About Kingsbury
Kingsbury designs, manufactures, and services Fluid Film Bearings that power the world’s most demanding rotating machinery. Since 1912, our innovation, precision, and service have defined bearing performance.
Leading the world in Fluid Film Bearings since 1912.
Kingsbury, Inc. has designed and manufactured tilting-pad hydrodynamic thrust and journal bearings that power the world’s most demanding rotating equipment since 1912. From the first successful fluid-film thrust bearing trial with Professor Albert Kingsbury in a hydro-electric turbine, we’ve expanded our capabilities across lubrication technology, materials, and service support. What sets Kingsbury apart is our full lifecycle approach: engineering and R&D begin every new product invention, our customer service and project management teams provide world-class service, manufacturing precision delivers performance on every project, and aftermarket service ensures durability and operational readiness.
History
Kingsbury’s story began in 1912 when Dr. Albert Kingsbury’s Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing proved its reliability in a Pennsylvania Hydroelectric Plant. The same unit operated for more than a century before its first major overhaul, demonstrating the durability and performance that still define our products today.
From that single installation, Kingsbury set the global standard for hydrodynamic bearing design. Over the years, our engineers expanded from thrust to journal bearings, advancing lubrication methodologies, pad geometry, and materials to meet higher loads and tighter tolerances. The introduction of the Leading-Edge Groove (LEG) design marked a significant milestone, improving oil flow and reducing temperature rise in high-speed applications.
Partnerships with OEMs, utilities, and the U.S. Navy have driven our innovation and manufacturing precision for more than a century. From early hydroelectric turbines and naval vessels to today’s turbomachinery and power systems, Kingsbury bearings continue to deliver predictable performance, long service life, and lower operating costs. Our legacy of engineering leadership remains grounded in data, testing, and continuous improvement, and that same commitment guides every bearing we produce today. Click here to read more about Kingsbury’s history.
Historic Timeline
1910
Kingsbury received U.S. Patent No. 947,242 for the tilting-pad fluid-film thrust bearing.
1912
First Kingsbury bearing installed at Holtwood Hydroelectric Station, proving the concept.
1921
Kingsbury Machine Works founded in Philadelphia.
1940–1942
Kingsbury becomes ASME Honorary Member and earns Navy “E” Production Award during WWII.
1950
University of New Hampshire dedicates Kingsbury Hall in Dr. Albert Kingsbury’s honor.
1967
Kingsbury headquarters relocates to a new facility in Northeast Philadelphia.
1971
Kingsbury opens a dedicated R&D lab with the industry’s largest bearing test rig.
1984
Kingsbury patents the LEG (Leading Edge Groove) thrust bearing, revolutionizing directed lubrication.
1987
ASME designates the Holtwood bearing an International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
1992
Kingsbury opens a Repair & Service facility in Hatboro, Pennsylvania.
2001
Kingsbury receives patent for SSV groove modification to eliminate vibration in direct-lube bearings.
2004
Kingsbury adds Messinger rolling element bearings to its product family for large bearing applications.
2012
Kingsbury celebrates 100 years since the first Holtwood installation, still operating today.
2012
Kingsbury adds a new sales office in Göttingen, Germany.
2012
The company is awarded the Presidential “E” Star Award for continued exporting excellence presented by U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson.
2013–2025
Kingsbury enters a new era of digital innovation, expanding its global presence, advancing sustainability initiatives, and launching a comprehensive website redesign focused on user experience and engineering insight.
Today
Kingsbury remains a leader in hydrodynamic bearings worldwide.
Innovation
Research and Development at Kingsbury
With over a century of field-proven experience, Kingsbury’s R&D Team continues to advance the science of hydrodynamic bearing performance. Our renowned engineering approach combines extensive application data with modern analysis tools to refine bearing designs to meet the demands of today’s high-speed, high-efficiency turbomachinery.
Our R&D mission centers on developing new bearing technologies, enhancing existing products, resolving complex application challenges, and delivering accurate performance modeling.
Using advanced data acquisition and testing systems, Kingsbury Engineers evaluate vibration behavior, pad temperature distribution, and dynamic stability under demanding conditions. These studies have driven innovations such as patented direct lubrication and SSV features that reduce pad flutter, minimize subsynchronous vibration, and extend bearing life.
This commitment to research ensures Kingsbury Bearings continue to set the benchmark for reliability, efficiency, and precision in critical rotating equipment.
Our goal is to best utilize our R&D resources to maintain leadership and technological advantage in the fluid-film industry.
Company Leadership
Michael J. Brawley
President & CEO
Michael J. Brawley is Kingsbury’s President & CEO. Mr. Brawley is the seventh President since Albert Kingsbury incorporated the business in 1921.
Brawley has been with Kingsbury since 1985, holding various positions in the Sales department including Sales Applications Engineer and Domestic Sales Manager. In 2003, he was asked to head Kingsbury Magnetic Bearings (KMB) Division. Following the sale of KMB, he took over the company’s Repair & Service Division in 2008. In July 2016, he was named Chief Operating Officer, and was responsible for Kingsbury’s stateside operations in Philadelphia, PA, Oshkosh, WI, and Yuba City, CA.
