John McGourthy Sr. invented Thermoset in 1976. To supply the regionally concentrated small gas engine manufacturers with dry brake friction components, Roots was founded in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area. Thermoset was originally founded as a bonding business, but it has now developed its own line of complete friction materials for both dry and wet friction applications.

Thermoset has been a leader in the processing and use of woven carbon fiber friction materials for the past 20 years. For torque control and transmission synchronizer applications, Thermoset is the industry pioneer in the production of woven carbon fiber friction materials.

In order to increase its capabilities and provide cutting-edge technological solutions to its clients, Thermoset bought a thermoset molding business in 2003. The development of molded friction has been made possible by this diversity.