BPI to buy Canadian friction products maker

MCHENRY, Ill. (Jan. 23, 2015) — Brake Parts Inc L.L.C. (BPI) is planning to acquire the assets of Canadian friction materials maker OE Quality Friction Inc. (OEQF).

According to BPI president and CEO David Overbeeke, the company agreed on Jan. 20 with the receiver for Mississauga, Ontario-based OE Quality Friction to acquire the firm's assets and to facilitate the interim operation of the firm's Juarez, Mexico, plant “in order to strengthen production capabilities and serve customers.”

Financial terms were not disclosed. The closing of the asset purchase transaction is expected to occur in January, BPI said.

“As we operate the business and plan for the transition of OE Quality Friction's assets to BPI, we are mindful of OEQF customers and pledge to continue to provide them with quality brake products backed by superior BPI customer service and vastly improved fill rates,” Mr. Overbeeke said.

He noted that the acquisition of OEQF “fits well into our company's global growth strategy and provides real value to our customers in North America and beyond.”

According to its LinkedIn site, OEQF was founded in 1997 “on the principle of marketing original equipment-quality disc brake pads at competitive aftermarket prices.” The company began in a 14,000-sq.-ft. plant, eventually expanding into 82,000 square feet of space to keep pace with demand.

The firm was purchased in 2009 by new investors, then management was reorganized in 2012 to ensure growth. Since then, according to the company, “OEQF has expanded its world-class, North American-based manufacturing capabilities to provide our customers with an expedited supply chain and consistently quality outcomes.”

It recently added a 120,000-sq.-ft. plant in Juarez which “has improved every part of our operation, expanded our capacity and allows us to deliver an entire range of product for customers across the region,” OEQF added.

The company manufactures automotive and light truck brake pads, air disc brake pads, as well as light and heavy duty brake, fleet and police vehicle brake pads.

McHenry-based BPI's product offerings include friction, rotors, drums, calipers and hydraulic products that it said meet or exceed original equipment fit, form and function requirements.

More information about the company is available on BPI's website.