ELYRIA, OH – Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is doubling production capacity of its manufacturing operation in Acuna, Mexico to support growing demand for its solenoid valves and assembled manifolds.

The US $1.5 million investment in 2015 and 2016 added a low-flow solenoid production line and a new manifold line, supporting custom orders and just-in-time deliveries. The 412,000-square-foot manufacturing operation employs about 1,400 people.

Bendix solenoids emerged in the 1970s when the market first began looking to Antilock Brakes. More than 1 million SMS-9700 accessory solenoid valves and FCS-9700 fan clutch solenoid valves have been made in Acuna. PACCAR, Volvo, Mack, and Daimler Trucks North America currently use Bendix solenoid valves.

“Modern solenoids are capable of managing more than a dozen pneumatic accessories – we’re talking fifth wheel slide locks, lift axles, air horns, and wheel differential locks, in addition to others,” said Rebecca Carter, Bendix product manager – specialty valves. “Fleets and original equipment manufacturers are looking to Bendix for custom, advanced, low-flow solenoid solutions to meet a practically limitless range of vehicle needs, and these new lines in Acuna enable us to meet a growing demand with increased flexibility.”

This year, the company expanded the manifold production area, where individual solenoids are combined into the manifolds that manage air accessories.

 “With these additions, Bendix can now produce nearly 1.2 million individual solenoids annually, and more than 350,000 manifolds,” Carter said. “We have essentially doubled our solenoid and manifold operations across the board in terms of manufacturing floor space, equipment, and employees, with no sacrifice to the performance and reliability that our customers expect Bendix to deliver.”