Henry Ford called on us to develop the transmission linings for his Ford Model T. Carlisle product technologies were OE standard on the world's first mass produced street cars. When in 1924, founder Samuel K. Wellman perfects and begins producing transmission linings for the Model “T”.
In addition to their successful aircraft tire business, the Goodyear Tire Company manufactured brake products. In 1935 Carlisle developed a new kind of aircraft brake friction, sintered metal brake discs. At this time, Carlisle began manufacturing and supplying this new sintered metal friction material for use in Goodyear aircraft brakes.
As the second World War approached and government agencies continued to increase manufacturing efforts for military tanks and ground transport vehicles, they realized that they needed a better performing and longer lasting brake solution. Carlisle sintered metallic friction products were tested and approved for production, and in 1940, Carlisle became a manufacturer of braking products for the military.
During the 1950's, Carlisle supplied brakes for the first generation of CAT mining trucks and became the first supplier to adapt the expander tube brake. Originally designed for use on a military aircraft, the expander tube brake became a widely popular solution for use on a leading construction equipment manufacturer’s large wheel loader.
During the 1960's, Carlisle patents a wet type friction material called HDT and begins producing clutch buttons. In 1969, Carlisle licenses Frendo-Abex in Italy and builds a new plant. It was during this time that Carlisle became known as the industry leader in adapting caliper disc brakes for use on the world's leading construction equipment OEM's, off-highway applications.
In 1975, Carlisle introduced high-density paper friction discs in response to the emerging demands for wet brake system technologies. Today Carlisle offers a wide range of motion control solutions including complete hydraulic brake systems and superior friction material components for wet brake, dry brake, clutch and transmission applications. When you pass a construction site, chances are you will see machinery equipped with Carlisle product.
During the 1980's, Carlisle is among the first group of suppliers approved by the CAT quality audit team. By the late 1980's, Carlisle develops a range of non-asbestos friction materials and establishes manufacturing facilities in Bloomington, Indiana and Sorocaba, Brazil. In 1989, the Friction Products Group is acquired by the Hawk Corp.
Carlisle Industrial Brake originates from BF Goodrich off-highway brake division, when in 1990, Carlisle Companies, Inc acquires BF Goodrich Off-Highway Braking Systems. Included in the acquisition were manufacturing facilities in Zevenaar, Netherlands, Sorocaba, Brazil, and a joint venture with Yokohama Rubber located in Atsugi, Japan (Japan Power Brake).
In 2005, Carlisle acquires the off-highway braking assets of Arvin Meritor. This acquisition includes the Meritor, Rockwell, and Goodyear brake product lines manufactured a facility in York, South Carolina, in addition to the Meritor and Lucas Girling brake and actuation product lines manufactured at a facility in Cwmbran, Whales.
Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL), purchases the Hawk Corporation in 2010, adding advanced wet and dry friction materials to its portfolio, including Hawk Performance disc pads and Wellman wet and dry friction technology.