Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is celebrating 95 years in business in 2025, and as part of the milestone, the company is looking at how the commercial vehicle landscape has transformed since Bendix-Westinghouse Automotive Air Brake Company opened its doors.
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 part of Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse, a 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.
“Bendix has always stood at the intersection of innovation and responsibility. Our products help fleets navigate today’s roadways and our workforce powers solutions for tomorrow,” says Piotr Sroka, Bendix president, COO and CEO. “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.”
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The company commitment to safety can be seen with two of the company’s most important recent innovations: Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) and Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT). Built on a modular global architecture, Bendix states GSBC and GSAT are designed to support the transition to electric and highly automated vehicles while delivering immediate value in today’s market.
“GSBC and GSAT represent the best of our approach — representing strong global collaboration and combining decades of proven product knowledge,” Sroka says. “And as we build them on lines developed from a global Knorr-Bremse design, we’re strengthening our ability to serve both North American and international markets.”
Bendix’s ability to innovate already is deeply rooted in the strength and diversity of its manufacturing and engineering footprint. Across its growing network of North American operations, the company continues to invest in advanced capabilities, sustainable infrastructure and high-performing teams, which can be seen at its locations in Acuña, Mexico; Monterrey, Mexico; Avon, Ohio; Bowling Green, Ky.; and Huntington, Ind.
Bendix also remains committed to sustainability. In 2024, the company states it:
- Diverted over 99% of waste from landfills
- Achieved Zero Waste to Landfill certification at nine locations plus the Avon HQ
- Reduced energy use by more than 17.6 million kilowatt-hours since 2020
- Expanded its solar energy portfolio to include four arrays across Huntington and Acuña
- Surpassed its U.S. Department of Energy Better Climate Challenge goal six years ahead of schedule
“Across every Bendix location, our teams are finding new ways to cut emissions, reduce energy use, and close waste loops,” says Maria Gutierrez, senior director, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). “These aren’t abstract goals – they’re concrete actions driven by employee commitment and backed by measurable results.”
Looking forward, the company says its path forward is clear: continue advancing technologies that help make roads safer and support fleet performance; and operate more sustainably as a company.
“We’re exceptionally proud of what we’ve built over 95 years,” Sroka says. “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.”
