Established in 1976 as a joint venture with a world famous friction materials manufacturer, Sundaram Brake Linings (SBL) is now a fully Indian owned company manufacturing automotive, non-automotive, railways and industrial friction materials. SBL products are extensively used in commercial vehicles, passenger cars, tractors (agricultural), railways and two wheelers. Sundaram Brake Linings (SBL) with its leading edge technology is a pioneer in the manufacture of asbestosfree friction materials in India, and also the first Indian friction material company to become 100% asbestosfree. With 1500 employees and 5 manufacturing locations strategically located near major ports, 35% of SBLs total sales is exported to over 54 countries worldwide. SBL also has a strong presence in the domestic OEM and Aftermarket. SBL is certified for IATF 16949:2016 Automotive Quality Management System, ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System and ISO 14001: 2015 Environmental Management System. Also TQM, TPM and Lean Manufacturing systems are practiced to achieve World Class standards. Environmentally and socially responsible,SBL ensures total health protection to its employees. SBL has the distinction of being the first friction material company worldwide to be awarded the prestigious Deming Application Prize, by the Deming Prize Committee of JUSE (Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers) for practicing Total Quality Management (TQM) utilising statistical concepts and methodology. SBLs manufacturing range includes products that have been successfully tested to meet European R-90, American FMVSS 121, Australian ADR 35/38, South African SABS 1506/SANS 20090 and Indian IS 11852 requirements. SBL has a strong presence in the Indian Original Equipment (OE). Just in time deliveries are arranged by providing logistic support to ensure zero production stoppage at customers plants. SBL services the Indian aftermarket through more than 140 TVS owned wholesaler outlets spread across major towns. SBL exports Brake Blocks worldwide, supported by a wide variety of part number references for US and European commercial vehicles.SBL has a warehouse facility in North America to service the US and Canadian markets instantly - a pre-requisite to establish brand presence. A business representative in USA works closely with the US/Canadian brake re-builders and distributors. SBL regularly participates in International Fairs in North Amercia, Europe, Africa, Middle and Far East.YEAR EVENTS1974 - The Company was incorporated. The main objects of the Company is to manufacture and deal in all friction material for automotive, non-automotive, industrial, railway and all other applications and also manufactures and deals in such materials or components as are allied and akin to the above products. - The company has received a Letter of Intent from the Government for expanding its capacity by 2700 M.T. The factory is located in Padi Madras & T.S.K. Puram, Mustakurichi O.P. Aruppukottai Taluk in Kamaraj. 1992 - The Company obtained certification under ISO 9002. After maintaining the same for 3 years, the Company, while applying for recertification, offered its quality system for upgradation into ISO 9001 to cover design and development also in addition to manufacturing and supplies. 1993 - During the year, the Company has bagged the Technology Award for the year 1991-92 from the Automobile Components Manufacturers' Association for introducing Asbestofree Brakelinings through import substitution. - The Company was awarded first prize for the productivity achieved at the State level for two consecutive years 1989-90 and 1990-91 by the Government of Tamilnadu. - The Company was awarded first prize to its TSK Plant for Industrial Safety for the year 1989-90 by the Government of Tamilnadu. - Received the technology Award from the Automobile Components Manufacturers' Association for Asbestosfree Brakelinings through import substitution 1994 - During the year, the Company was awarded "National Award for R & D Efforts" in the Industry for the year 1993 for Technology Absorption. We are the first Auto Component Manufacturer to receive this Award. 1995 - The Company's US partner spinned off its holding infavour of TVS Group. This has resulted in the change in the Company's name to the present, which was SUNDARAM ABEX LIMITED. 1998 - The Company has signed a Technology Transfer Agreement with M/s European Friction Industries Limited, U.K. for importing technology relating to manufacture of Disc Brake Pads for Commercial Vehicles. 2000 - The Company has developed two new auto components - bonded brake shoes for two - wheelers and disc pads for commercial vehicles in the overseas markets. 2001 - Sundaram Brake Linings Ltd has appointed Mr. S. Pattappa as an Alternate Director to Mr. K. S. Ranganathan, Director who has gone abroad for a long period. 2009 -Sundaram Brake Lining Ltd Issues Rights in the Ratio of 9:20 2011 -Sundaram Brake Linings Ltd has recommended a Dividend of Rs. 4/- per equity share of Rs. 10/- each for the year. 2012 -Sundaram Brake Linings Ltd has recommended a Dividend of Rs. 3/- per equity share of Rs. 10/- each for the year. 2013 -Mr. Krishna Mahesh has been appointed as Joint Managing Director of the Company. 2014-Plant 5 located in Mahindra World City, Chengalpet, is fully operational now.