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Brake Technology Evolution and Revolution From its inception in 1977, Wilwood Engineering has been at the forefront of high performance disc brake technology. Founder and president Bill Wood's first brake designs were developed to give big, heavy stock cars racing at short tracks and super speedways superior brake performance and greater reliability. These first brake components incorporated new design and manufacturing techniques and met with considerable success, helping to redefine the level of disc brake performance for race cars. With his engineering background, Wood quickly applied the new technology to a wide variety of motorsports applications, and by the early 1980's Wilwood had become one of the major suppliers of high performance disc brakes to the automotive racing industry.
Wilwood originally manufactured products in the wide spectrum of aerospace job shops in Southern California, but the 1980's saw a transition to in-house manufacturing. This significant production change allowed Wilwood greater production control and the ability to bring new designs to the racing market faster, an essential requirement in the dynamic and fast paced motorsports industry. |
Wilwood's use of specialized computer controlled machinery and a sophisticated computer design network allowed the company to grow quickly, as did a solid foundation of engineers, designers, sales and administrative staff dedicated to the advancement of disc brake performance and reliability. With the corresponding growth of the racing industry, Wilwood, by the end of the 1980's, had become the major source for disc brake performance brakes.
Wilwood's product line grew from individual brake components to complete braking systems. By the early 1990's, Wilwood had added master cylinders, brake pedals, brake pads, racing hubs, brackets, specialty valves, and many other brake system products to their line. Additionally, new applications were continually being developed and by 1993, Wilwood had become a major source for recreational vehicle disc brakes. Further expansion has produced a wide variety of specialty, OEM, and industrial brake systems.
The 1990's saw steady growth in all of Wilwood's sales divisions. At the root of all the growth is and will continue to be their dedication to the racing industry, which fuels much of their research and development and technical prowess. By continually pursuing goals of higher performing, stronger, lighter, and more reliable brake systems required by the ever-evolving racing market, Wilwood is able to maintain a performance edge in all their disc brake applications, whether on the track, on the street, or off the road. Wilwood's dedication to being the leader in performance is unyielding.
The new millennium sees Wilwood positioned as one of the world's premier sources of high performance disc brakes, yet advancements in technology, machine equipment, computer modeling and the never ending challenge of building higher performing and lighter brake systems will continue to drive Wilwood Engineering to new heights. Always pushing the technological envelope and fueled by the racing spirit, Wilwood will continue to lead the way in the twenty first century. |
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