Timken Gift Marks 75 Years of Distributor's Trust

3/16/2010 - Few distributors can match family-owned Jamaica Bearings' long history with Timken and deep appreciation of the company brand.

The one-man business that Frank Negri started from a garage in Jamaica, N.Y., in 1934 has been a Timken distributor since 1940. Seventy years later, the signed notification allowing Jamaica Bearings to carry the Timken® brand still hangs on a wall at the company's headquarters.

When Jamaica Bearings recently marked its 75th anniversary, Timken presented a plaque to Frank's son, Peter, who is now president and chief executive officer of the company. The plaque reads "Jamaica Bearings, Celebrating 75 years, Congratulations, Timken." It rests on a framed antiqued copy of Henry Timken's original tapered rolling bearing patent.

Bob Daniel, general sales manager - NA - distribution management, said the custom-made plaque recognizes the companies' lengthy shared history.

"Timken's relationship with this customer has been extraordinary, and we wanted to recognize Jamaica Bearings' loyalty," Bob said. "We share many of their business values - a commitment to independence, a family tradition of involvement and a focus on serving customers - and we appreciate their trust in us over the years."

Frank Negri bought the distributor from a brother for $200. Early on, Frank considered Timken a primary brand, according to Gregory Harvey, principal sales representative in Timken's office in Philadelphia. "He also enjoyed being associated with Timken because of its reputation as an ethical company," said Gregory, who has called on Jamaica Bearings for most of his 33 years with Timken.

Although Jamaica Bearings' revenue has grown significantly since the days when the only employee was Frank's wife, the company is still family-controlled. It has moved from Jamaica to New Hyde Park on Long Island, but remains a bearing specialist. About 95 percent of its estimated $100 million annual revenue comes from bearing sales.

"Jamaica Bearings really is special," Gregory said. "They've survived by being the best at what they do. They've maintained family control. Peter's son, Brian, is now a manager in the business, and the employees include many relatives by birth and marriage. Jamaica Bearings maintains business traditions, such as requiring visitors to wear a shirt and tie."

Jamaica Bearings is consistently one of Timken's largest customers for products used in the aerospace, transit and government markets, according to Gregory. In 2006, the company was renamed Jamaica Bearings Group to reflect aerospace, precision products and kitting subsidiaries.