European Friction Industries

For over 80 years Bristol has enjoyed an enviable reputation for expertise in the continual development and improvement of brake pad friction materials. Today at EFI we are justifiably proud to be the inheritors of these fine traditions and set ourselves the highest standards in maintaining them. EFI was founded on the 21st March 1986, having been formed from the demise of Trist Draper, Top Dog and Mintex Don in Bristol by a group of ex-employees. The company’s humble beginnings started in a storage building located at Bristol City Docks, the five strong work force initially acquired and prepared machinery for future production, before moving to Chauffeur garages in St. Annes. With limited resources the company started to produce and supply disc brake pads for the off road market. As orders increased it was not long before EFI decided to relocate to a small site in Brislington, which opened the opportunity for taking on new employees and move into the car and motorcycle disc brake pad market. The many years of OE (Original Equipment) experience which the directors gained in their previous employment has assisted in the production of brake pads which surpass many other after market manufacturers. The company’s growing portfolio of products lead to the need for more space, in 1992 EFI moved to a new site in Brislington. The site known as Bonville, which houses the factory and head office in 50 000 square feet. A second site was acquired in 1996, known as Wilverley and handles distribution in over 15 000 square feet. In recent years the company has continued to generate business in new markets. Growth in wind turbine and specialist products particularly with truck and railway brake pads has helped EFI become the largest independent friction manufacturer in the UK. From its roots in 1986 with zero turnover and a workforce of five the company has evolved over more than thirty years to the present day where it now has a skilled work force of over 200.