Akebono Brake Corp. says it will continue to manufacture its entire ultra-premium ceramic disc brake pad line in the U.S., a strategy which provides exclusive control of its production processes.
The company says making its ceramic brake pads 100% in the U.S. enable it maintain superior quality and proprietary control throughout the manufacturing process, a valuable advantage over its competitors who manufacture their products in low-cost countries.
“Akebono’s fully-validated braking solutions follow the most stringent quality standards, enabling us to have exclusive control of our manufacturing, testing and technology right here in the U.S.,” says Ken Selinger, director of aftermarket sales and marketing, Akebono.
“Our commitment to U.S. manufacturing and the economy has solidified Akebono’s position as an industry leader in many areas. We have proven our commitment to leading with innovation as the inventors of Akebono Ceramic Technology and the first to market fully compliant low-copper brake pads that were 16 years ahead of the upcoming 2021 regulations.”
The company says its Pro-ACT, EURO and Performance Ultra-Premium ceramic brake pads have the most application-specific friction formulations in the market and are OE-engineered to enhance the model-specific performance demanded by each vehicle.
More than 40% of the vehicles rolling off assembly lines in the U.S. are equipped with Akebono brakes. Akebono applies its OE technologies and extensive R&D to its aftermarket products that are known throughout the industry for their unmatched noise, vibration and harshness control.
“The most important measurements for our customers are quality and availability,” says Selinger. “With a less than 1% warranty rate and a 99% fill rate, Akebono leads the industry with customer commitment and satisfaction.”
Akebono has continually invested in the U.S. economy and labor force since its first U.S. manufacturing plant in 1986, and has grown to four U.S. manufacturing centers employing more than 3,500 people.
Its line of ultra-premium ceramic brake pads will be on display at booth 638 at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) on Nov.4-6, 2014 in Las Vegas.
