Knott Brake Company was started in 1987 by current CEO, Hans Kott. Hans worked from his home doing sales while product was being supplied by our German parent company and warehoused in Lodi, Ohio. Very quickly Hans realized that to grow the business he would need to start producing
some of the product in Ohio, so in 1989 Hans rented a 10,000 square foot space. He started by bringing components from our parent and doing final assembly, introducing flexibility into the
delivery of goods.

By 1991 the business had grown, now with six full time employees the next stage of business development focused on manufacturing complete brake assemblies. To accomplish this, CNC machines were purchased. In 1992 Friction bonding was added, 1995 Welding processes were added introducing more and more US content into the German engineered product.  Knott Brake Company now had 30 full time employees

In 2002 a new facility pictured here was built in Lodi, Oh. At the same time Knott Brake Company
was in process of purchasing Thomas Mfg a company well known for its Brake Band and molded friction products in the lawn and garden industry. Today Knott employees 65 people in many
different job functions. Visit capabilities for a tour of Knott Brake Company.