CTD is the largest North American manufacturer and distributor of steel disc brake backing plates, a component used in the assembly of replacement brake pads for the automotive aftermarket. The Company markets its products through brake pad manufacturers who attach friction material to the plate, package the brakes under their brand name, and sells through distributors to the brake replacement market. Util is Europe's leading manufacturer of unlined brake shoes and disc brake backing plates. Located outside Turin, Italy, Util's products are used in the assembly of OEM and replacement disc brake pads and drum brakes for automotive braking systems. CTD/Util was sold to an Italian private equity firm in July 2003.