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SKF's Remarkable Achievement at the Red Dot Design Awards

In a significant boost to its brand presence, SKF has been awarded two prestigious honors at the Red Dot Design Awards 2025 for its updated brand identity. Collaborating with the creative design agency NORD ID from NORD DDB, SKF unveiled its refreshed identity in the spring of this year, aiming to align its visual representation with its rich history and forward-thinking vision.

The recognition from the Red Dot awards, one of the most esteemed design competitions globally, is a testament to SKF's innovative approach. The awards include a category win for the newly developed SKF Display font and the coveted 'Best of the Best' award that celebrates the entire brand update.

Daniel Sjöstrand, Head of Brand at SKF, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "Red Dot is an international mark of excellence in design and business. This accolade speaks volumes about our endeavor to embody what SKF truly represents."

For over a century, SKF has been a leading force in producing solutions that minimize friction across various industries. The rebranding initiative, when strategized with NORD DDB, sought to bridge the gap between SKF's global impact and its public perception, revolving around themes of innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership.

The inspiration for the updated design springs from the company's historic logo, which dates back to 1908. Initially hand-painted by an employee, it has been celebrated through the years as a pivotal piece in the world of design. Martin Andersson, Design Director at NORD ID, elaborated on the project, saying, "We were inspired by how SKF's original logo projected a modern and forward-looking vision that resonates even today. Instead of creating something entirely new, we refined it for the digital landscape while maintaining its character, resulting in a typeface that eloquently communicates SKF's heritage and vibrant personality."

Since the relaunch, the new branding has sparked excitement across design and business communities. Per Nilsson, Director of Group Communication at SKF, remarked, "This updated identity encapsulates the evolution of our business, enhancing our visibility in the industry and enabling us to attract both customers and partners while fostering profitable growth. We aim to garner increasing goodwill among our stakeholders, ranging from customers to investors."

The esteemed Red Dot Design Award ceremony will take place on November 7 at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, Germany, marking a pivotal moment in SKF's journey back to its visionary roots while embracing the future.

With this reimagined identity, SKF is not only preserving its storied past but also paving the way for continued innovation and excellence in the industrial sector.

About the Red Dot Design Award

The Red Dot Design Award is a globally recognized competition that acknowledges outstanding design across various fields. It comprises three distinct categories: Product Design, Brand & Communication Design, and Design Concept, with each segment evaluated annually by a jury of experts to ensure a fair appraisal of creativity and innovation.

A Future of Innovation

Looking ahead, SKF remains poised to take its innovative legacy further, utilizing its new brand identity as a strategic tool for engaging a wider audience and strengthening its position as a leader in the industry.