Friction One Acquires DRiV’s Juarez Brake Facility

Friction One Brake Technology Co., Ltd., a prominent name in braking solutions, has recently acquired the DRiV Juarez II manufacturing facility in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. This acquisition marks a significant step in expanding Friction One’s production capabilities across North America, enhancing its ability to meet the needs of the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors with high-quality products.

Key Highlights:

  • Acquisition of DRiV Juarez II facility in Mexico
  • Expansion of manufacturing presence in North America
  • Plans to boost production capacity and adopt advanced technologies
  • Retention of the existing workforce for a smooth transition
  • Improved customer benefits like shorter lead times and lower costs
From left: Kevin Fu, Jim Zhang, Yogi Yogesh Choudhary, Frank Fu.
From left: Kevin Fu, Jim Zhang, Yogi Yogesh Choudhary, Frank Fu.

The Juarez II facility has been producing brake pad sets and commercial vehicle brake linings for over 15 years, with a current output of 9 million brake pad sets annually. Friction One plans to elevate this to 10 million sets by August 2025 through equipment upgrades and modernization efforts, catering to a broad range of industry clients.

Friction One is set to enhance the facility with investments in robotic automation and AI-controlled manufacturing systems, aiming to improve efficiency and maintain superior quality. Starting in 2025, the site will also begin rotor manufacturing, diversifying its offerings. The company is committed to retaining much of the facility’s skilled workforce, ensuring operational continuity and leveraging their expertise.

Production is slated to restart in early July 2025 following system upgrades. This localized approach will provide North American customers with shorter lead times, faster order fulfillment, and reduced freight transit times, enabling distributors and fleet operators to better manage inventory and respond to market demands.

CEO Jim Zhang emphasized, “This acquisition underscores our dedication to innovation, quality, and growth, positioning the facility as a global leader in friction manufacturing.” COO Yogi Yogesh Choudhary added, “By integrating advanced technology, we’re enhancing performance and delivering top-tier braking solutions.”

This move aligns with Friction One’s global strategy to strengthen its market position and deliver tailored, high-performance solutions.

Subscribe Today!

Sign up for our weekly eNewsletter and get a free copy of our quarterly digital magazine.

Yes, sign me up!
The BRAKE Report Magazine

The BRAKE Report
The BRAKE Report

The BRAKE Report is an online media platform dedicated to the automotive and commercial vehicle brake segments. Our mission is to provide the global brake community with the latest news & headlines from around the industry.