Short answer: First Brands shut down the North American operating businesses behind Raybestos and Autolite, but neither brand can accurately be called permanently dead based on the latest public information. Brake Parts Inc., the First Brands company associated with Raybestos, was wound down and its McHenry, Illinois, operation closed. The Raybestos brand and related intellectual property were later acquired by Friction One, which announced plans to begin distributing new Raybestos products in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Autolite followed a different path. First Brands wound down Autolite Operations, but Autolite intellectual property was included in a court-approved asset sale to PGI Northstar, a Premium Guard affiliate. That sale transferred brand and technical assets—not necessarily the former factory, workforce, or operating company—and no reliable public production timetable has been verified for Autolite.
The important distinction: operations closed, brands changed hands
News reports describing Autolite and Raybestos as shutting down are referring primarily to the companies and facilities that made or distributed those products under First Brands. A brand is not the same thing as its operating company, factory, inventory, trademark, engineering records, or customer-support organization.
In this case, four things happened at different times:
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- First Brands Group, the parent company, entered bankruptcy proceedings.
- Brake Parts Inc., the operating company associated with Raybestos, was included in the North American wind-down.
- Autolite Operations, First Brands’ spark-plug business, was also wound down.
- Raybestos and Autolite brand assets were later separated and sold to different buyers.
That is why both of these statements can be true: Raybestos production under First Brands’ Brake Parts Inc. operation stopped, and Raybestos may return under a new owner. Similarly, Autolite’s First Brands operation was wound down, while the Autolite name and related intellectual property remain under new ownership.
| Brand | What happened under First Brands | Later transaction | Known outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raybestos | Brake Parts Inc. was included in the North American wind-down. Its McHenry, Illinois, operation closed in February 2026. | Friction One announced the acquisition of the Raybestos brand and related intellectual property on June 29, 2026. | Friction One said initial new friction products and drums and rotors were expected to reach distribution in Q4 2026. |
| Autolite | First Brands announced a wind-down of Autolite Operations; a later court filing cited liquidity problems affecting the spark-plug and brake businesses. | Autolite intellectual property was included in PGI Northstar’s court-approved purchase of selected First Brands assets. | The brand rights changed hands, but no comparable public production or relaunch schedule has been verified. |
What First Brands announced on January 26, 2026
On January 26, 2026, First Brands announced that it had begun winding down its North American Brake Parts Inc., Cardone, and Autolite business units. The company said those operations could not be kept running after efforts to secure additional funding and advance potential sale transactions failed to produce a viable solution. The announcement is available in First Brands’ wind-down release.
The geographic wording matters. The announcement focused on the affected North American operating businesses. It did not say that every First Brands unit worldwide closed simultaneously. Other North American units and operations outside North America were initially treated differently in the wind-down announcement and the U.S. Chapter 11 cases.
For parts buyers, the practical result was an abrupt disruption in manufacturing, order fulfillment, technical support, and distribution. It did not mean that every part already made by these businesses disappeared on the announcement date.
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Raybestos was the flagship brake brand of Brake Parts Inc., commonly known as BPI. First Brands acquired Brake Parts Inc. in July 2020, bringing Raybestos into its broader aftermarket portfolio. The 2020 transaction also included Champion Laboratories, whose portfolio included Luber-finer, as described in the acquisition announcement.
The corporate relationship was therefore:
First Brands Group → Brake Parts Inc. → Raybestos
When First Brands could no longer fund the North American BPI operation, the shutdown affected the company that manufactured, marketed, and supported Raybestos products. That is different from a court declaring the Raybestos trademark extinct.
The McHenry closure and 389 lost jobs
Brake Parts Inc.’s McHenry, Illinois, operation subsequently closed in February 2026. Local reporting said the closure affected 389 employees across three McHenry locations. The report described 332 employees being laid off initially, with 57 retained temporarily to assist with closure-related work. The details were reported by the Northwest Herald.
The McHenry closure is strong evidence that the original North American Raybestos operating structure stopped functioning. It is not evidence that the Raybestos name can never be used again, because trademarks, product data, formulations, catalogs, and other intellectual property can be sold independently of the factory that once used them.
