The leading friction material and brake component manufacturer won two coveted industry awards at Expo

Among strong competition, Bendix took out the 2024 Most Innovative New Aftermarket Product (Parts) category for its newly released General CT Disc Brake Rotors, as well as the 2024 Excellence in Manufacturing award.
A new addition to the General CT range, the disc brake rotors deliver reliable, durable and confidence inspiring braking performance for ‘everyday’ passenger vehicles, and also introduce an industry-first SwiftCheck innovation.
SwiftCheck provides a fast and convenient visual indicator of rotor wear, letting motor trade professionals estimate remaining rotor life without the need to measure rotor thickness, allowing them to decide on part replacement.
The second accolade for Excellence in Manufacturing acknowledges the company’s ongoing commitment to local manufacturing at its Ballarat (Victoria) Manufacturing Facility and Research and Design Centre.
Last year saw a major upgrade of the manufacturing facility’s aftermarket disc pad finishing line, allowing it to finish product in single piece flow and set manufacturing, thereby eliminating the need for batch finishing (grind, groove, paint, brand, titanium application and hardware attachment) of each part of the brake pad set.
This reduced setup time by more than 50 percent, minimising lost production time and increasing productivity by 15 percent.
A new world first Robotic Grinder was also installed in Ballarat last year, developed to support Bendix’s future vision of a single set make to order production model.
The machine allows Bendix technicians and engineers to apply complex grinding geometries in the Bendix range of brake pads including angular groves and chamfers. Additional upgrades to the facility are continuing in 2024.
FMP Group (Australia) Bendix Chief Executive Officer, George Kyriakopoulos, said the company was extremely pleased at earning the awards, as they acknowledged the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative braking solutions to Australian and New Zealand markets.
“We’re thrilled that Bendix has been recognised with these two awards by its industry peers – it’s an acknowledgement of the dedication and commitment of the broader Bendix team,” George said.
“Our new General CT Disc Brake Rotors has the potential to increase safety for drivers, while also boosting efficiency in automotive workshops.
“Our company also continues to invest in local manufacturing with smart technology and new processes that increase our competitiveness and bring benefits to Australian and New Zealand motorists; this includes increased accessibility to quality brake pads that are designed specifically for local conditions and applications.
“We’re buoyed by our two Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards and look forward to what the future holds.”

For more from Bendix, visit www.bendix.com.au