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Source: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems announcement
AVON, Ohio – The story of the manufacturing facility at 346 Central Avenue in Bowling Green, is one of investment and growth. And pride. This month, the state-of-the-art production plant – home to the wheel-end operation of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix) – celebrates its 15th year in the vibrant green fields of South Central Kentucky.
The Bowling Green plant opened in October 2007 to manufacture the full lineup of Bendix® foundation brake products, including air disc brakes and foundation drum brakes, as well as automatic slack adjusters, spring brakes, and friction.
At its opening, the facility occupied 187,000 square feet and employed 133 people working one shift. Since then, Bendix has invested tens of millions of dollars in production capacity and equipment. From its humble beginnings, the facility today occupies 432,000 square feet and employs more than 500 team members covering three shifts.
Bendix’s Bowling Green operation consistently delivers the industry’s most effective, efficient, and forward-looking wheel-end solutions, advancing commercial vehicle technology and helping to enhance highway safety. At the same time, the plant regularly records quality, production, and workplace safety achievements – while prioritizing the well-being of its employees. Bendix has also established itself as a valued hometown supporter and leading member of the business community during its decade and a half in Bowling Green.
“Our roots run deep in Bowling Green,” said Wade Watson, Bendix vice president, manufacturing, and former plant manager at Bowling Green. “It’s our home. We have made major investments in our plant, our people, and our community. We are proud to be a part of Bowling Green, proud to be a part of a dynamic global company, and proud to reach this milestone anniversary – yet another step in our strong and sustainable future.”
Strategic Investments, World-Class Standards
The philosophy at Bendix, which is part of Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse, is to continually assess and reinvest in its manufacturing operations. Bendix is dedicated to maintaining its facilities at world-class standards for its employees and customers.
“When you look at the Bowling Green plant, there’s no denying that it is a world-class operation,” Watson said. “We’ve applied our most advanced methodologies when it comes to automation, logistics, and maintenance activities. It’s well maintained and includes amenities such as a medical center and gym on-site. And it’s climate-controlled, which is very rare, especially when you’re doing fabrication and machining in the building. It’s also well lit and efficient. We’ve invested a lot to make this facility what it is.”
Most recently, the plant underwent a major update in the form of a 130,000-square-foot expansion. Completed in 2020, the addition will increase air disc brake (ADB) production capacity to keep pace with accelerating customer demand in North America. The company expanded on nearly 8.5 acres immediately adjacent to the facility’s 302,000-square-foot building, a leased space the company purchased as part of the investment.
To view the entire announcement, click HERE.
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