Expansion of operations at the Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC (BSFB) wheel-end production facility in Bowling Green, Ky., have earned the company a 2015 Business Expansion Award from the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
BSFB, a joint venture between Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Commercial Vehicle Products, LLC, invested $8.79 million in a multiyear expansion and improvement project at the manufacturing facility. The investment, unveiled at the end of last year, has added state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, created 90 new full-time jobs, and expanded air disc and foundation drum brake production capacity.
BSFB’s Bowling Green plant opened in 2007. Since then, it has manufactured the full lineup of Bendix foundation brake products, including the Bendix ADB22X air disc brake and the Bendix High Performance ES (Extended Service) Brakes, as well as automatic slack adjusters, spring brakes, and friction, the company says.
Each year, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expansion Awards recognize South Central Kentucky companies that have expanded their operations by investing capital and creating local jobs. The Chamber of Commerce recognized BSFB and 15 other businesses Oct. 20 at its 2015 Targeted Business and Industry Banquet.
“As we continue to invest in our business and expand our presence in Bowling Green, it’s a great honor to be recognized for our efforts by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce,” says Fred Stevens, Bowling Green plant manager. “Our ongoing investments in the Bowling Green manufacturing operation – where our skilled workforce is the backbone – strengthen our commitment to highway safety, while reinforcing BSFB’s commitment to the industry and our community.”
In the last year, to further support the industry’s increasing demand for air disc brakes, BSFB says it has increased its air disc brake production capacity through the addition of four new machining centers and a new assembly line. Improvements to BSFB’s foundation drum brake manufacturing process have included new equipment and upgrades to enhance component assembly, drilling, tapping, and machining. BSFB also improved its drum brake component painting and welding capacity, the company says.
At its opening, the Bowling Green plant employed 133 people and occupied 187,000 sq. ft. Since then, continued success and expansion have taken the plant to 302,000 sq. ft. and a total employee roster of 420.
BSFB also earned the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expansion Award in 2011, for adding 221 full-time positions at its manufacturing operation.