Brawley holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Widener University, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University, and an MBA from Colorado State University. He was elected by the Board of Directors of Kingsbury to the role of President & CEO, in March 2017.
Mick McCann
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Mick McCann is Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. McCann started at Kingsbury in 1994 as a Sales Applications Engineer responsible for customers in the southeast United States. In 1998, McCann’s responsibilities were expanded to include Far East Asia. By 2003, he became responsible for the management of the Domestic Sales staff and was appointed Director of Sales & Marketing in May 2007, taking responsibility for Kingsbury’s worldwide sales effort. Since that time, McCann has made regular visits to worldwide customers to cultivate Kingsbury’s business interests.
McCann holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University and an MBA from St. Joseph’s University.
In April 2010, the Board of Directors appointed Mick Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and an Officer of the Company.
Dr. Morched Medhioub
Managing Director, Kingsbury GmbH
Lou Krajewski
Director of Engineering
Lou Krajewski is Kingsbury’s Director of Engineering. Lou began his career at Kingsbury in 2009 as a Design Engineer responsible for hydrodynamic bearing designs in highly engineered applications. Since then, Lou’s role has grown to support a wide variety of hydrodynamic bearing applications in both fossil and hydroelectric power generation as well as petrochemical and process machinery. Lou has traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia to educate users and provide on-site technical support of Kingsbury’s products. In addition to his role as Design Engineer, Lou has held several roles at Kingsbury including Assistant Chief Engineer and Chief Engineer. Lou was appointed as Director of Engineering in July 2025 and is now responsible for Engineering, Design, Research & Development and Field Service activities.
Lou holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Temple University and a Masters of Materials Science and Engineering degree from North Carolina State University. Lou is an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and regularly speaks on the subjects of bearing design, maintenance and new research at technical symposia and user groups throughout the world.
Sean T. O’Hara
Chief Financial Officer
Sean T. O’Hara serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Kingsbury, Inc. He holds Officer status within the company and is a member of the President’s Council, Finance and Audit Committee, and Retirement Benefits Committee.
He commenced his tenure with Kingsbury, Inc. over 35 years ago. As Chief Financial Officer, he oversees the company’s financial operations, including Accounting, Treasury, Audit, and Financial Analysis. His responsibilities also extend to Human Resources, Information Technology, and Logistics Management, and he makes substantial contributions to the organization’s strategic planning initiatives.
Sean O’Hara has been a transformative force at Kingsbury, driving strategic initiatives that have strengthened the company’s financial and operational foundation. He played a pivotal role in implementing the ISO 9001 quality management system and led the deployment of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, enhancing efficiency and performance. O’Hara also developed a tax optimization model for U.S. exporters, which led to the formation of a foreign business corporation where he serves as Treasurer. In 2010, he established an LLC to manage Kingsbury’s real estate assets, focusing on asset protection and tax efficiency, and continues to oversee all related transactions, construction financing, and operations. His leadership was further demonstrated in 2019 when he was appointed to lead a critical turnaround at a California operating site. In 2024, he was responsible for leading the AI initiative, facilitating collaboration and achieving the project’s objectives.
Beyond his corporate achievements, O’Hara is deeply engaged in community and educational leadership. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Holy Ghost Preparatory School, where he chairs the Audit Committee and contributes to the Executive and Finance Committees. He previously held similar roles at Holy Family University, including Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Executive, Finance, and Investment Committees. Additionally, O’Hara served as President of the Yardley Makefield Soccer Club, supporting youth development through sports. His broad expertise and commitment to excellence continue to make a lasting impact both within and beyond the organization.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. In addition, he has earned certifications in corporate development strategies, artificial intelligence strategies, real estate financing, human resources management, sustainable enterprise development, executive business management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Joy Johnson
Executive Secretary
Joy L. Johnson joined Kingsbury in August 2013 as Executive Secretary, providing support to the President & CEO, Board of Directors, Shareholders, and Executive Leadership Team. Ms. Johnson brings more than twenty-five years of experience in Corporate Secretarial services, governance, and board liaison roles, along with extensive experience supporting executive teams and boards of directors. She was appointed an Officer of the Company and serves as Corporate Secretary of Kingsbury, Inc., a position she has held since July 2017. Ms. Johnson has also achieved a Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise Executive Education & Development (SEED), reflecting her commitment to responsible governance and sustainable business practices.
Sustainability
Kingsbury treats climate challenge as a shared responsibility. We are actively engaged in reducing GHG emissions from our operations and applying our engineering expertise to build a business that supports renewable energy efforts and we aim to become a Green Energy Company by 2035. Learn how we are putting this into action.
Interesting in Joining Kingsbury?
At Kingsbury, collaboration is part of our daily rhythm. Whether you’re on the shop floor or in the office, you’ll find people who are committed to the work and respectful of the people doing it. We value honesty, accountability, and a workplace where people enjoy showing up. Explore our open roles or reach out to Lindsey Reiter in HR at LMR@kingsbury.com to learn more.