Akebono was founded over 90 years ago, and continues to provide the world's automotive industry with advanced braking and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) solutions. The company's commitment to innovation, process improvement, quality control and customer service has positioned it as a key resource for leading OEMs, Tier I brake suppliers and the automotive aftermarket. Key automotive OEM customers include Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. Akebono manufactures a wide range of brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes, employing the Akebono Production System (APS). This business approach features proven quality control techniques to guarantee minimal process variation in all phases of production. Embraced throughout the organization, APS enables the company to consistently achieve nearly zero defects per million parts produced. Akebono operates R&D technical centers in the United States, Japan and France, and manufactures brake friction materials and components in 30 wholly owned or affiliated facilities worldwide. This includes four production facilities in Kentucky, Tennessee and South Carolina. All of Akebono's operations have secured appropriate QS9000 and ISO14001 certifications, and the company has received a number of quality and performance awards from customers. Worldwide, a total of 8,279 people are employed by Akebono; 3,054 in North America. In 2012, the company's worldwide sales totaled $2.1 billion (US). North American sales totaled just over $1 billion (US). Akebono has a proud legacy of achieving Japanese technological firsts. From its inception, Akebono initiated overseas technical tie-ups and offshore production. All of these activities stem from the constant demands of improving quality and increasing customer satisfaction.