A History of Innovation

While the company’s roots go back as far as 100 years, Friction Division Products was the OEM manufacturer for the D1 in 1970. The D1 is the first disc brake pad listed in the FMSI catalog. With nearly 50 years of brake technology and development experience, and a number of US and International patents, FDP is a recognized industry innovator and a leading supplier-partner serving the OEM and aftermarket segments.

Over the past 5 years, FDP has perfected the use of lightweight composite materials, aluminum drum and rotor formulations, the first line of GREEN friction products and high-profile specialty friction products for United States military applications.

A Historical Perspective

• 1969 – Thiokol Friction Division Products establishes its first production facility in Trenton, New Jersey.
• 1970 – Thiokol Friction Division Products is named Original Equipment manufacturer of the FMSI D1 – the first FMSI disc pad application in history.
• 1982 – New ownership shortens company name to FDP.
• 1984 – Already a long time supplier, FDP becomes an authorized supplier for multiple Ford Motor Company platforms.
• 1985 – FDP manufactures first hybrid system for the OE market.
• 1987 – FDP becomes authorized supplier to The Chrysler Corporation.
• 1988 – 85% of Ford Motor Company Brakes are supplied by FDP.
• 1995 – FDP establishes comprehensive research and development facility in Morrisville, PA.
• 2001 – FDP acquires USA Manufacturing to form FDP Virginia.
• 2006 – E-BRAKE® is the first aftermarket brake designed for emergency brake application.
• 2007 – FDP introduces the industry’s first copper-free GREEN brake: ECO STOP®.