You’ve probably heard of “Brembo brakes.” They are appearing on more and more American and foreign model cars. Helping us with this article, Texan Chrysler (Humble, TX), says they are starting to see them on many models in their Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. Ever wondered what the story is on Brembo brakes? Here’s a quick history for ya.
The 1960s – Brembo was founded just outside Bergamo, Italy, in 1961, by Emilio Bombassei. While it began as a small machine shop, the experience of its founder soon lead to contracts supplying components to major Italian car companies such as Alfa Romeo and Fiat. It wasn’t long before Brembo production activities included brake calipers, rotors, pads and other brake system parts.
The 1970s – In 1972, Brembo secured a deal as the principle supplier of brake systems for Moto Guzzi. This was a major coup and soon they were talking directly to Enzo Ferrari about equipping Ferrari race cars. At this point, Brembo was becoming a major name.
The 1980s – During the 1980s, Brembo introduced an aluminum brake caliper for automobiles which was revolutionary in both design and materials. It was quickly adopted by high performance car manufacturers such as Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Nissan and Chrysler.
The 1990s – In March 1993, due to new corporate strategies, a major investor, Kelsey-Hayes, withdrew as a shareholder. This allowed the company to once again be a 100% owned Italian company. Brembo was listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in 1995.
The 2000s – The 2000s saw Brembo’s expansion into the Chinese market, with the creation of a joint venture with Yuejin Motor Group and Nanjing Yuejin Automotive Brake Systems. In January 2010, Brembo purchased a cast iron foundry from Donghua Automotive Industrial Co. Ltd, China’s leading manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles. The facility is now capable of offering braking systems to the Chinese market that meet Brembo’s standards for performance, style and comfort.
The 2010s – In 2010, construction got under way for the expansion of an industrial center, inaugurated in October 2011, for the automobile and commercial vehicle markets, with a goal of doubling output of brake discs.
In 2014 – the company inaugurated its plant in Michigan to produce brake systems for its customers in the North American market. Immediately afterwards, Brembo announced the start of construction on a cast iron foundry in Michigan, commencing the process in the United States of vertical integration. The foundry, together with the technical departments and the warehouse, covers an area of 30,000 square meters and in all will provide 250 new jobs.
Earthgarage – Greener Car. Fatter Wallet.