Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is marking a year of accident-free operations on its Huntington, Ind., campus. The Indiana facility manufactures and distributes Bendix components.
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"This is an incredible milestone for everyone across our four facilities, and it's only possible because of their continued efforts, commitment and constant engagement at all levels of the organization," says Eric Meehan, managing director of operations at Huntington. "And that's really what has set Bendix apart in its safety journey — this establishment of a world-class culture built on safety as a core value of every person who works here."
The Huntington plant opened in 1980. Bendix is expanding the 855,000-square-foot complex that manufactures engine vibration dampers and integrated modules, remanufactures air compressors and assembles electronics. It's also Bendix's primary North American distribution center and employs more than 500 people.
"A safe workplace doesn't just happen," says John Adams, Bendix Huntington's health, safety and environment manager. "Everyone here regularly contributes to our preventive and corrective measures. And every single employee is empowered to use their 'stop-work authority' any time an at-risk situation occurs."
Bendix says it's working to foster a cycle of observation, communication and correction to ultimately fuel a culture shift at the plant.
"At the leadership level, we've worked hard to do a better job of sharing with the employees how we address their concerns," Meehan says. "But really, I can't express nearly enough gratitude to the teams on the floor and their commitment. Without their deep, ongoing engagement and their efforts prioritizing safety, none of this would be possible."
