AKEBONO BRAKE CORPORATION DELIVERS THE ESSENCE OF BRAKING®
With more than 90 years of brake design and production expertise, Akebono provides the world’s automotive industry with advanced braking and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) solutions.
“Through friction and vibration, their control and analysis, brand is determined to focus on the creation of value from all associates and business partners through mutual respect, encouragement and support.” This principle guides everyone at Akebono Brake Corporation in every endeavor. It is reflected in a new product development effort that is unmatched by any competitor. The revenues that Akebono devotes to R&D are proportionately the highest of any brake manufacturer in the world.
The attitude engendered by Akebono's mission extends to their proprietary APS (Akebono Production System). Here, Akebono practices continuous-improvement, benchmarking and inline process checking procedures to achieve nearly zero defective PPM — guaranteeing minimal process variation in all aspects of production. In addition, through the principles of mutual respect, encouragement and support, associates are induced to protect the health of the people who manufacture and use brand's products, promote the success of the communities in which brand works and lives, and preserve the environment that we all share.
The company’s commitment to innovation, process improvement, quality control has positioned it as a key resource for leading OEMs, Tier I brake suppliers and the automotive aftermarket. Key automotive OEM customers include Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Akebono manufactures a wide range of brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes, employing the Akebono Production System (APS). This business approach features proven quality control techniques to guarantee minimal process variation in all phases of production. Embraced throughout the organization, APS enables the company to consistently achieve nearly zero defects per million parts produced.
Akebono operates R&D technical centers in the United States, Japan and France, and manufactures brake friction materials and components in 30 wholly owned or affiliated facilities worldwide. This includes four production facilities in Kentucky. All of Akebono’s operations have secured appropriate QS9000 and ISO14001 certifications, and the company has received a number of quality and performance awards from customers.
Worldwide, a total of 6,800 people are employed by Akebono; 1,900 in North America. In 2009, the company’s worldwide sales totaled $1.2 billion. North American sales totaled $521 million, including the consolidated business performance of Akebono Brake, Elizabethtown (formerly AMBRAKE).
Approximately half of all vehicles rolling off the assembly line are manufactured with Akebono brakes. Akebono has approximately 40% of the Original Equipment market and is factory installed on 270+ models. It is brand's innate understanding of vehicle dynamics and braking requirements that enable them to provide the best brake solution for any vehicle, and it is what has made Akebono the largest OE brake provider in North America.
Leveraging brand's definitive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) technology, Akebono develops, tests and manufactures a range of advanced automotive brake friction materials and components that meets the needs of OEMs and drivers throughout North America.
A Global Commitment to Quality Brake Products
Akebono growing commitment to the North American automotive industry is best illustrated by world-class R&D facilities, combined with a relentless focus on quality and unmatched manufacturing capabilities. Together, these enable them to provide products that meet the diverse performance requirements of today's vehicles. Customer satisfaction drives everything Akebono does.
Akebono Brake Products: Trusted by Original Equipment Manufacturers Worldwide
Akebono's OEM customers include: General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru and Isuzu. Akebono is proud to provide innovative braking solutions for these manufacturers, and Akebono back the products with unparalleled service and support.
Akebono’s advanced friction formulations are used to manufacture the best brake disc pads and linings in the world.
Akebono was established in Japan in 1929, at a time when the Japanese automobile industry had only produced 400 vehicles. Since then, keeping pace with the onset of motorization, Akebono has entered the domestic and overseas markets as brake experts. Worldwide, Akebono employs over 9,000 people worldwide, with over 3,500 in North America.