Stearns® History 
Brakes, Clutches and Electronic Components
For over 75 years, Stearns has been recognized for our innovation and our superior quality in the clutch and brake industry. Stearns was founded in 1916, and invented the first DC clutch and brake in 1928. Some of these first clutches and brakes built are still in service today! We originated the AC motor brake in 1935. Again, some of the units still in operation are 40 plus years old, true evidence of Stearns quality and reliability. Over the years we have added many options and modifications to tailor the product to your specific needs, and currently have numerous factory-available, pre-engineered options to choose from. Our product lines have expanded to include DC direct-acting brakes, including a European-style IEC mount series; Electronics, including rectifiers and status switches to support our clutch and brake product line and SINPAC electronic centrifugal switches. For more product information, select from our full line of products below:
     • Spring-set (power-off) brakes
     • Electrically-set (power-on) clutches and brakes
     • Heavy Duty Clutches and Brakes
     • SINPAC electronic centrifugal switches

Within our 100K square foot facility, we are almost completely self-sufficient. We have our own CNC/DNC machine shop, we manufacture our own brake friction discs and coils, have complete assembly capability, our own electronics manufacturing, and a R&D Lab where we build prototypes and conduct product reliability testing.

We have been ISO 9001:2000 certified since December of 1995. Our products are also CSA certified, and ABS-type approval certified. Applicable products are UL approved. Our continuous improvement programs include Six Sigma and Demand Flow manufacturing to improve our processes and improve our service to you. Stearns is located in Cudahy, Wisconsin, and has over 500 distributor locations to help serve your needs!