Raybestos has a new announced owner
On June 29, 2026, Friction One announced that it had acquired the Raybestos brand and related intellectual property. According to Friction One’s announcement, the transaction included product formulations, engineering specifications, application data, catalog resources, marketing assets, and technical materials.
Friction One said the first new Raybestos products were expected to reach distribution in the fourth quarter of 2026, beginning with friction products and drums and rotors. That is an announced target, not a guarantee that every former Raybestos part number will immediately return or that production will occur in the former BPI facilities.
Nothing in the announcement establishes that the McHenry plant will reopen, that the former Brake Parts workforce will be rehired, or that the new company assumed every obligation of the old operating business. The announced transaction is best understood as a brand and intellectual-property acquisition with a planned product relaunch.
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What happened to Autolite?
Autolite was also part of First Brands’ 2020-era portfolio, but it was not sold through the same transaction as Raybestos. Its corporate relationship was:
First Brands Group → Autolite Operations → Autolite
First Brands’ January 26 announcement included Autolite Operations in the North American wind-down. A March 24, 2026, bankruptcy report described liquidity problems that forced the wind-down of Autolite and various brake businesses. The report is available through Bloomberg Law.
The later asset sale did not give Autolite the same outcome as Raybestos. Autolite intellectual property was included in a court-approved sale of selected First Brands assets to PGI Northstar, a Premium Guard affiliate. The transaction included Autolite as well as FRAM, Luber-finer, Trico, ANCO, StrongArm, and other brands. Coverage of the transaction is available from Truck, Parts & Service.
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This was an intellectual-property and asset transaction, not an established purchase of the complete Autolite operating business as a going concern. It does not by itself prove that the same factories, suppliers, employees, inventory systems, warranty department, or production contracts transferred to PGI Northstar. It also does not establish when—or whether—all Autolite spark-plug applications will be produced again.
For now, the careful description is: First Brands wound down Autolite Operations, and Autolite intellectual property was sold to PGI Northstar; the future production schedule remains unclear.
Why did First Brands shut down?
The shutdown was not simply a case of consumers abandoning Raybestos brakes or Autolite spark plugs. The operating businesses needed cash to buy materials, pay workers, maintain facilities, ship orders, and support inventory. Once liquidity became unavailable and potential sale efforts did not produce a workable solution, winding down the businesses became necessary.
First Brands filed Chapter 11 cases in September 2025. The lead case is In re First Brands Group, LLC, Case No. 25-90399, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, before Judge Christopher M. Lopez. More than 100 affiliated entities were involved in jointly administered cases. The Kroll First Brands restructuring site provides the claims, noticing, and case materials.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe bankruptcy record and federal criminal case describe a heavily leveraged acquisition strategy, complicated receivables-financing and off-balance-sheet arrangements, and severe liquidity problems. Federal prosecutors allege that former executives used fake, double- or triple-pledged collateral and misleading financial information to obtain financing. The Justice Department said First Brands had approximately $12 million in corporate cash and more than $9 billion in liabilities when it filed for bankruptcy.
Those figures and allegations need to be handled carefully. In January 2026, prosecutors charged former First Brands CEO Patrick James and former senior executive Edward James with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and related offenses. The DOJ announcement describes the indictment’s allegations. An indictment is not a conviction, and the criminal allegations, bankruptcy proceedings, and ultimate civil liability are separate matters.
The brand sales did not all follow the same path
First Brands’ portfolio was divided among different buyers and transactions. Some assets were sold as operating businesses, some as intellectual property, and some were liquidated or wound down. A sale of one brand does not establish the status of another.
- Raybestos: The brand and related intellectual property were announced as acquired by Friction One, with an initial Q4 2026 distribution target.
- Autolite: The intellectual property was included in PGI Northstar’s selected asset and IP purchase, with no verified public relaunch date.
- Other brands: The PGI Northstar transaction included brands such as FRAM, Luber-finer, Trico, ANCO, and StrongArm. Separately, Motorcar Parts of America announced the purchase of Centric Parts brake intellectual property. That announcement is available from Motorcar Parts of America.
Reports described the PGI Northstar transaction as involving a $25 million component, along with additional payments and assumed liabilities. That figure applies to selected intellectual property and assets; it was not the purchase price for the entire First Brands enterprise.
