Lignum Vitae: A Time-Tested Solution.

Lignum Vitae North America (LVNA) isn’t just a bearing supplier; we’re stewards of a legacy.

Since Thomas Edison specified its use for the first hydroelectric power plant in 1882, Lignum Vitae – latin for the “tree wood of life” – has been the trusted choice for water-lubricated bearings in the most demanding applications, from the earliest hydroelectric turbines to critical components in naval vessels.

For decades, Lignum Vitae was the gold standard. But the rise of synthetic materials, coupled with misconceptions about its availability, led many industries to explore alternatives. Now, as the limitations of those alternatives become clear – frequent failures, environmental concerns such as PFAs, and rising costs – Lignum Vitae is making a powerful comeback.

LVNA is leading the way back to this proven technology, combining the unmatched natural properties of Lignum Vitae with modern engineering expertise. We’re not just reviving a historical material; we’re re-engineering it for the 21st century, providing sustainable, high-performance bearing solutions for a new generation of challenges.