As the world celebrates the Olympic Games this month, Vesconite Bearings is reminded of a remarkable achievement in its history—the production of the largest bearing it has ever created. 

This colossal bearing, produced in 2016, measured an impressive 16 meters in diameter. To put this in perspective, this is almost the size of the center circle of a soccer pitch, which is 18.30 meters in diameter.

The bearing was supplied in dozens of segments to support a turbine that harnessed energy from ocean tides. One set of segments formed an outside diameter to locate the giant rotating impeller of the turbine. The other set of segments formed a thrust bearing against which the impeller rotated. The comparison to the centre circle of a soccer field offers a tangible way to appreciate the sheer size of this engineering feat.

"Producing such a massive bearing was a significant milestone for us," says Dr Jean-Patrick Leger, CEO at Vesconite Bearings. "It showcased our capability to deliver customized, large-scale solutions for various industries. Each time the Olympics or the Soccer World Cup comes around, we fondly remember the dedication and innovation that went into creating that giant segmented bearing.”

Vesconite Bearings continues to be at the forefront of bearing technology, producing a range of large bearings, many of which are created from staves. The company's commitment to excellence ensures that the bearings meet the demanding requirements of its clients, whether for energy generation, marine applications, or other industrial uses.