10th anniversary for carbon and ceramic – high-tech formula for the best brakes
Brembo is synonymous with leading-edge technology for high-performance brake systems while the SGL Group owes its good worldwide reputation to expertise in handling carbon. An ideal constellation for a successful alliance.
Three of the most prestigious sports cars have requested and encouraged the manufacturing of Carbon-Ceramic brake discs ten years ago: Ferrari Enzo, Porsche GT2 and Carrera Turbo. Even though they are different in character, they have outstanding features in common: lots of power for acceleration and top speed of over 300kph, superior in image and performance on open roads but still competitive on race tracks. Such super sports cars need fantastic brakes. And Brembo and SGL Group were able to supply them. Almost a copy of those brakes which are regarded as the state of the art in Formula 1.
In the past only two companies understood the complex method for processing carbon and ceramics: Brembo from Bergamo and the Wiesbaden-based SGL Group. The two companies competed in a small, but refined segment and then decided to join forces and jointly make technical advances to high-performance brakes. The joint venture was established in 2009 under the name BSCCB (Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes) and operates two plants: Stezzano near Bergamo and Meitingen not far from Augsburg.
The technical expertise of BSCCB sets standards and profits from Brembo’s ten years of experience in the use of carbon ceramic brakes. First of all, it is currently the only company in the world which can process these high-quality components and secondly, the brake systems sold under the abbreviations CCM and CCB offer unmatched performance. This benefits the exclusive manufacturers who prefer these systems for strong braking of their sports cars and premium cars. For example, Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, McLaren, GM, Toyota, Nissan and Pagani are served from the plant in Stezzano while Meitingen supplies the brakes to Audi, AMG, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Porsche and Bugatti.
Brembo’s long-term experience in Formula 1 plays an important role in the development of the carbon ceramic brakes and has turned them into a sophisticated product for use in road traffic. The high-tech brake discs only weigh around half as much as conventional discs made of cast iron, they decelerate a vehicle much better and therefore improve active safety to a considerable extent. Compared with conventional brake discs, the measurements show a 10% increase in the friction coefficient while the operating temperature is a good 5% below the average temperature of cast-iron brake discs and the service life may exceed 300,000 kilometres.
The joint venture, in which both companies hold 50% of the shares, has doubled its turnover since it was established and achieved revenues of €70 million in the last financial year. It is also planned to increase turnover again by more than 50% within the next three years. 380 BSCCB employees are now working to attain this target. The workforce will be expanded even more in 2014.
The joint venture has its sights on another market segment, i.e. electromobility. In order to also seize the opportunity for technology and market leadership in future, BSCCB is investing up to 10% of its turnover every year in research and development.