AFAIK the BB is made by Nadax (model "Favorit"), and the cartridge bearings are by *** (and despite the acronym they make very high-quality bearings, originally a German company now world-wide). I recall Nadax as being Swiss and nearly the quality of Edco, but I could be wrong. I sure don't understand what purpose the double-threaded ring adjustable cup serves...but given how thin it is you might be able to just collapse it with some vise grips and avoid the hacksaw altogether. Hmmm, I now see that it has a complete alloy sleeve, maybe the construction isn't as goofy as I first thought. Keep battlin' and good luck!