BOWMAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP: ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE IN MOTION

In the world of precision engineering, reliability and performance are non-negotiable. Across industries as diverse as automotive, renewable energy, agriculture, marine, mining, and heavy industry, engineers depend on solutions that keep machines running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. For decades, Bowman International Group has been at the forefront of delivering just that—innovative bearing technologies and engineering services that power productivity across the globe.  

A Legacy of Engineering Expertise

Founded in 1972, Bowman International has grown from a trusted UK-based bearing distributor into a globally recognised engineering group. With a reputation built on technical expertise, innovation, and customer service, the company now serves thousands of businesses in over 60 countries.

At its core, Bowman specialises in plain bearings, rolling-element bearings, and bearing technologies that deliver extended service life, reduced maintenance, and cost savings. The company’s in-house engineering teams work closely with clients to solve real-world challenges, often developing bespoke bearing solutions that outperform conventional alternatives.  

Market Overview

The global bearing industry is experiencing solid demand, supported by ongoing investment in renewable energy, transport electrification, and infrastructure development. While mature markets in Europe and North America continue to value technical excellence and reliability, emerging economies are driving much of the growth through industrial expansion and automation.

According to Bowman, the market is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Customers are no longer simply seeking bearings, but complete engineering solutions that improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and align with sustainability goals.

Bearing Industry Trends

Across sectors, several key trends are shaping the future of bearing technology:

  • Advanced materials and composites are reducing friction and extending service life.
  • Predictive maintenance and sensor integration are improving reliability and performance monitoring.
  • Sustainability and circular design are becoming vital considerations, with growing demand for recyclable materials and energy-efficient manufacturing.
  • Localised supply and support are increasingly important as companies seek resilient, responsive partners.  

Bowman has embraced these shifts by investing in R&D, expanding local technical support, and introducing new bearing materials that meet both environmental and operational demands.  

Other Bowman services.

Bowman has expanded its sintering capabilities which offer competitive prices and low tooling costs for difficult structural parts. Our 3D printing capabilities have also been expanded by now being able to offer 3D printing in various metals. 

Outlook to Year End 2025 and into 2026

Looking ahead, Bowman expects steady global growth across most industrial sectors. Demand for plain and composite bearings is set to rise as equipment operators prioritise durability, ease of maintenance, and reduced carbon footprint. With innovation and partnership at its core, Bowman International Group is well positioned to continue leading this evolution—providing smarter, more sustainable solutions that keep the world’s industries moving.

Innovation that Extends Service Life

Bowman’s plain bearings are widely recognised for their durability and efficiency in demanding applications. Manufactured from advanced composite materials and engineered to withstand heavy loads, high speeds, and harsh conditions, these products reduce downtime and enhance overall machine reliability.

But what truly sets Bowman apart is its commitment to continuous innovation. From developing unique materials that lower friction and resist wear, to designing bearings that simplify assembly and reduce maintenance, the company constantly reimagines what’s possible in motion technology

Engineering Partnerships that Add Value

Unlike many suppliers who simply ship parts, Bowman acts as an extension of its customers’ engineering teams. Its application specialists and design engineers bring decades of experience to every project, ensuring that bearing solutions are optimised not just for performance, but for cost-efficiency and sustainability too.

This collaborative approach is particularly valuable in industries where downtime is costly. By analysing wear patterns, operating conditions, and maintenance schedules, Bowman helps its customers achieve significant gains in reliability and productivity. The result: fewer breakdowns, lower running costs, and longer-lasting equipment.

Serving Global Industries

Bowman International Group’s products can be found everywhere—from wind turbines and agricultural machinery to construction equipment, marine systems, and mining operations. In each case, the company delivers tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of the sector:

  • Renewable Energy – Bearings designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions, supporting the efficiency and longevity of wind power installations.
  • Automotive and Motorsport – High-performance solutions that reduce friction and improve reliability under intense operating conditions.
  • Heavy Industry and Construction – Bearings capable of enduring extreme loads and harsh environments, ensuring maximum uptime for critical equipment.
  • Marine – Corrosion-resistant bearings that thrive in saltwater environments, improving the reliability of propulsion, steering, and auxiliary systems.
  • Agriculture – Long-life solutions that reduce maintenance and keep vital machinery running during peak seasons.
  • Mining – Robust bearings that withstand shock loads, abrasive conditions, and extreme forces in one of the toughest operating environments on earth.

Global Reach, Local Support

While Bowman’s headquarters remain in the UK, its reach is truly global. Through an extensive distributor network and international offices (new operation recently established in North America), the company provides localised support to customers wherever they operate. This ensures not only rapid delivery but also technical expertise on hand, whenever and wherever it’s needed.

The Bowman Promise

For more than 50 years, Bowman International Group has combined engineering expertise, product innovation, and customer partnership to become a trusted name in bearing technology. Whether it’s solving a complex design challenge, reducing maintenance costs, or supplying high-quality components at scale, Bowman continues to be the partner of choice for engineers worldwide.

Engineering excellence. Lasting reliability. Global reach. That’s the Bowman promise.