Wolverine Advanced Materials

In the heart of the American auto industry, a company named Wolverine Gasket was established in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1934. While household names were building the cars, this company focused on something less visible but critical: developing high-performance, elastomer-coated materials. Their products, like specialized gaskets and materials to dampen brake noise, became essential components inside the vehicles rolling off assembly lines. For decades, Wolverine built its reputation as a trusted global supplier, engineering quiet solutions for an industry obsessed with performance and reliability. The company's deep technical knowledge made it a go-to partner for original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers alike. This long-term focus on a specific niche set the stage for its next chapter. A significant event occurred in 2015 when the industrial conglomerate ITT acquired Wolverine Advanced Materials for approximately $300 million. The acquisition was a strategic move by ITT to vertically integrate a key supplier and expand its own portfolio in automotive brake and sealing technologies. Under ITT's ownership, Wolverine became part of a larger, diversified manufacturing entity. The story took another turn in mid-2024 when ITT sold Wolverine to the private equity firm Center Rock Capital Partners for $171 million. This transaction marked a new era for the company, carving it out from its large corporate parent. After 90 years and two major ownership changes, Wolverine continues its journey, now backed by a firm focused on its core industrial market.