GUELPH, ON - JUNE 23, 2016 - ABS Friction Inc. has added their voice calling for a ban on asbestos and
the importation of products containing asbestos into Canada. To create awareness, ABS has launched
the “ABS Asbestos Offensive” an information campaign aimed at the automotive industry where
asbestos is still common in imported brake pads and consequently a lethal hazard for mechanics.
Here is the link: http://www.absfriction.com/asbestosoffensive.
“In 2016 there are still too many brake pads that contain asbestos, being imported and sold in
Canada,” said Rick Jamieson, President, CEO and Co-founder of ABS Friction. “In fact, imports of
asbestos-related items rose to $6-million in 2014 from $4.9-million in 2013 and the bulk of these
goods consisted of asbestos brake linings and pads, which hit $3.6-million in imports in 2014, a
seven-year high.*
Although I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s recent statement that the government will ban
asbestos, we want to keep the ban on asbestos top of mind. Here, in Guelph, Ontario we are working with our
MP, the Honourable Lloyd Longfield and our MPP, the Honourable Liz Sandals as well as automotive
industry organizations across Canada and North America. We invite people to review the information
on our site and welcome their comments.”
Asbestos is by far the top on-the-job killer in Canada, accounting for almost 5,000 death claims
since 1996. But that does not reflect the true depth of its effects. Many victims die of
mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, but it may take 20 to 50 years after exposure to
materialize. *
“We have seen the effect of asbestos exposure first hand on mechanics and auto trades people,” said
Joe Schmidt, Director of Research and Development and Co-Founder, ABS Friction. “As a Canadian
manufacturer who has made asbestos-free brake pads since we began 20 years ago, we want our voice
to be heard - it’s time to put this issue to bed.”
* Source: Statistics Canada
About ABS Friction Inc.
ABS Friction Inc. is a Canadian family owned and operated industry leader in the manufacture and testing
of premium disc brake pads for the automotive aftermarket industry.
Every ABS brake pad is manufactured at our Guelph, Ontario, Canada facility to ensure premium,
reliable products each and every time. All ABS brake pads are 100% asbestos free and
environmentally friendly. ABS supplies to over 20 markets globally through both private label and
branded programs.
Safety really does matter at ABS Friction. Manufacturing quality, safe and reliable products is our
#1 focus. We manufacture our products to the most stringent of quality standards. ABS is an ISO
14001, OHSAS 18001 compliant, ISO 9001:2008 registered, Leafmark compliant and BEEP® registered
manufacturing facility. For further information, visit: http://www.absfriction.com.
Media Contact:
Peter Donato
Special Assignment Inc.
P: +416.271.4316
E: donato@specialassignment.com
ABS Friction Inc. Contact:
Michele Keeler
Marketing Manager
P: +226.217.2233
E: mkeeler@absfriction.com