Bendix

 
Community Representative: @Andrew French

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Bendix, Australia’s leading brake manufacturer since 1955 is part of the international FMP Group, a world leader in brake technology. FMP’s Australian manufacturing operation, based in Ballarat VIC, it is the regional technical centre of excellence in advanced research and development for Asia Pacific and a key original equipment supplier to leading vehicle manufacturers. The Bendix program caters for the widest range of vehicle applications including 4WD’s and heavy commercial vehicles and trailers. Automotive and transport workshops can select from technically advanced Bendix products including General CT, 4WD/SUV, Heavy Duty, Euro+, Ultimate, Street Road Track, Brake Shoes, Truck and Trailer, Brake Lubrication, Brake Fluid and Brake Parts Cleaner/Degreaser.

 

History

FMP Group, as the company is now known, originated in 1955.  The company was established by the BBA Group of the U.K and was known as Mintex Ltd. The company initially employed 30 people and was founded to manufacture friction materials for the emerging Australian automotive industry.

Eight years later, in 1963, The Bendix Corporation of the U.S.A. obtained a 51% share in the company and created the joint venture company, known as Bendix Mintex Pty. Ltd.

 

In 1965 Bendix Mintex commenced manufacturing Disc Brake Pads, which was followed by orders from original equipment manufacturers to become the sole Australian supplier of friction materials to local automotive companies.

 

Up until 1970 Bendix Mintex’s products were confined to passenger car and commercial vehicle brake linings and disc pads. In 1971 they acquired the Australian manufacturing operations of H.K. Porter who had a considerable number of Original Equipment contracts for clutch facings. As a result, the Company reinforced itself as a leader in the manufacture of automotive friction material.

 

In the 1970’s Bendix Mintex established an office in Singapore and appointed a company in New Zealand to manufacture products under licence, and in conjunction with the Repco Corporation, established strong export sales into North America. Also in the 1970’s Bendix Mintex made a decision to manufacture its own Backing Plates for Disc Pads. This provided the Company with the ability to produce a wide range of quality products to meet the needs of local and export markets.

 

During the 1980’s Bendix Mintex invested heavily in advanced manufacturing facilities and became Australia’s largest friction material manufacturer.

 

In November 2002 the company changed its name to FMP Group (Australia) Pty Limited, standing for Friction Materials Pacific, to more accurately reflect the product produced. FMP continues to market its product under the Bendix brand name.

 

In 2003 FMP invested heavily in developing ceramic or non asbestos products which were considerably more environmentally friendly, and to cleaning the Ballarat site to ensure it was asbestos free.

 

FMP Group (Australia) Pty Ltd is Australia’s largest automotive friction material manufacturer. Today the company is a joint venture between Honeywell International of the U.S.A. and Pacifica Group Pty Ltd, (100% owned by Robert Bosch Pty Ltd). The company’s manufacturing plant in Ballarat, Victoria employs around 250 people and manufactures a large range of disc brake pads. It has gained a reputation for manufacturing, marketing and distributing quality products with high levels of customer service. The company specialises in providing a full range of friction material for passenger and commercial vehicles, along with industrial applications. The affiliation with one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, Honeywell Inc (USA) gives the company access to the latest technology and techniques. This technology base, together with its strong global links, gives FMP Group the ability to tailor friction solutions for all customer’s applications. Access to world class technology has been one of the keys to the Company’s success.

 

FMP Group (Australia) Pty Ltd also manages a manufacturing plant in Thailand and a sales office in Malaysia, producing and selling similar products. Export markets currently include South East Asia, The Pacific Rim, Middle East and niche markets in the United States, Canada, and Japan. The company’s ability to identify, win, service and profit from export markets has won FMP a series of export achievement awards.

 

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