively impact the environment, improve operational efficiency and deliver value to customers. Global Timken team members with diverse expertise are behind every sustainability win.
Aaron Mills, area manager, support services, Lebanon, N.H.
Cut energy use by 22% over six years through equipment upgrades
“Energy efficiency enables a more efficient plant that provides a better work environment for employees. Reducing our consumption also provides cleaner air, produces less greenhouse gas emissions and cuts waste going to treatment facilities.”
Vamanamoorthy. H, head – ESG & CI, strategic projects, Chennai, India
Achieved 25% energy savings by investing in new energy-efficient HVAC fan and chiller technologies
“Our sustainability ideas come through employee workshops. We are always working on sustainable initiatives that benefit everyone.”
Roxana Susnea, plant controller, Ploiesti, Romania
Cut emissions related to heating and cooling by 178 metric tons CO2e annually
“Our journey toward energy-efficient manufacturing is more than a technical upgrade. It’s a strategic investment in people, performance, and the planet.”
Daniel Wang, China EHS leader and EHS manager, Wuxi, China
Reduced electricity consumption by 305,424 kWh using heat from furnaces to warm the facility
“Timken is a real player for energy saving and GHG reduction. It creates a greener supply chain for customers, a strong sense of belonging for employees and profitability improvements for our company.”
Josh Campbell, strategic sourcing specialist, Timken World Headquarters, Ohio, United States
Connects local facility teams with strategic vendors focused on sustainable solutions
“I love working for an ethical company and appreciate that we consider sustainability in all our purchasing decisions. Every equipment investment is an opportunity to move us forward.”
Rickie Helms, area facilities manager, Lincolnton, N.C., United States
Implemented new chillers that lower emissions and a recycling program that eliminates waste to landfill from the bearing grinding process
“We’re a collaborative team, network well across operations and really stick with a problem until it’s solved. We also plan ahead. We knew our chillers would need replaced at some point and started early to find the best solution.”
Tapping renewable energy and conserving resources
In India, sunny conditions make solar a highly accessible energy source. Timken harnesses this renewable energy through onsite solar arrays at each of its India-based manufacturing facilities.
Existing solar capacity is being expanded at all the company’s facilities in India, while its location in Chennai is already drawing almost 87% of its electricity from renewable sources through rooftop solar combined with wind and solar energy procured from third-party providers. The location joins other global Timken facilities in sourcing 100% of its electrical needs from renewables.
Water conservation is another key priority. In the U.S., one facility reduced its water usage 70% over six years by deploying smart technologies that monitor and regulate flow across production lines. A facility in China decreased their water consumption by over 60% in less than two years through six different conservation measures. The result: greater water conservation.
In India, Timken is investing in similar conservation strategies. A zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) system at one facility will reduce the need for freshwater by 12 kiloliters (3,170 gallons) per day. All India sites also use rainwater harvesting and recharge systems that help prevent local flooding and store water for later use.
According to Dillon these employee-driven sustainability initiatives do more than save energy and resources, they make Timken a great place to work.
“Our rigor and teamwork on sustainable operations demonstrates long-term thinking and responsible leadership — qualities that attract professionals looking for career growth and retain great people who are committed to problem solving.”
Timken designs sustainability into all aspect of its operations, from manufacturing processes to product design. Learn more about the company’s Sustainable Engineering Process and technical contributions to more sustainable transportation.
Published: 2025/05/5