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Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has introduced Knorr-Bremse’s first North American Value Stream Academy (VSA) at its Acuña, Mexico facility, marking a significant step in lean manufacturing and operational excellence. This initiative, part of Knorr-Bremse’s global BOOST 2026 program, aims to enhance waste elimination and value creation for safer transportation. The VSA offers hands-on training, supports continuous improvement, and strengthens industry ties, with courses extending to various Bendix locations and soon to suppliers.
Key Highlights:
- First in North America: The Acuña VSA is Knorr-Bremse’s third worldwide, following sites in the Czech Republic and Germany.
- Comprehensive Training: Courses cover lean manufacturing basics to advanced problem-solving and logistics, benefiting truck and rail industries.
- Broader Impact: Training supports all North American Knorr-Bremse companies and enhances roadway safety.
Based in Acuña, Mexico, Bendix’s VSA launched its first class last fall, hosting 15 engineers from the U.S. and Mexico over four days. This facility, part of Bendix’s Plant 2, features a physical classroom with workstations for practical, real-world manufacturing simulations. The program aligns with the Knorr Production System (KPS), a cornerstone of Knorr-Bremse’s operations since 2012. “Since 2012, VSA training has played a key role in the Knorr Production System (KPS), providing lean manufacturing instruction for Knorr-Bremse employees in both the truck and rail industries,” said Fabio Nakai, Bendix director of operations excellence. The training builds skills from foundational to expert levels, fostering a culture of empowerment and innovation.
Beyond Acuña, the VSA extends its reach with demonstrations and programs in Avon, Ohio; Huntington, Indiana; and Bowling Green, Kentucky. These locations will host specialized courses, such as lean administration and logistics, starting in early 2025. “Effectively teaching lean advanced manufacturing requires a physical classroom with workstations, so we’ve set that up in Acuña to serve all North American locations,” Nakai explained. Plans are underway to include suppliers in 2025, amplifying the initiative’s impact across the supply chain.
Bendix, a leader in commercial vehicle safety and braking solutions, integrates this effort into its broader commitment to quality and productivity. “Our global vision for the future is to secure Knorr-Bremse’s long-term position as a worldwide market and technology leader through operational excellence,” stated Piotr Sroka, Bendix president, CEO, and COO. The VSA supports this vision by promoting a self-learning organization that inspires continuous improvement at every level.
The Acuña VSA joins two others globally, reinforcing Knorr-Bremse’s dedication to lean principles across its commercial vehicle and rail divisions. By driving safety, efficiency, and team ownership, Bendix and Knorr-Bremse aim to elevate transportation standards. “All of these efforts support Bendix and Knorr-Bremse’s longstanding culture of continuous improvement at every level, from the shop floor to every department that directly supports operations,” Nakai added. This initiative underscores their mission to make North American roads and railways safer for all.
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