Yes-GM, Delco, and Delphi combined to make Dayton, OH (specifically the west side) into the smoking crater it is today. Closed all the old Delco parts factories & Moraine assembly, laid off EVERYONE!
First Brands (Fram) bankruptcy
- Thread starter Alien
- Start date
I think the move was to mostly load them up with debt and legacy pension costs. It bought GM a few more years before they finally went under. Sad end to the once greatest car company.
https://www.wsj.com/finance/the-col...b?st=8CTbGr&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
Very interesting WSJ article about auto parts store debt. NAPA is by far and away the most exposed. Should be unlocked.
Very interesting WSJ article about auto parts store debt. NAPA is by far and away the most exposed. Should be unlocked.
Well, the first casualties of the bankruptcy. Stoptech, Raybestos and Centric failed to find a buyer in time to cover the operating costs… so they’ll cease to exist. Sad day for sure.
https://www.motor1.com/news/787179/stoptech-ceasing-operations/
https://www.motor1.com/news/787179/stoptech-ceasing-operations/
With many of these operations already offshored, I temper my sadness a bit about them closing down.
Man, I never even knew what Raybestos was/did but they were a prominent sponsor in nascar back in the 90’s when I was growing up and a huge fan
Raybestoes ST43s were fantastic pads on my Camaro for the track wore like iron!
I've ran stoptech 309 pads in almost all my vehicles, need to find an alternative
I've ran stoptech 309 pads in almost all my vehicles, need to find an alternative
Shame for Raybestos, Good Riddance for Centrics God awful reman brake parts.
Apperantly GM had some "urgent" meetings about this as well. Makes me wonder what will happen to Fram and consequently what Amsoil will do considering it's filters are very likely made by Fram. This is pulled from the article linked below as well. It doesn't sound it'll effect GM currently. But if they are having urgent meetings, there is obviously cause for concern. Guess we'll have to just keep an eye out for upcoming news.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/0...eeting-over-first-brands-bankruptcy-exposure/
"The meeting was reportedly led by GM global chief procurement and supply chain officer Shilpan Amin, who urged suppliers to closely review their own supply chains and identify any direct or indirect links to First Brands to proactively address any risks that could impact vehicle production. The call follows the ongoing financial collapse of First Brands, which filed for bankruptcy last year after creditor’s raised concerns related to the company’s use of off-balance-sheet financing, as well as a series of lawsuits in metro Detroit alleging unpaid bills and broken contractual obligations.
First Brands owns several prominent automotive brands, such as Autolite, Fram, Raybestos, and Trico, which collectively supply a wide range of components across the auto industry. Per Crain’s Detroit Business, a GM spokesperson said the automaker’s production has not been affected by the First Brands bankruptcy, emphasizing that the company is closely monitoring developments while putting together “contingency plans” to avoid any interruptions. GM was one of several other First Brands customers that was recently approved to provide a $48 million cash advance to keep certain operations running during the bankruptcy process."
Personally, I hope Fram gets bought by a company that has an interest in improving product quality (leaf spring waviness) rather than just another unitersted investment company trying to make a profit like First Brands did.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/2026/0...eeting-over-first-brands-bankruptcy-exposure/
"The meeting was reportedly led by GM global chief procurement and supply chain officer Shilpan Amin, who urged suppliers to closely review their own supply chains and identify any direct or indirect links to First Brands to proactively address any risks that could impact vehicle production. The call follows the ongoing financial collapse of First Brands, which filed for bankruptcy last year after creditor’s raised concerns related to the company’s use of off-balance-sheet financing, as well as a series of lawsuits in metro Detroit alleging unpaid bills and broken contractual obligations.
First Brands owns several prominent automotive brands, such as Autolite, Fram, Raybestos, and Trico, which collectively supply a wide range of components across the auto industry. Per Crain’s Detroit Business, a GM spokesperson said the automaker’s production has not been affected by the First Brands bankruptcy, emphasizing that the company is closely monitoring developments while putting together “contingency plans” to avoid any interruptions. GM was one of several other First Brands customers that was recently approved to provide a $48 million cash advance to keep certain operations running during the bankruptcy process."
Personally, I hope Fram gets bought by a company that has an interest in improving product quality (leaf spring waviness) rather than just another unitersted investment company trying to make a profit like First Brands did.
For all we know, maybe the companies are still in limbo. I wonder if the price is low enough in the near future, another company may swoop in to revive one of the brands or some of the brands. I'm not a business guy and I'm sure there's a lot happening in the background that isn't in the news. I would be curious to see if your regional reps have any inside news about it?
I agree. It'll be a shame to loose Raybestos. I've been a fan of their pads/rotors as well. I'll be watching RockAuto prices to see what happens.
slo town
$200 Site Donor 2026
Fram's old saying was, "You can pay me now or you can pay me later." Now maybe it will be never.
Sorry to see an American company like Raybestos go away after 120 plus years. Its website is already removed.
Sorry to see an American company like Raybestos go away after 120 plus years. Its website is already removed.
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Every day First Brands Group closes down another popular and formally thriving company…
Queue Music: In the Arms of the Angels by Sarah McLachlan.
With your support and patronage, these companies can maintain high profits and low costs and hopefully stay afloat a little longer. Why let another day pass while a poor multibillion corporation suffers. Buy some of their products today. Or send a donation. Please. The shareholders are desperate. And need your generous support. Only you can help keep First Brands Group alive. Thank you. And God bless.
Queue Music: In the Arms of the Angels by Sarah McLachlan.
With your support and patronage, these companies can maintain high profits and low costs and hopefully stay afloat a little longer. Why let another day pass while a poor multibillion corporation suffers. Buy some of their products today. Or send a donation. Please. The shareholders are desperate. And need your generous support. Only you can help keep First Brands Group alive. Thank you. And God bless.
I won't be shedding any tears for Cardone.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Usually investment groups buy, cheapen, break up and sell the parts at profit. This time, buy, cheapen, Management steals and flush the toilet.
MAT Holdings is looking like they’ll have lock on the aftermarket brake business - all the parts stores have contracts with them. They own the Bendix brand. Driv seems disinterested in the Wagner brand.
The Chinese - Baofeng Brake and FrictionOne are also primed to make a move. Baofeng also has an AutoZone contract for some Duralast SKUs.
What brand do you recommend as a replacement ?
I mean what we carried before Raybestos was PFC and from customer feedback they were REALLY good. But didn't have the brand recognition of Raybestos so in terms of sales numbers I think the Raybestos sold way better. Hopefully we go to PFC though because it's my opinion it was a better product. I will say I bet Raybestos had better profit margin though!
