Akebono Brake Corporation

Akebono Brake Corporation is a privately held company based in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The company employs 1,540 people and generates $2.7 billion in annual revenue. Akebono specializes in providing advanced braking and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) solutions to the automotive industry. They manufacture a wide range of brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes. Akebono's customer base includes leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 brake suppliers, and the automotive aftermarket. Notably, they work with prominent OEMs such as Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Akebono's commitment to innovation and quality control is exemplified by their Akebono Production System (APS). APS incorporates proven techniques to minimize process variation throughout manufacturing, ensuring a high level of quality. The company's dedication to achieving near-zero defects per million parts produced showcases their unwavering pursuit of excellence. Akebono's headquarters in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, operates alongside R&D technical centers in the United States, Japan, and France. Manufacturing facilities are strategically located in 30 wholly owned or affiliated plants worldwide, with four specifically situated in Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina.