CALUMET, Mich. – REL Inc., a high-tech material, testing and process development company based in Calumet, Mich., garnered statewide recognition for its composite brake technology during the Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) awards, which took place May 6 in Lansing.
 
REL Inc. received the 2014 “Innovation Award” during the 10th annual MCSB awards program, held at Michigan State University. The awards program recognizes small businesses in a variety of industries and fields whose growth supports Michigan’s economy. To be eligible for the Innovation Award, the product or service had to be developed and earning revenue during the previous three years.
 
REL Inc. developed a lightweight composite motorcycle brake rotor technology that is 60 percent lighter than standard steel rotors. Low-density, ceramic reinforcement provides thermal stability and drastically extends the life of the brake system. The technology is now in transition to the automotive market where the brakes are installed on a demonstration car. REL’s brake rotor reduces vehicle weight by 38 pounds, the company stated.
 
“Receiving the Innovation Award validates REL’s technology and attracts investment into our composite brake technology,” said Andrew Halonen, sales and marketing engineer for REL Inc.
 
For more information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business, visit www.michigancelebrates.biz/.
 
For more information about REL Inc., visit http://www.relinc.net/.
 
For more information about MTEC SmartZone, visit http://www.mtecsz.com/.