The Akebono Elizabethtown Plant Story

AMBRAKE history started in 1984 as the first discussions began to form a new corporation to manufacture automotive brake components. In July 1986, AMBRAKE CORPORATION came into existence with the legal formation of this new corporation. On November 21, 1986, the new partners of this Joint Venture – DELCO MORAINE DIVISION OF GENERAL MOTORS and AKEBONO BRAKE INDUSTRY CO., LTD. were joined by the Governor of Kentucky, various state and local dignitaries, as well as many local supporters in the community, for the site dedication of AMBRAKE CORPORATION in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

DELCO MORAIN, now DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE, is one of the world leaders in the design and manufacture of braking systems and components. Over half the vehicles in the U.S.A. and millions more worldwide are equipped with their products.

AKEBONO BRAKE is Japan’s leading brake systems manufacturer and is internationally recognized by brake industry experts as a manufacturer of technologically advanced, high quality, reliable products. AKEBONO has long been recognized as an active participant in the globalization of the automotive industry.

With the marriage of these two leaders in the industry, AMBRAKE began its short but exciting history. Plans developed into reality and AMBRAKE CORPORATION began construction of its manufacturing facility in Elizabethtown.

With products expertise developed from years of experience in the brake industry, plus “state-of-the-art” manufacturing equipment developed specifically for the new operation, AMBRAKE was destined to become a major force in the manufacture of automotive brake components in the United States.

Today, we build products for almost every automobile manufacturer, and are prepared to meet the challenges before us in the 21st century.

As our reputation for high quality brakes has grown, so has our customer base and our manufacturing operations. However, just as it was in the beginning of Ambrake’s history, our reputation and our future is made each day by the quality work of each associate.