Stemco has formed a strategic alliance with Brazilian company Duroline SA.


The Stemco-Duroline alliance will provide brake linings to the on-highway commercial vehicle market in North America.

Duroline, based in Caxis do Sul, Brazil, manufactures high-performance friction material for commercial vehicles using its proprietary "Wave Process," which delivers superior stopping performance with reduced noise and reduced drum wear, according to the company.

Under the alliance, Duroline will transfer all distribution of its products in North America to Stemco, and Stemco will invest in the expansion of Duroline's Brazilian manufacturing facility to meet the anticipated increase in demand.

The alliance will utilize Stemco's 45-member fleet-based technical sales team to assist customers with the repair and selection of friction products appropriate to their needs. The sales team will also provide on-site foundation brake training to maximize both the life of friction material and vehicle safety.

"This alliance combines Duroline's great product with Stemco's precision training to improve the braking performance of customers' equipment while lowering their total operating costs," said Jon Cox, Stemco president.