Lixing General Steel Ball, based in Rugao, signs a cooperation agreement with Jiyou Mingyu in Shanghai. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Shanghai Jiyou Mingyu Machinery Technology, a subsidiary of the well-established Shanghai Electric, and Jiangsu Lixing General Steel Ball signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai on July 8. The partnership between the two industry leaders marks a significant step forward in advancing Rugao's precision manufacturing industry toward greater sophistication and intelligence.

Lixing specializes in the development and production of high-precision bearing steel balls, precision bearing rollers, and high-end silicon nitride ceramic balls. Its products are widely used in key industries such as new energy vehicles, wind power, and aerospace. It is notably the only Chinese company to be included in the procurement systems of all eight global bearing manufacturing giants, including SKF and Schaeffler.

Through this partnership, the two companies will focus on fields such as aerospace-grade miniature bearings and precision steel balls for new energy vehicles. Their joint efforts will target innovation in new bearing steel materials and precision transmission component development.

The collaboration is also expected to attract more innovation resources from the Yangtze River Delta region, promote the clustering of upstream and downstream supporting enterprises, and establish a complete industrial chain from materials R&D to precision manufacturing. By exploring models of joint exhibitions, shared clients, and coordinated after-sales services, the two firms aim to enhance their competitiveness and influence in the global supply chain.