The team at Disc Brakes Australia is celebrating 50 years

In 1973, a frustrated Holden owner strolled into a small Sydney automotive workshop, searching for a simple fix – a new brake rotor for their car.
What happened next would kickstart a legacy. Phillip Joseph Sr and his father, Oscar Joseph, took on the challenge, creating a custom rotor for the 1967 Holden HD/HR.
That one job sparked the establishment of a small rotor manufacturing business, which started selling brake rotors locally two years later, laying the foundation for what would become Disc Brakes Australia (DBA).
Fast forward 50 years, and DBA is now a global name in braking, known for its innovation and Aussie-made quality.
DBA says this anniversary isn’t just about looking back; it is about celebrating the grit, innovation, and drive that built a brand trusted by drivers around the world.
In the 1960s, most cars relied on drum brakes. While they served their purpose, they often struggled to keep up with the demands of faster, heavier vehicles.
Disc brakes were emerging as a superior alternative, but in Australia, they weren’t easy to come by. That’s where DBA stepped in, crafting rotors tailored to Australian cars.
Starting with models like the MG and Ford Cortina, their work quickly attracted attention. By the 1980s, the business adopted the name we recognise today – Disc Brakes Australia (DBA).
With a sharp focus and a growing reputation, DBA set out to dominate the local replacement market for brake rotors.
But their ambitions didn’t stop there. In the 1990s, DBA began supplying brake rotors to Holden and Ford Australian manufacturing plants and their service network, a testament to the quality and reliability of its engineering, product and supply chain capabilities.

At the same time, the company started pushing boundaries by testing their products in motorsport and refining them for high-performance applications.
Motorsport has become more than just a proving ground for DBA – it is a key part of the brand’s identity, demonstrating its commitment to performance and reliability.
A major milestone came in 2002 with DBA’s entry into V8 Supercar Utes, where the 4000 Series was selected as the controlled category brake rotor, cementing its reputation in competitive racing.
This legacy continues today through partnerships like the RX8 Cup, where series in both Australia and New Zealand rely on DBA’s trusted 4000 Series rotors – a testament to the confidence the motorsport community places in DBA.
More recently, DBA has strengthened its involvement in Australian motorsport by extending partnerships with Motorsport Australia and Supercars team Tickford Racing.
These collaborations reinforce DBA’s ongoing presence in the racing world, supporting high-performance competition with trusted braking solutions.
Beyond the track, DBA continues to prove its braking expertise through programs like Fastrack Experiences: Exotic Supercars, where high-performance machines such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Lotuses rely on DBA brakes – demonstrating its ability to perform under extreme conditions.
The early 2000s marked another milestone for DBA, thanks to one game-changing invention: the Kangaroo Paw ventilation system.
Unlike traditional straight-vane rotors, this clever design uses unique diamond- and tear-drop-shaped pillars to keep rotors cooler.
DBA reports the result is up to 20 percent better heat dissipation, making brakes more reliable and durable.
Whether tackling harsh outback tracks or flying around a racetrack, DBA says this design became a favourite for drivers demanding more from their vehicles.
DBA didn’t stop with just cooling technology. It introduced heat-monitoring features like Thermographic Heat Paint and advanced slot designs like the T2 and T3, with the latter being instrumental in making braking smoother, quieter and more efficient.

In 2003, DBA took a leap, launching into the US market. It was a bold move, but one that paid off.
Today, DBA products are trusted worldwide, from Europe to the Americas and across Asia.
No matter the drive or how it’s driven, DBA says it has a braking solution for it. Its brake rotors are grouped into three categories:
• Street Series: reliable, premium OE-replacement rotors for everyday drivers.
• 4000 Series: built tougher for 4WDs, off-roaders, and serious brake upgrade seekers.
• 5000 Series: performance rotors designed for powerful track and street applications.
The same goes for DBA brake pads, which are tailored to everything from daily commutes to heavy-duty towing and motorsport, supported by a comprehensive range of hydraulic components such as calipers, brake cylinders, and brake hoses.
With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous cars, DBA continues to push its innovation.
Recognising the unique braking demands of EVs and hybrids compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles, DBA has expanded its offerings with the Street Series EV brake pads series.
These pads feature a specialised friction formulation, and a uniquely designed shim tailored to the distinct performance characteristics of EVs.
More recently, DBA has introduced a range of Upgrade Kits for those looking to overhaul their braking system entirely. These kits combine rotors, pads, and calipers for the ultimate performance boost.
DBA’s journey hit another big milestone in 2018 when it joined Amotiv Ltd (formerly GUD Holdings).
This partnership has helped the company scale up while staying focused on what it does best – making brakes that drivers trust.

In 2024, DBA opened a cutting-edge National Distribution Centre in Truganina, Victoria.
DBA states this 11,500-square-metre facility, with capacity for more than 3,000 pallets and in excess of 10,000 individual pick-face locations, is more than just a warehouse – it shows that DBA is serious about meeting customer needs quickly and efficiently, while continuing to grow.
DBA General Manager, Vera Gerard, sums it up perfectly: “fifty years of DBA stand as a tribute to Australian resilience and innovation.”
“From our modest roots in a Sydney workshop, we’ve become a global leader, renowned for our braking performance and trusted as a brand synonymous with safety and innovation,” Vera said.
“DBA’s story is a reminder of what can happen when determination meets innovation – from solving one driver’s problem in a Sydney workshop to becoming a globally recognised brand.
“As we mark our 50th year, we aren’t just looking back on what’s been achieved, we are gearing up for what’s next.
“Here’s to 50 years of Aussie-made excellence, and the exciting road ahead.”

For more from DBA, visit www.dba.com.au