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What the shutdown means for parts availability
Existing inventory may still be genuine and usable
Previously manufactured Raybestos or Autolite parts do not automatically become defective, counterfeit, or unusable because the original operating company closed. Inventory may remain at warehouses, distributors, retailers, repair shops, and liquidation channels until it is sold.
Availability will vary by part number, vehicle application, distributor, country, and remaining stock. A catalog may continue to show a legacy part number even when the item is backordered or no longer being produced. Conversely, one distributor may have inventory while another has none.
Use more care when buying scarce parts
Before ordering a Raybestos or Autolite part during the transition:
- Verify the exact part number and vehicle fitment. Do not rely only on a brand-level search or a photograph.
- Check the seller. Prefer a reputable retailer, distributor, or established repair-parts source.
- Confirm stock status. Ask whether the part is physically in the seller’s warehouse or merely listed in a catalog.
- Review the return policy. This is particularly important for closeout or liquidation inventory.
- Keep the invoice, box, labels, and lot information. These may be needed for a return, fitment dispute, or warranty claim.
- Do not choose a safety-critical brake component solely because it is scarce or cheap. If the correct Raybestos part is unavailable, compare a suitable OE or reputable aftermarket alternative.
A closeout label does not by itself prove a part is defective or counterfeit. Counterfeit risk is a sourcing issue separate from bankruptcy. The more immediate risk is often an incorrect, obsolete, damaged, or mismatched part being sold as the last available item.
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A vehicle does not need to have its existing Raybestos brake pads, rotors, drums, or other components replaced merely because Brake Parts Inc. closed. Replacement should be based on wear, damage, fitment, a confirmed defect or recall, or the vehicle manufacturer’s service requirements—not on the bankruptcy headline alone.
Repair shops should also avoid mixing components or hardware from incompatible product families simply to complete an order. Confirm the application, friction formulation, dimensions, hardware, and installation requirements for the specific vehicle.
Autolite supply may be uneven
Autolite spark-plug availability may become inconsistent while inventory from the First Brands era moves through the supply chain and PGI Northstar determines how to use the acquired intellectual property. The lack of a public relaunch schedule does not establish that every Autolite part number has been discontinued. Check the exact application and availability rather than treating the entire brand as unavailable.
What happens to warranties?
Raybestos published a limited brake-products warranty under Brake Parts Inc.; the document remains useful for understanding the original warranty terms and requirements. It is available as a Raybestos warranty PDF.
The bankruptcy and subsequent asset sales make administration of older claims less certain. A brand buyer may or may not assume particular liabilities, and the answer can depend on the purchase date, product type, seller, claim timing, applicable bankruptcy orders, and the language of the sale agreement.
Do not assume that every old warranty automatically vanished, and do not assume that every warranty automatically transferred to the new brand owner. A consumer or shop with a claim should:
- Contact the original seller first and ask how it is handling the claim.
- Keep proof of purchase, installation records, photographs, packaging, and the failed part when safe and practical.
- Check the current brand owner’s published support information.
- Ask specifically whether the claim concerns a pre-sale product, a post-acquisition product, or an assumed liability.
Warranty rights can be affected by bankruptcy orders and local law. This is a practical claims checklist, not a determination of legal entitlement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Employees, plant closures, and pensions
The brand story also represents a substantial employment loss. In addition to the 389 jobs affected by the McHenry Brake Parts closure, other First Brands facilities in Ohio, Indiana, Texas, Michigan, and elsewhere received closure or layoff notices. For example, reporting covered planned cuts at a Greenville, Ohio, operation and the closure of Jasper facilities; additional notices were filed under state WARN requirements.
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The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation said it would take responsibility for three First Brands pension plans because First Brands was liquidating in bankruptcy and no entity remained able to support them. The affected plans were the FRAM Fostoria and Greenville plan, the Cardone plan, and the Dalton plan. Their termination was effective April 30, 2026.
That PBGC action concerns the identified pension plans. It should not be read as a statement that every First Brands employee, benefit, or retirement arrangement across every location had identical treatment.
Where the bankruptcy case stood
By mid-2026, the First Brands cases had shifted away from preserving one fully operating enterprise and toward wind-down transactions, asset sales, and a proposed liquidating plan. The proposed structure contemplated monetizing litigation claims and distributing recoveries through a litigation trust. Some parties, including the U.S. Trustee, objected and sought conversion of the cases to Chapter 7.
