Performance Friction Corporation (PFC) Brakes Chooses Cloud-Based Plex to Streamline Manufacturing Operations

Plex ERP and MES A&O will enable real-time data and manufacturing floor insights

November 14, 2023 - Plex by Rockwell Automation, a leader in cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, today announced that automotive parts supplier Performance Friction Corporation (PFC) Brakes has chosen the Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform as an integrated and state-of-the-art manufacturing and business solution to run their U.S.-based operations. PFC will implement Plex's cloud-based solutions, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), including its Manufacturing Execution System (MES), along with Plex MES Automation and Orchestration (MES A&O).


PFC sought a cloud-based solution to address its various manufacturing challenges including inventory control, lack of real-time data, facility management issues, and operational delays. Anchored by Plex's deep history and domain expertise in the automotive market, the selection of Plex SaaS-based ERP and MES solutions will allow PFC to increase their plant-floor visibility, giving them unprecedented data to more accurately track inventory, minimize on-hand product, and ensure timely customer deliveries. The adoption of MES A&O will allow PFC to automate tasks and orchestrate workflows, removing the human element from time-consuming and error-prone manual processes.

PFC prides itself on creating innovative and high-performing products for nearly 40 years, citing its NO COMPROMISESâ„¢ philosophy. Their commitment to high standards is imperative for their customers, which consists of race teams, trash removal truck fleets, and automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). PFC has been named the official brake supplier of the NTT IndyCar Series and Superstar Racing Experience (SRX). With Plex on board, PFC Brakes will continue to perform best-in-market and support their key partnerships with innovative products.

"The decision to bring Plex on board was clear across a variety of factors, but we're especially excited about the operational insights with Plex that we've been searching for," commented Mary Ann Burgoon, CEO at PFC. "Our aim is that the Plex suite of smart manufacturing solutions will further increase customer satisfaction, which is a point of pride here at PFC. We look forward to the positive impacts this partnership will have on our business."

"With Plex's deep history and domain expertise in the automotive sector, we are excited to help PFC modernize their operations with a comprehensive suite of scalable, smart manufacturing solutions," said Chris Balow, director, product management, Plex by Rockwell Automation. "Our mission is to partner with customers in their digital transformation to drive increased levels of efficiency, resiliency, and agility, and we are honored to be a part of PFC's journey."

About Performance Friction Corporation (PFC) Brakes
PFC Brakes is an American-made, women-owned manufacturer of the highest quality severe duty brake components. All PFC Brakes products are designed and manufactured in-house. Supplying in OE, Motorsport, and Aftermarket segments. Our passion is in our product; we aim to deliver innovative solutions that outperform the competitors because, at PFC Brakes, we do not strive to meet industry standards but to surpass them. We have used our mission to build a culture based on a defiant philosophy: NO COMPROMISES. To learn more, visit https://pfcbrakes.com/

About Plex
Plex, by Rockwell Automation, is a leader in cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions, empowering the world's manufacturers to make awesome products. Our platform gives manufacturers the ability to connect, automate, track, and analyze every aspect of their business to drive transformation. The Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform™ includes solutions for manufacturing execution (MES), ERP, quality, supply chain planning and management, asset performance management, production monitoring, process automation and analytics to connect people, systems, machines and supply chains, enabling them to lead with precision, efficiency and agility. To learn more, visit http://www.plex.com.

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 28,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

Featured Product

Model TR1 Tru-Trac

Model TR1 Tru-Trac

The Model TR1 Tru-Trac® linear measurement solution is a versatile option for tracking velocity, position, or distance over a wide variety of surfaces. An integrated encoder, measuring wheel, and spring-loaded torsion arm in one, compact unit, the Model TR1 is easy to install. The spring-loaded torsion arm offers adjustable torsion load, allowing the Model TR1 to be mounted in almost any orientation - even upside-down. The threaded shaft on the pivot axis is field reversible, providing mounting access from either side. With operating speeds up to 3000 feet per minute, a wide variety of configuration options - including multiple wheel material options - and a housing made from a durable, conductive composite material that minimizes static buildup, the Model TR1 Tru-Trac® is the ideal solution for countless applications.