ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A reborn Rockford manufacturing company has received statewide recognition for its efforts to revive a historic local foundry and restore jobs to the region.
Rockford Brake was honored with a Governor’s Award for Local Impact during the inaugural Illinois Impact Awards ceremony held Thursday evening at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, according to the City of Rockford.
The company was formed after the closure of the longtime Gunite manufacturing plant in early 2025. Four former employees joined together to purchase the shuttered facility and restart operations at the historic 619,000-square-foot foundry…