Bendix Turns 95: A Legacy Of Safety, A Future Of Innovation

Bendix’s North American headquarters is in Avon, OH. (Photo courtesy of Bendix)

The commercial vehicle landscape has transformed dramatically since 1930, when the Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Company opened its doors.

“Yet through it all, the mission of the company, now known as Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix), has remained strikingly consistent: deliver the technologies, services, value, and support that help keep fleets safe, vehicles on the road, and communities strong,” according to a press release. “As Bendix marks its 95^th anniversary the company reflects not only on a legacy of engineering leadership, but also on the people, partnerships, and purpose-driven values that continue to shape its future.”

“Bendix has always stood at the intersection of innovation and responsibility,” Piotr Sroka, Bendix president, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer, said. “Our products help fleets navigate today’s roadways, and our workforce powers solutions for tomorrow. Whether it’s next-generation braking technologies, energy efficiency, or educational partnerships, our story has been one of constant progress — and we’re honored to celebrate 95 years with so many colleagues, customers, and community partners along the way.”

The release added: “Founded in 1930 and originally based in Wilmerding, PA, Bendix has played a central role in shaping commercial vehicle safety across North America. The company moved its headquarters to Northeast Ohio in 1941, where it remains today. Since 2002, Bendix has operated as a proud part of Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse — the global leader in braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. Since becoming a part of Knorr-Bremse, the company has grown threefold and employs a workforce of over 3,600 across North America.”

Locations include:

• Acuña, Mexico – With three manufacturing plants and a logistics center, Acuña is one of the largest and most complex operations in the Knorr-Bremse global network. The site produces Bendix^®air dryers, antilock braking systems (ABS), compressors, actuators, valves, and other technologies — and now houses the production of the company’s next-generation GSBC and GSAT platforms.
• Avon, OH – The company’s North American headquarters, opened in late 2021, is home to engineering, R&D, sales, marketing, and business functions. The LEED Silver-certified facility reflects Bendix’s commitment to collaboration, flexibility, and sustainable design.
• Bowling Green, KY – A center of excellence for wheel-end technologies, the Bowling Green operation manufactures the Bendix^®ADB22X^®air disc brake and other foundation brake components. It spans over 430,000 square feet and is recognized for its quality and workplace safety performance.
• Huntington, IN – Bendix’s Indiana site has evolved into a multifaceted campus, supporting manufacturing, remanufacturing, modules, electronics assembly, and distribution. A major upgrade to its primary state-of-the-art distribution center is underway, with completion expected in late 2025. The site also recently centralized its vibration damper production — moves that improve material flow, increase capacity, and prepare for future automation and expansion.
• Monterrey, Mexico – The Bendix Technical Center in Monterrey is a growing research and development hub focused on ADAS technologies, software, and customer engineering support. The site also serves as one of four strategically placed global support centers for Knorr-Bremse in areas such as finance and human resources to help increase overall productivity and efficiency.

“As Bendix turns 95, the path forward is clear: continue advancing technologies that help make roads safer and support fleet performance; and operate more sustainably as a company,” according to the release. “The company’s role within Knorr-Bremse also strengthens its ability to transfer knowledge, standardize advanced technologies, and deliver scalable solutions that meet diverse market requirements.

“Through close collaboration with OEMs, fleets, suppliers, and Knorr-Bremse, Bendix remains positioned to help lead the transformation of the industry.”

“We’re exceptionally proud of what we’ve built over 95 years,” Sroka said. “But what drives us is the future — and the chance to help shape it. That means listening to our customers, investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and building on a legacy that’s just getting started.”

Visit bendix.com.