Bendix Expands Huntington Operations

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Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is set to enhance its manufacturing and distribution facilities in Huntington, Indiana. This strategic expansion follows decades of substantial growth since the complex first opened in 1980. The primary North American distribution center will be transformed using advanced automation technology. Concurrently, the engine vibration damper manufacturing will be consolidated into a more expansive area within the same campus.

Key Highlights

• Upgrade of the North American Distribution Center with automation technologies like ASRS and WCS to improve efficiency and safety.
• Consolidation of damper manufacturing into a larger, unified space to enhance production capacity.
• Creation of additional job opportunities and potential for future expansions.

Bendix, a leader in the North American commercial vehicle market, is a subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse. The company specializes in active safety, air management, and braking system technologies. The Huntington facility, which started with just 30 workers, now employs over 500 staff and spans 855,000 square feet across four buildings.

Transforming the Distribution Center

The renovation of the Bendix Distribution Center will introduce a Goods-to-Person (GTP) system, utilizing automated storage, retrieval, and conveyance systems. This technology is expected to not only boost productivity but also significantly enhance the distribution process.

“Going to GTP will provide Bendix an advantage from a distribution technology standpoint, increasing productivity for the business and improving our delivery capacity to customers,” stated Randy Seaman, director of Bendix North American distribution. This shift will also free up approximately 90,000 square feet of space for future use.

New Home for Dampers

The engine vibration dampers, crucial for reducing torsional vibration in engines, are integral to vehicles across various industries. Recognizing the growing demand, Bendix plans to centralize damper production in Huntington, leveraging its strategic location.

“Through this strategic initiative, we can make the most of our production footprint,” explained Eric Meehan, interim managing director of Operations in Huntington. This move is aimed at increasing efficiency and productivity, which will inherently benefit both employees and customers alike.

The consolidation is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024, marking another significant milestone in Bendix’s long-standing history of innovation and growth in Huntington.