Jacobs Vehicle Systems recently produced its two-millionth engine retarder, or Jake Brake as it is commonly known.

The company began building engine brakes in 1961 and it took more than 20 years to produce and sell 500,000, another 10 to reach the one million mark, and another six years to reach two million.
Following the production of the two millionth brake, Jacobs honored the people who helped reach that goal by hosting a celebration for its employees and their families.
The company credited the faster ramp up to two million to product reliability, higher residual values, more aerodynamic trucks, and higher truck sales.
Around 95% of Jake Brakes sold are currently sold as original equipment. The company works more closely with engine OEMs during development. "Historically, manufacturers would develop an engine and we'd be asked to design a supplemental braking system towards the end of the design process," says Scott Fowler, vp, market development. "Now, we're involved at the earliest stages in the design of new engines. This involvement assures that the best choices are made to assure optimum performance and reliability."