Company releases statement on the passing of Bruce Palmer
It is with heavy hearts that Palmer International mourns the loss of second-generation executive, Bruce B. Palmer. Bruce is credited with many successes at Palmer, including the development of the company brand and the significant growth of Palmer’s market share for cashew particles in the global friction industry. For decades, Bruce had been the face of Palmer International… “Bruce” and “Palmer International” were synonymous in many respects.
Bruce entered the family business in 1960, carrying his father’s suitcase as they traveled to meet customers. In 1972, when founder Stephen Palmer passed, Bruce took the reins in Sales and Marketing. Bruce worked tirelessly and deliberately to expand the business worldwide and add additional lines to Palmer’s offerings. He was integral in both the opening of Palmer (UK), Ltd. as well as the expansion into brake shims. The fact that Palmer now boasts one of the best global, OEM particle brands wouldn’t be possible without Bruce Palmer.
In addition to his work in the family business, Bruce was a loving husband to Tonia and a selfless father to Elizabeth and Anne. His third child was the friction industry. A constant contributor, one of the founders of the Brake Colloquium, a prior SAE Brake Colloquium Executive Committee member, and a recipient of the Dan Mahannah award, Bruce truly sought progress for anyone and everyone in our close-knit industry.
