Stemco Exits the Brake Drum Market

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Stemco Exits the Brake Drum Market

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In a recent turn of events, Stemco has announced that they have made the difficult decision to depart from the brake products segment in addition to halting production of the Motor Wheel brake drums and Crewson brake adjuster product line at the end of July.   Stemco is making these changes in order to focus efforts and resources on its fundamental products. As a major manufacturer of the steel shell brake drums, this exit will of course be somewhat disruptive for those that have only been using the blue drums and what does that mean for everyone else? There will be possible shortages in supply as all previous customers try to find a new supplier. 

Many are having to find a new partner that can deliver on quality and competitive pricing.  For more than 70 years, DuraBrake has been the gold-standard of heavy duty brake drums and rotors, and now a trusted source for the steel-shell brake drums as well.  DuraBrake introduced its own version of the lightweight steel shell brake drum in 2018.  This new lightweight steel shell brake drum added a new premium drum to DuraBrake’s current long list of all cast brake drum and Air Disc Brake Rotor part numbers. This brake drum is made using a formed steel outer shell for greater strength in which molten cast iron is poured in the shell spun centrifugally to ensure even distribution of the braking surface. Under these manufacturing conditions the cast iron and the steel shell form a metallurgical bond at the interface. The result is a lighter, stronger and safer brake drum. The steel shell is stronger than normal cast iron, so it prevents drum from shattering or falling apart in extreme circumstances. The steel shell also allows weight to be 15-20% lighter than a normal cast drum leading to better fuel mileage and increased payloads. 

We have four distribution centers across North America for short lead times and prepaid minimums of as low as one pallet. Our drums have been tested successfully at independent laboratories. With the loss of supply from Stemco we urge you to pick up the phone (408-748-0400) or send us an email (sales@durabrake.com)  so we can understand your needs and show you how we can meet them.

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