Document DGjmwXq9jERqdpbqZBGJxDLDo

Friction Materials FOR AUTOMOTIVE AND GENERAL INDUSTRY Sales of friction materials amounted to Slf.700.000 in 1962, representing a gain of 11 per cent over the pre ceding year. Despite the fact that the friction materials field is crowded and highly competitive, this product line continues to grow, Our principal product is brake lin ing for passenger cars, trucks and buses which is made from asbestos and other materials bonded under heat and pressure with an organic resin. We manufacture brake lining in the United States, Canada, Mexico and France and we have licensees in other countries. Our major market for brake lining is in the replacement field. There are approximately 76 million vehicles on the road in the United States and they travelled an estimated 750 billion miles in 1962. Although this market has a tendency to grow with the car population, it has not been increasing as rapidly as the number of cars for several reasons. Approximately 12 per cent of all cars are now what are termed "compacts'- and these smaller -v Above left: Laboratory tests near and jricnon qualities of thick blocks lor truck brakes. Above right: Automotive brake lining receiving finish grind to proper size and thickness. Right: Rubber being prepared by milling for addition to brake lining mix at American Brakeblok. page Eight