STEMCO brake drum plant hits milestone

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Aug. 3, 2016) — Heavy-duty commercial vehicle components maker STEMCO L.P.'s factory in Chattanooga has manufactured its 10 millionth CentriFuse brake drum.

The company, an EnPro Industries Inc. subsidiary, introduced CentriFuse steel jacketed brake drums to the market in 1929, boasting they “provide longer life and weigh less than standard cast brake drums.”

Early applications included passenger vehicles and World War II military aircraft and ground vehicles. Today, according to STEMCO, its brakes and components are widely specified and used in the commercial trucking industry.

“This 10 million milestone is a landmark moment for us at STEMCO, as well as for the commercial trucking industry,” said Jim Reis, vice president of STEMCO Brake Products group.

“CentriFuse brake drums were first manufactured in Chattanooga in 1986, and our continued investment in the technology has helped fleets maintain optimal stopping distances amid increased risk management and regulatory concerns.

“Fleet managers can take comfort that so many of these units are traveling the highways, keeping the roadways safe.”

Longview-based STEMCO makes a full line of aftermarket wheel end, braking, suspension and tire and mileage products for commercial trucks. Its brake drum product line includes Original CentriFuse, CentriFuse Lite, CentriFuse HD and CentriFuse Wide brake drums.

The company maintains offices and manufacturing facilities in Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Canada, Australia, China and Mexico.

EnPro said it offers sealing products, metal polymer and filament wound bearings, components and service for reciprocating compressors, diesel and dual-fuel engines and other engineered products for use in critical applications by industries worldwide.