FDP creates remote learning center at Virginia headquarters for employee children

FDP, as a multi-generation family business, has always promoted the family culture throughout its operations. At the Tappahannock, VA, headquarters and manufacturing facility, FDP is taking that a step further, opening the FDP Momentum Center to provide employees’ children an on-site classroom learning facility and childcare resource.

Led by veteran educator who has nearly 20 years of experience teaching K-9 students as well as special education

programs, the FDP Momentum Center works with local school systems to implement the class syllabus and daily coursework while parents are on the job. They also provide after-school care.

“One of the greatest challenges for any working family is providing learning support and child care while local schools are closed or on rotating schedules during the pandemic,” said John Carney, VP of Sales and Operations for FDP Friction Science.

“This is a family business, and we always work to put families first here. We know families are facing a lot of challenges today, and we want to help them balance the needs for educational support and childcare by providing a high-quality, reliable and safe solution on site. Our motto is ‘Don’t Stop Learning’ and our excellent staff and our partnership with the local school systems help us achieve that.”

FDP renovated a large conference room that wasn’t being used to install safely distanced work stations, high-speed internet and white boards that create focused learning areas for different subjects and student ages. The school systems provide students laptops, but FDP contributes additional laptops and technology resources. The facility officially opened on September 2, 2020, and today serves seven students, with plans to accommodate more as needed. The addition of child care services is new for FDP, as well, but a welcome resource for parents.

Employee Regan Erwin agrees, and said the new FDP Momentum Center allows them to work full time and not have to worry about their children’s daily learning and daycare needs.

“It’s a great place for my kids to go and concentrate and get their work done for the day,” said Erwin. “Ms. Mahaney is always there to help when there is a question. In addition to finishing their school work, Ms. Mahaney always has some fun crafts planned for the kids to do. My kids enjoy going and look forward to it every week.”

About FDP Friction Science

FDP Friction Science was born in 1969 and with it, our passion for friction and braking technology. From our decades of experience as an OEM brake supplier, through growth and acquisitions to our modern industry today, our sole focus is making braking as safe and reliable as possible. Today, FDP Friction Science, with global headquarters and manufacturing in Tappahannock, VA, and R&D facility in Morrisville, NJ, is a global supplier of disc pads and brake shoes with nearly 200 employees, some of whom are approaching 50 years with the company. Our clients include OEMs, retailers, warehouse distributors, exporters and other brake manufacturers. At FDP, we leave nothing to chance. We subject our processes to the tightest quality controls, and our products to the most extensive lab and road testing available. Ultimately, our focus on safety and reliability results in higher-quality, longer-lasting products. So FDP pads and shoes don’t just ensure a higher degree of safety, they also deliver a better long-term value. Visit www.fdpbrakes.com to learn more.