Rockford Brake Factory Reopens After $6.6M Investment

Rockford's oldest factory is having a revival with the announcement of its reopening, thanks to an Illinois startup program.

Rockford’s Manufacturing Legacy Reborn

According to a press release, the historic Gunite factory, which closed earlier this year after its parent company, Accuride, filed for bankruptcy, will be reopening as Rockford Brake Manufacturing.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), announced an 'EDGE for Startups' agreement supporting the company's $6.6 million investment to reopen the facility.

Former Employees Lead the Comeback

Four former employees at Gunite Corporation have founded Rockford Brake Manufacturing to preserve the legacy of the city's oldest factory, which dates back to 1854.

With incentives from the State of Illinois and the local community, they are purchasing the 619,000-square-foot plant and its 41-acre property, which will reestablish operations as one of the Midwest's most vertically integrated foundries.

150 Jobs and Sustainable Production

Governor Pritzker said the project is expected to "bring 150 jobs to the area and reopen a historic Rockford factory,' which highlights the state's ongoing commitment to manufacturing and sustainability.

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The company plans to produce high-quality brake components for the heavy-duty trucking industry while meeting clean energy goals, with 85 percent of products made from recycled materials and 100 percent recyclable finished goods.

A State-Backed Comeback Story

Rockford Brake Manufacturing's CEO, Paul Wright, gave credit to the EDGE for Startups program, which he said was "critical to the launch and future success" of the company.

Mayor of Rockford Tom McNamara praised the revival of this historic factory, saying that it is "a true American comeback story" that showcases the city of Rockford's resilience and industrial spirit.

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Filed Under: Rockford News