Company History

Wichita Clutch was originally founded in 1949 to be the sole supplier of clutches to Wilson Manufacturing for their line of drilling and service rigs. In 1954, Wichita Clutch was incorporated and became a division of Wilson Manufacturing. This was the beginning of Wichita's efforts to sell clutches and brakes to OEM's, machine re-builders and end-users.

In 1961, our sister facility in Bedford, England, Wichita UK, was started as a joint venture between Wichita USA and United Flexible Metallic Tube. Wichita UK has been manufacturing a wide range of Wichita air operated friction clutches and brakes ever since.

Wichita UK is accredited to ISO 9001 quality standards and approved by various ship classification societies. Wichita quality control doesn't end with manufacturing though - our service and support continues long after installation with a help line available 24 hours a day every day of the year.

Through a network of distributors and agents, Wichita, USA is responsible for sales and service in North, South and Central America. Through a network of affiliates, Wichita, USA handles sales and service in Japan and Southeast Asia. Partnering with a network of sales offices and distributors, the Bedford sales team is responsible for sales, service and marketing to all countries outside North & South America and Japan.

Industrial Clutch

Industrial Clutch Corporation was founded in 1930 in Waukesha, Wisconsin by Tom Fawick and Clearance Eason. As the business expanded, they opened the current facility in 1936. The business remained in the Eason family for several generations.

In 2000, Colfax purchased Wichita Clutch and combined the two organizations to leverage their strong suites to become a leading manufacturer of clutches and brakes for industry. Industrial Clutch began by designing and manufacturing clutches and brakes for a variety of industrial applications. The patented "Flex Disc" design was incorporated into many machines that are still in use today. Throughout the years, the model LK Clutch and LKB Brake have been the mainstay of the business with numerous variations created around their low inertia designs. In 1980, Industrial Clutch developed several styles of wet; oil immersed combination clutch brakes and individual units utilizing the oil shear technology required for many grueling applications.

As is the case today, Industrial Clutch prided itself on its ability to provide engineered solutions to OEM's and designers for their power transmission needs. Industrial Clutch has been the exclusive supplier to many OEM manufacturers of heavy equipment over the years. Now in conjunction with Wichita Clutch we are able to offer a full range of solutions for the clutch and brake market place

Superior Products

Through continuous investment in CAD design stations, EDS I-DEAS 8 software package for 3-D modeling, CNC machining centers and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). These tools are used to ensure maximum customer value and consistent high quality in a range of products and services second to none.

Outstanding Customer Service

With advanced computer technology, extensive inventory capabilities and a comprehensive network of distributors, Wichita and Industrial clutch has the most experienced customer service personnel and outside sales representatives working to ensure our customers get what they need when they need it.

Quality Policy

That the people of Wichita and Industrial clutch will provide all products and services at a quality level that meets or exceeds the expectations and the requirements of our customers.