StopTech, Centric And Raybestos To Stop Production

It’s the end of a era. The parent of StopTech, Centric and Raybestos plans to cease operations after failing to find a buyer for the companies. The parent company, First Brands entered Chapter 11 with the hopes of finding a buyer. However, it appears no suitable buyer was found and they look like they are headed for a shutdown.

While StopTech is well known in high performance and racing circles, the much beloved Raybestos pads, popular with track and endurance racers, may be just as significant of a loss. Centric parts is also a well known aftermarket rotor maker which may have downstream impacts as many aftermarket rotor companies OEM their rotors from makers like Centric.

While not all brands are expected to cease operations, these popular aftermarket brands are expected to shutter as part of the bankruptcy process. Additional brands are expected to be sold to help eliminate debt in an effort to emerge from bankruptcy.

However, First Brands is a company with it’s hands in a number of enthusiast centric companies. In addition to the above mentioned companies, First Brands is also a significant OEM supplier. GM is said to have emergency meetings to determine how the ceasing of operations will impact it’s production.

Other popular brands owned by First Brands include Frame, Cardone, Autolite, Trico (popular wiper blades), Reese and Anco, among others.

Problems for First Brands began due to a series of lawsuits and legal problems for the companies key figures. Attempts to stabilize the company, including cash injections from companies like Chevrolet did not seem to be sufficient to stave off the potential shutdown.

While a last minute rescue is still possible, it seems increasingly unlikely. Expect retailers to sell remaining stock of the products, but as of now it doesn’t appear there will be refresh of stocks once they run out.

Featured image courtesy of StopTech / First Brands / Flat 6 Motorsports