ROCKFORD BRAKE MANUFACTURING
The Home Of Gunite Drums
ABOUT US
Rockford Brake Manufacturing is the exclusive producer of the trusted Gunite brake drums for the heavy-duty trucking industry. The company operates one of the most vertically integrated foundries in the Midwest, managing all phases of production – from raw material processing to finished machining – all under one roof. The company’s 619,000-square-foot facility sits on 41 acres and includes a grey iron foundry and machine shop.
WITH NEARLY 175 YEARS OF FOUNDRY EXPERIENCE​
the Gunite brand is recognized across the commercial vehicle industry for consistent quality and performance. The company maintains more than 80 individual drum patterns, producing brake drums using the same proven processes and tooling that have defined its legacy.
OUR HERITAGE
Gunite Corporation, originally founded in 1854 as D. Forbes and Son by Scottish immigrants Duncan and Alexander Forbes, began as a foundry in Rockford, Illinois. Initially producing items like stoves and wagon axles, the company introduced "Gunite," a high-strength iron for cannon barrels, in the mid-1800s. Over time, it underwent several name changes, reflecting its growth and diversification, eventually becoming Gunite Foundries Corp in 1932. The Forbes family owned the company until 1960, after which it saw multiple ownership transitions but remained a key player in manufacturing, continually adapting to industry needs.
The Gunite factory was known worldwide for producing motor vehicle parts such as brake drums, rotors, disc wheel hubs, and slack adjusters for large trucks. It helped shape the rise of the nation’s automotive industry and was one of the last American malleable iron foundries.
In 2025, four former Gunite employees acquired the facility and reopened and rebranded the prominent manufacturer as Rockford Brake Manufacturing.
PRODUCTS
Gunite Drum Brake Castings
With more than 80 individual drum patterns, Rockford Brake Manufacturing produces all Gunite Brake Drum products using the same trusted process and tooling. The company is one of only two foundries in the U.S. with a validated production process for brake drum castings.
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An in-house metallurgical laboratory provides real-time feedback and lot control, ensuring consistent quality and reliability you can trust for every vehicle.
Gunite Drum Brake Machining
Rockford Brake Manufacturing has the in-house machining capacity to produce 1.6 million commercial vehicle Gunite Brake Drums annually. It is the only U.S. manufacturer to handle both casting and machining of commercial vehicle brake drums under one roof, ensuring complete control over quality and production.
The company is a validated supplier to North American truck and trailer OEMs and serves as the exclusive source for 3922 and 3600 industry-standard brake drum products.
OUR PROMISE
Rockford Brake Manufacturing was founded on the belief that American manufacturing is essential to the U.S. economy – driving job creation, innovation, national security, and global competitiveness while supporting local communities.
WE CREATE VALUE
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For our team members: Providing a safe, productive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
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For our customers: Delivering high-quality products and reliable services, honoring the proud legacy of the Gunite brand and the commitment to customer service excellence for which we are known.
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For our suppliers: Maintaining fair, dependable partnerships.
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For our community: Acting as responsible corporate citizens and committed environmental stewards. Approximately 85% of our products are made from recycled materials, and all finished goods are fully recyclable. Foundry byproducts are repurposed for use by local municipalities and contractors in deicing, fill, and concrete applications.
Our goal is to preserve the legacy of the Gunite brand and facility while making strategic improvements that drive growth and efficiency, strengthen the domestic trucking industry supply chain, and reinforce our commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable practices.
