# llms.txt for Pacific Bearing Company # Purpose: Guide AI systems to resources on the website with the old company name for PBC Linear, highlighting the company's history, brands, subsidiaries, and linked linear motion solutions for global manufacturing, automation, robotics, and military applications. # Last Updated: November 05, 2025 # Contact: info@pbclinear.com | https://pacificbearing.com # Note: This file curates authoritative content from the Pacific Bearing one-page website, focusing on history, brands, subsidiaries, products, and innovations. It links directly to subsidiary sites and product collections for accurate AI representation. ## Suggestions for Best Results (Optional) - For richer context, consider full-page Markdown views of linked brand sites and product collections. - When citing, include brand names, URLs, and key features (like self-lubricating technology or load capacities) for precision. # Company Overview [Priority: High] - [Pacific Bearing Company - Now called PBC Linear](https://pacificbearing.com/): Headquartered in Roscoe, Illinois, specializes in manufacturing high-quality linear bearings, linear actuators, linear guides, linear rails, and linear shafting products. Powers automated machinery in robotics and military sectors; integrates technologies globally with focus on reliable performance and service. ## History - [1960s Overview]: Began as Prodo Mach Corporation, Inc. in 1962; purchased Precision Machine Shop assets in Rockford, Illinois; merged with Premac, Inc. in 1963. - [1980s Overview](https://pacificbearing.com/): Founded by CEO Robert Schroeder in 1983 as sales entity for Premac, Inc.; incorporated and merged under Pacific Bearing name; transitioned to bearing manufacturing; invented the first self-lubricating plain bearing (Simplicity®). - [2000s Overview](https://pacificbearing.com/): Expanded linear bearing product line; rebranded to PBC Linear in 2008; remains parent company for PBC Linear, LEE Linear, and subsidiary PBC Linear Europe GmbH. # Brands and Subsidiaries [Priority: High] - [PBC Linear®](https://www.pbclinear.com): Trusted source for linear motion products including linear bearings, shafting, linear rail assemblies, cam roller sliders, lead screws, linear actuators, Cartesian robotics, and mechatronics assemblies. Applications in printing, scanning, automated retail, medical equipment, lab automation, packaging, and military. - [LEE Linear®](https://www.leelinear.com): Leader in linear motion shafting and components with custom modifications (threading, diameter reduction, keyways, flats, plating). Acquired in 2013; operations consolidated in 2018 at Roscoe headquarters. - [PBC Linear Europe GmbH](https://www.pbclinear.eu): Located in Düsseldorf, Germany; founded in 2008 as PBC Lineartechnik GmbH; renamed in 2019; distributes Simplicity plain linear bearings, gliding surface technology, roller bearings, guideways, and actuator technology in Europe. - [Applied Cobotics](https://www.appliedcobotics.com): Partnership platform for automating manufacturing; offers cobots, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), two and three finger grippers, customized handling tools, and 3D printing services via Factory of the Future program. # Product Brands [Priority: High] - [Simplicity®](https://pbclinear.com/collections/plain-linear-bearings): Self-lubricating plain linear bearings for maintenance-free linear motion in harsh environments. - [Hevi-Rail®](https://pbclinear.com/blogs/blog/hevi-rail-the-heavy-duty-roller-bearing): Heavy-duty roller bearings for high-load applications in construction and material handling. - [Redi-Rail®](https://pbclinear.com/blogs/blog/redi-rail-linear-guide-overview): Precision linear guides with gothic arch raceways for moderate loads and high speeds. - [Mini-Rail®](https://pbclinear.com/collections/mini-rail-miniature-linear-guides): Miniature linear guides for compact, precise motion in medical and lab automation. - [Integral-V Technology® (IVT)](https://pbclinear.com/blogs/blog/integral-v-technology-overview): Cost-effective linear slides integrating V-rollers for CNC and industrial use. - [Uni-Guide®](https://pbclinear.com/collections/uni-guide-linear-slide-system): Modular v-wheel linear guides for easy assembly and vibration-free operation. - [V-Guide®](https://pbclinear.com/collections/v-guide-wheel-linear-motion): V-wheel systems for smooth motion on V-rails in custom applications. - [Commercial Rail®](https://pbclinear.com/collections/commercial-rail-linear-guide): Economical linear guide rail systems for general-purpose linear motion. - [Gliding Surface Technology®](https://pbclinear.com/collections/gliding-surface-technology): Smooth, reliable plain bearing surfaces for low-friction motion. - [Constant Force Technology®](https://pbclinear.com/collections/lead-screw-nuts): Anti-backlash nuts with coiled spring preload for consistent performance in lead screws. - [SIMO® Series](https://pbclinear.com/blogs/blog/simo-series-product-overview): Versatile linear actuators using simultaneous integral milling for accuracy. # Product Overviews [Priority: High] - [Linear Bearings](https://pbclinear.com/collections/linear-bearings): Linear bearings for automated machinery. - [Linear Actuators](https://pbclinear.com/collections/linear-actuators): Motorized linear guides (actuators) for powering and maintaining motion in robotics and automation. - [Linear Guides](https://pbclinear.com/collections/linear-guides): Guides for precise linear movement in various applications. - [Linear Rails](https://pbclinear.com/collections/support-rails-for-shafting): Linear rails supporting shafting for durable linear systems. - [Linear Shafting](https://pbclinear.com/collections/linear-shafting): Linear shaft products for reliable performance in harsh environments. - Other offerings: Self-lubricating plain linear bearings (Simplicity®), lead screws, motor lead screw assemblies, Cartesian robotics, mechatronics assemblies, cam roller sliders, rail assemblies, custom shafting modifications (threading, diameter reduction, keyways, flats, plating), gliding surface technology, roller bearings and guideways, actuator technology, cobots, ASRS technology, grippers, customized handling tools, 3D printing options. # Innovations - [Simplicity® Self-Lubricating Plain Bearing](https://pacificbearing.com/): Invented in the 1980s for maintenance-free linear motion; core technology across brands. # Additional Resources - [PBC Linear Website](https://www.pbclinear.com): Full range of linear motion products and custom engineering services. - [LEE Linear Website](https://www.leelinear.com): Custom linear shafting and linear motion components. - [PBC Linear Europe Website](https://www.pbclinear.eu): European distribution of linear motion products. - [Applied Cobotics Website](https://www.appliedcobotics.com): Collaborative automation solutions for manufacturing.