Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems opened its new production facility, expanding its location in Acuña, Mexico. The 185,000 sq.-ft. plant will use highly automated manufacturing processes to produce two emerging, next-generation technologies: global scalable brake control (GSBC) and global scalable air treatment (GSAT), the company said in a news release, adding that production is already underway and planned to increase on a staggered, multiyear schedule.

“We’re proud to unveil this new plant, which is the physical manifestation of the move toward greater automation and high-tech assembly at our Acuña operation,” said Piotr Sroka, Bendix president, chief executive and operating officer, in a release.

Both GSBC and GSAT are brake control and air treatment modular global systems that are designed to be adapted to customer needs in various markets. The high integration of base and advanced technologies enables more flexible installation options, making adaptability to different vehicle platform requirements and needs easier. 

“In manufacturing GSBC and GSAT products, we will take advantage of the stability, knowledge, skill sets, and strong quality and safety records we have cultivated here,” said Jacqueline Perez, Bendix senior director of operations in Mexico. She added that since Acuña already builds all Bendix valves and air dryers, the facility is well positioned to manufacture GSBC and GSAT with both the space and capability to make that happen.

ITSA Partnership 

At the same time, the new plant is the latest opportunity for Bendix Acuña to support education and develop local talent. Bendizx established a partnership with Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Acuña (ITSA), a local university, by launching the first dual-education apprenticeship program with the institution to host five students for one year in the new plant. 

“In this partnership, we have created a rotation program covering fields like operations, quality, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, and maintenance. This program will allow these students to develop in a working environment, gaining the necessary exposure for their future, while also providing Bendix the opportunity to prepare our future engineers,” said Reginaldo Olivo, plant manager of the new facility.