Samuel K. Wellman founds The S.K. Wellman Co., launching the production of friction materials for the Ford Model "T". And the "VELVETOUCH" brand is established.
In addition to their successful aircraft tire business, the Goodyear Tire Company manufactured brake products. In 1935 Carlisle developed a new kind of aircraft brake friction, sintered metal brake discs. At this time, Carlisle began manufacturing and supplying this new sintered metal friction material for use in Goodyear aircraft brakes.
Molded Materials Inc., a division of Stackpole Carbon Co., is incorporated, specializing in brake linings, clutch facings, and related friction products.
As the second World War approached and government agencies continued to increase manufacturing efforts for military tanks and ground transport vehicles, they realized that they needed a better performing and longer lasting brake solution. Carlisle sintered metallic friction products were tested and approved for production, and in 1940, Carlisle became a manufacturer of braking products for the military.
Carlisle Tire & Rubber Co. acquires Molded Materials, becoming Carlisle Companies.
During the 1950's, Carlisle supplied brakes for the first generation of CAT mining trucks and became the first supplier to adapt the expander tube brake. Originally designed for use on a military aircraft, the expander tube brake became a widely popular solution for use on a leading construction equipment manufacturer’s large wheel loader.
During the 1960's, Carlisle patents a wet type friction material called HDT and begins producing clutch buttons. In 1969, Carlisle licenses Frendo-Abex in Italy and builds a new plant. It was during this time that Carlisle became known as the industry leader in adapting caliper disc brakes for use on the world's leading construction equipment OEM's, off-highway applications.
Off-Highway Braking Systems (OHBS) are the industry leader in adapting caliper disc brakes for use on a leading global manufacturer's construction equipment product range.
The S.K. Wellman Co. is acquired by American Brake Shoe Co.
American Brake Shoe Company becomes Abex Corp.
In 1975, Carlisle introduced high-density paper friction discs in response to the emerging demands for wet brake system technologies. Today Carlisle offers a wide range of motion control solutions including complete hydraulic brake systems and superior friction material components for wet brake, dry brake, clutch and transmission applications. When you pass a construction site, chances are you will see machinery equipped with Carlisle product.
Brush Beryllium acquires The S.K. Wellman Co. from Abex Corp.
Japan Power Brake Inc. is established by B.F. Goodrich International Division.
Introduced paper friction for heavy-duty applications.
During the 1980's, Carlisle is among the first group of suppliers approved by the CAT quality audit team. By the late 1980's, Carlisle develops a range of non-asbestos friction materials and establishes manufacturing facilities in Bloomington, Indiana and Sorocaba, Brazil. In 1989, the Friction Products Group is acquired by the Hawk Corp.
Weinberg/Harbert acquires Friction Products Corp., forming the HAWK Group, and also acquires Logan Metal Co.
Carlisle acquires B.F. Goodrich off-highway braking systems, forming Carlisle Industrial Brake. Hawk Performance is established in Medina, Ohio, to produce high-performance, polymer-based brake materials.
Carlisle Industrial Brake originates from BF Goodrich off-highway brake division, when in 1990, Carlisle Companies, Inc acquires BF Goodrich Off-Highway Braking Systems. Included in the acquisition were manufacturing facilities in Zevenaar, Netherlands, Sorocaba, Brazil, and a joint venture with Yokohama Rubber located in Atsugi, Japan (Japan Power Brake). At that point, the name of the business changed to Carlisle Braking Systems (CBS).
Hawk acquires The S.K. Wellman Co. from MLC Corp.
Carlisle Braking Systems was a Division of the Motion Control Industries subsidiary of Carlisle Companies Inc. Carlisle combined their Carlisle Braking Systems business unit with their Carlisle Industrial Friction business unit in 1999 to form a new business that was named Carlisle Industrial Brake and Friction.
In 2005, Carlisle acquired the off-highway braking assets of Arvin Meritor. This acquisition encompassed the Meritor, Rockwell, and Goodyear brake product lines produced at a facility in York, South Carolina. Additionally, it included the Meritor and Lucas Girling brake and actuation product lines manufactured at a facility in Cwmbran, Wales.
Carlisle acquires the off-highway brake business of ArvinMeritor.
Carlisle acquires the remaining interest in Japan Power Brake Inc. (JPB).
Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL), purchases the Hawk Corporation in 2010, adding advanced wet and dry friction materials to its portfolio, including Hawk Performance disc pads and Wellman wet and dry friction technology.
In 2009, Carlisle made the strategic decision to exit the on-highway friction market. Consequently, the Motion Control Subsidiary was discontinued. This shift positioned CIBF as a distinct entity within the Carlisle family of businesses. Furthermore, the Hangzhou, China friction manufacturing facility, along with select intellectual property from the discontinued Motion Control subsidiary, was integrated into the CIBF business unit.
CentroMotion, a leading designer and manufacturer of highly engineered components and systems for the industrial and transportation markets, acquired Carlisle Brake & Friction from Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL), in August 2021.