Rockford Brake Manufacturing announced plans to restart operations at one of Rockford’s most recognized industrial properties, the former Gunite Corporation facility, following a $6.6 million investment made possible through the State of Illinois’ EDGE for Startups program. The project will reactivate a 619,000-square-foot foundry and machining complex, restore a vital component of the region’s heavy-duty braking supply chain, and create 150 new jobs for the community. Governor JB Pritzker praised the effort as a meaningful step forward for the state’s industrial base, noting that Illinois’ incentive programs are helping Rockford Brake Manufacturing reopen a landmark factory while generating new employment opportunities.
The company was founded by four longtime employees of Gunite after its parent company, Accuride, ceased operations in February 2025. Drawing on decades of experience, the newly formed business will continue Rockford’s long association with brake manufacturing by operating a highly integrated foundry capable of producing commercial vehicle brake drums entirely in-house. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton acknowledged the project’s significance for the region, emphasizing that the reopening brings renewed purpose to a facility that has played an important role in Rockford’s industrial identity.
Sustainability will be a central focus of the revived operation. Rockford Brake Manufacturing expects that 85 percent of its products will be made from recycled materials, with all finished goods designed for full recyclability. In addition, the company plans to repurpose foundry byproducts for use by local municipalities as road deicer, fill material, and aggregate, supporting Illinois’ broader clean-energy and recycling priorities. CEO Paul Wright stated that support from the EDGE for Startups program has been instrumental in launching the company and expressed gratitude for the collaboration of community leaders committed to bringing skilled, well-paid jobs back to the city.
Under the EDGE agreement, the company will receive payroll-based tax credits in exchange for job creation and investment commitments. Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, noted that the initiative reinforces the state’s position as a leading manufacturing center. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara commended the revival, highlighting that former workers and a closed facility have united to rebuild and reclaim their place in the automotive manufacturing industry.
