GMP Friction Products Sponsors Educational Programs

Students Gain Hands-On Research Experience, Contacts, and Skills Through Industry Partnerships

AKRON, OH (October 1, 2008) – GMP Friction Products, a manufacturer of sintered metallic friction materials for industrial applications, has recently launched educational initiatives to promote collaboration, research, and new developments in engineering. GMP staff worked with students from several universities to develop relationships with future engineering professionals and assist engineering programs in serving their students.

"We are really excited about our collaborations with the Penn State Learning Factory, Southern Illinois University’s Friction Center, and Ohio State University,” said Jerry Lynch, president of GMP Friction Products. "Working with students helps us stay aware of current trends, bring in new ideas and innovations, and build relationships with the engineers of the future.”

GMP Friction Products sponsored the PSU Learning Factory’s College of Engineering Student Design Project Showcase. The showcase is a university - industry partnership that gives students hands-on experience with projects designed to solve real-world industry problems. GMP Friction Products also sponsored the Center for Advanced Friction Studies at SIU, where undergraduate and graduate students study the science of friction materials and gain firsthand research experience by working with companies in the friction materials and braking industries. A team of OSU students worked with GMP Friction Products to help them achieve the requirements for ISO 9000 Certification for their facility in Akron, Ohio.

GMP Friction Products produces brake pads and clutch plates for manufacturers of off-road vehicles, ATVs, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, and marine applications. Their engineering expertise and range of available friction materials and groove patterns allow them to carefully select the best material and part design for any application. In addition, their engineering department offers extensive custom design for a wide range of specialized projects.

For more than 78 years, GMP Friction Products has designed and manufactured brake pads and clutch plates for use in a variety of industrial and automotive applications. As a leader in sintered metallic friction materials, they specialize in working with clients to engineer and create customized parts in a range of materials for controlling, stopping, or transmitting power.