United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Market Size

The United Kingdom sliding bearing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2025 and 2034.

United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Market Outlook

• According to the ‘Research on Long-Term Passenger Demand Growth’, the growth potential for railway journeys is 97 per cent in 2050 compared to the pre-pandemic level, which creates a lucrative market for sliding bearings used in rails.

• As per the industry reports, in 2024, almost half of the trains in the UK have been replaced or upgraded in the past ten years, which provided a flourishing opportunity for sliding bearings.

• Alstom announced its partnership with SLC Rail in March 2024 to establish a new open access rail venture connecting North Wales, Shropshire, the Midlands, and London.

United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Market Growth

The growing usage of sliding bearings in the railway sector, rapid advancements in the automotive sector, and increased investment in the infrastructure are some of the crucial market drivers. The automotive sector is a major end-user of sliding bearings and advancements and expansions in this sector boost the demand for high-end bearings that provide both longevity and accuracy.

The demand for sliding bearings remains steady due to the continuous requirement for maintenance and replacement of industrial machinery. The ageing infrastructure of numerous industrial plants and equipment throughout the United Kingdom necessitates regular upgrades, which frequently involve the replacement of bearings.

There is also a growing trend towards developing new materials and composites for sliding bearings, to reduce weight, improve load capacity, and increase resistance to environmental factors like corrosion and extreme temperatures.

United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Industry Segmentation

“United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Bearing Type

• Linear

• Thrust

• Radial

• Angular Contact

• Others

Market Breakup by Material

• Metallic

• Non-Metallic 

Market Breakup by Railway Type

• Locomotive

• Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU)

• Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) 

• Coach

• Wagon

• Light Rail and Metro

• High-Speed Train

Market Breakup by Application

• Engine

• Brakes 

• Bogie 

• Interior

• Exterior

Market Breakup by Region

• England

• Wales

• Scotland

• Northern Ireland

United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Market Share

Based on bearing type, the market is divided into linear, thrust, radial, and angular contact, among others. Radial bearings are expected to witness significant growth, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% between 2-24-2032 as these bearings are specifically designed to bear loads that are perpendicular to the axis of rotation. They find extensive use in various applications such as automotive engines, transmissions, industrial machinery, and electric motors, among others. Their adaptability and ability to withstand substantial radial loads also make them an essential component in a wide range of mechanical systems.

Leading Companies in the United Kingdom Sliding Bearing Market

The market players are developing sliding bearings with advanced materials to gain a competitive edge in the market.

• Schaeffler AG

• SKF AB

• NTN Corp.

• Timken Co.

• THK Co., Ltd.

• RBC Bearings Inc.

• igus Inc.

• MinebeaMitsumi Inc.

• Saint-Gobain S.A.

• Others

Key Highlights of the Report