Bendix is proudly marking its 70th anniversary in Australia this year.
Established in 1955 in Ballarat, Victoria, the company has maintained local manufacturing at its original site, which now also houses its research, development, and testing facilities.
To celebrate this major milestone, Bendix will host several events throughout the year, culminating in a public open day in November attended by the Bendix Racing Team.
Foundations and growth
The company began as Mintex Limited on a four-acre former explosives plant site. The first brake linings were produced in September 1955, with sales starting in November.
In 1963, the Bendix Corporation (USA) acquired a 51 per cent stake, and by 1965, the company was producing disc brake pads. By 1967, Bendix had secured its first original equipment (OE) contract with GM Holden and became its exclusive supplier of brake linings. This was followed by contracts with Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Nissan.
Innovation and expansion
A Sydney warehouse was added in 1969 to enhance distribution, while the early 1970s saw expansion into commercial vehicle products.
The company developed in-house ‘Troika’ presses, establishing itself as a leader in friction material manufacturing. International expansion followed, with distributors and warehouses established in Singapore and Thailand, and Bendix products entering the U.S. and Canadian markets.
By the 1980s, Bendix had over 300 employees and was exporting to more than 40 countries. Major infrastructure developments and an Australian Government Export Award highlighted the decade. In the 1990s, Bendix opened a state-of-the-art lab for real-world brake testing, introduced a noise analysis facility, and continued heavy R\&D investment. By 1994, the workforce had grown to 800, and the brand’s reputation for quality was firmly established.
Adapting to a changing industry
With the decline of local auto manufacturing, Bendix pivoted toward the aftermarket, expanding its product lines to include components for EVs, hybrids, 4WDs, trucks, and performance vehicles.
The company introduced innovative products like Ultimate 4WD™, Ultimate+™, brake upgrade kits, Ultimate™ Electric Brake Controllers, and a dedicated Moto range for motorcycles.
Future-ready manufacturing
Recent upgrades at the Ballarat facility include specialised grinding equipment for noise-reducing brake pad geometries, new tooling and robotics, and streamlined warehousing. Plans are in place for made-to-order low-volume production, positioning Bendix for future growth.
Employing around 120 people today, Bendix remains one of the few automotive aftermarket companies committed to Australian manufacturing, continuing to safeguard local jobs and sovereign industry knowledge. Beyond automotive, Bendix is also making strides in light rail and other sectors.