Schaeffler Australia managing director Andre Kluge said the Belrose facility would provide a technology focus for digitisation initiatives.

"By delivering high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications, the Schaeffler Group is already shaping its globally respected ‘mobility for tomorrow' strategy to a significant degree," he said.

"The operations housed at the new HQ will extend this process by delivering the benefits of this global leadership throughout the Pacific region, reaching out to major industry sectors through specialist engineering and technology groups housed at Belrose and operating nationally.

"These engineering groups - set up to address the needs of major industry groups - are focused on utilising the cost-efficiency, reliability, safety and sustainability benefits of technologies such as Industry 4.0 and digitalisation, including automation, data analytics, machinery future performance visualisation, remaining useful life and self-learning machines."

Schaeffler has already brought its Smart QB and Smartcheck condition monitoring, Sensotect bearings to Australia.

Those bearings contain sensors that transmit their load and condition.

The company has also introduced digitalisation and cloud-based technologies that harness the advantages of Industry 4.0 including Bearinx software and Drive Train 4.0. Those link existing technology with digital services.

Schaeffler CEO Klaus Rosenfeld said Industry 4.0 represented one of the company's major opportunities, alongside E-Mobility.