SeynARIO-P: industrial transformation to boost competitiveness and vehicle electrification

The NTN factory in Seynod, France, near to the company's head office in Annecy, is undergoing a major transformation over five years, with the SeynARIO-P project. An investment plan of 33.6 million euros, supported by France 2030 and the CIMES competitiveness cluster, and co-financed by the State and the European Union to the tune of 5.238 million euros. This funding was granted by Bpifrance, thus recognising the strategic potential of the project for the new mobility industry.

The objective is to make the site a leading industrial centre for the production of high-tech components for electric vehicles, while preserving jobs. By FY30, this initiative aims to increase the turnover of the Seynod site by 50%.

Redevelopment of production lines for electromobility

To respond to the electrification of the automotive market, NTN Europe is reorganising its Seynod site around five strategic product families:

• Eco-designed suspension struts 
• Metallic and ceramic rolling elements 
• Ball screws for electric actuators 
• Integrated electric sensors and motors (eMotor) 
• Third-generation wheel bearings that integrate hub and flange functions for simplified and efficient assembly and precise preload adjustment. These bearings are intended for the aftermarket and new mobility markets.

Together with the complete digitalisation of the site, this will increase competitiveness and strengthen its position in the manufacture of components for new mobility.

Modernisation of processes for a more efficient and sustainable factory

The investment also includes a transformation of industrial resources, based on the digitalisation and automation of processes and the development of skills.

A more environmentally friendly industrial site

As part of its transformation, the Seynod site is implementing concrete measures to reduce the environmental impact of its production:

• Energy optimisation: installation of heat pumps in the workshops and implementation of a condensate recovery system to reduce water consumption. 
• Reduction of industrial waste: clean process enabling a significant reduction in grinding sludge, and use of recyclable aluminium alloys instead of non-recyclable metal-plastic materials. 
• More responsible manufacturing: use of recycled and recyclable materials, production of components without rare earths and copper, and use of bio-based plastics. 
• Relocation of supplies: reduction of CO₂ emissions thanks to manufacturing in France and a network of local suppliers, thus limiting the carbon footprint of transport.

With SeynARIO-P, NTN Europe is placing its Seynod site in a dynamic of innovation and sustainable performance, enabling it to keep pace with developments in the automotive market and meet the challenges of electromobility.