SKF USA Inc. is expanding its operations in Flowery Branch as it prepares to close manufacturing facilities in San Diego, Calif., and Baltimore, Md., to improve efficiency and cut costs.

“These activities will strengthen our position in North America, making us more competitive and better able to support our customers by improving the utilization of our manufacturing assets,” Luc Graux, SKF president of bearing operations, said in a statement. “They also provide the foundation for investments in the further development of our manufacturing processes and technologies.”

Some operations will be transferred from SKF’s site in Hanover, Pa., to Flowery Branch, a move that will consolidate production of spherical roller bearings and large size roller bearings into existing manufacturing operations.

Production of rings and seals for the aerospace industry will be relocated to Hanover from SKF’s existing factory in Baltimore.

Investments totaling more than $18 million will be made in upgrading machinery and manufacturing processes in Hanover and Flowery Branch.

Consolidation of all sites is expected to take approximately 18-24 months.