As of July 28, 2026, the contested confirmation hearing had begun amid substantial objections. No final confirmation order or effective-date notice was verified in the latest publicly indexed case information used for this article. Because bankruptcy schedules, sale orders, plan terms, and appeals can change quickly, readers who need the legally current status should check the live Kroll case site and the court docket before relying on this summary. Additional public case tracking is available through ElevenFlo and the bankruptcy docket mirror.
The sale of a trademark or product catalog does not end the broader bankruptcy case. Creditor disputes, litigation claims, criminal proceedings, pension issues, warranty questions, and plan-confirmation matters can continue after individual assets have changed hands.
Timeline: First Brands, Raybestos, and Autolite
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| 2013 | First Brands’ predecessor was formed as Crowne Industrial Group, according to bankruptcy-case materials. |
| 2020 | First Brands acquired Brake Parts Inc., whose portfolio included Raybestos, and Champion Laboratories. |
| September 2025 | First Brands and numerous affiliates filed Chapter 11 cases in the Southern District of Texas. |
| January 26, 2026 | First Brands announced the North American wind-down of Brake Parts Inc., Cardone, and Autolite. |
| January 29, 2026 | The DOJ announced fraud charges against former executives Patrick James and Edward James. |
| February 2026 | Brake Parts Inc.’s McHenry operation closed, affecting 389 jobs. |
| March 24, 2026 | A court filing described liquidity challenges that forced the wind-down of Autolite Operations and brake businesses. |
| April 2026 | PGI Northstar’s court-approved selected asset and IP purchase included Autolite. |
| April 30, 2026 | PBGC assumed responsibility for three First Brands pension plans. |
| June 29, 2026 | Friction One announced the acquisition of Raybestos and related intellectual property. |
| Q4 2026 | Friction One said it expected initial new Raybestos products to reach distribution. |
| July 28, 2026 | The contested confirmation hearing for the First Brands recovery plan began amid objections; the final case outcome remained subject to the court’s orders. |
What repair shops and parts counters should tell customers
The most accurate customer explanation is simple:
First Brands shut down the North American businesses that operated Raybestos and Autolite. Raybestos’ brand assets were later acquired by Friction One, which announced a Q4 2026 product target. Autolite’s intellectual property was sold to PGI Northstar, but its production plans are not yet publicly clear. Existing parts may still be genuine and available, but stock, support, and warranty handling can vary.
That wording avoids the two most common errors: saying the brands are permanently gone, or suggesting that a brand-name sale means the former factories and employees are back in operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Raybestos and Autolite permanently discontinued?
Not based on the latest public information. The First Brands operating businesses behind both brands were wound down. Raybestos was later acquired by Friction One, which announced an initial Q4 2026 distribution target. Autolite intellectual property was sold to PGI Northstar, but no verified public production timetable has been announced.
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Possibly. Previously manufactured inventory can remain in distributor and retailer channels after a manufacturer closes. Availability depends on the specific part number, application, location, and remaining stock. Verify fitment, seller reputation, physical stock, and the return policy.
Do I need to replace Raybestos brake parts already installed on my vehicle?
No. The closure alone is not a reason to replace a functioning part. Replace brake components based on wear, damage, a confirmed defect or recall, incorrect fitment, or normal service requirements.
Are old Raybestos warranties still valid?
Do not assume that they automatically ended or automatically transferred. Administration can depend on the purchase date, seller, product, claim timing, warranty language, and bankruptcy sale orders. Start with the seller and retain proof of purchase and installation records.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The First Brands-owned North American operating businesses behind Raybestos and Autolite were wound down, but the brands took separate paths afterward. Raybestos production under Brake Parts Inc. ended, the McHenry facility closed, and 389 jobs were affected; however, Friction One acquired the Raybestos brand and announced a Q4 2026 product-relaunch target. Autolite Operations was wound down and its intellectual property was sold to PGI Northstar, but Autolite’s next production date remains unverified. For buyers, existing inventory is not automatically counterfeit or defective, installed parts do not require automatic replacement, and warranty claims should be handled with documentation and careful attention to the seller and current brand owner.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
