TROY, MI — Yesterday, Honeywell announced that it had terminated discussions with Federal-Mogul regarding the possible sale of its friction materials business, which manufactures and markets the well-known aftermarket brand Bendix. After several months of negotiations, the parties were unable to agree on terms of a deal.
Now Honeywell has reported that the friction materials division will remain part of Honeywell and will become closely aligned with the company’s business initiatives and operating plan. The business has annual sales of nearly $800 million, according to Honeywell.
According to Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Friction Materials, the company is in the process of making investments in both the aftermarket and OE segments of the business.
“Advertising, technology, new product launches and staffing key positions are a priority for us and we aim to increase growth and profitability this year,” said Puishys.
In the coming months, Honeywell said it will make significant investments in its manufacturing operations in addition to launching an integrated supply chain program.
Puishys said customers will see improvements to the Bendix premium friction products this year due to cutting-edge technology developed in support of recent OE wins.
“We have also added nearly 300 models to our Bendix premium loaded caliper line in the last year and we’re adding almost 200 models to our new Fleet HP rotor line,” Puishys said. “We are extending our premium line of hydraulics and drums/rotors with 150 new part numbers and, on our premium friction, we released more than 30 new part numbers in 2003.”
Currently, Bendix R&D engineers are developing a heavy-duty ceramic formula as well as one for medium and heavy-duty SUV and truck applications. By the end of the first quarter, there will be more than 200 models in the CT-3 product line.
Bendix also recently launched a new Web site – BendixBrakes.com. Phase one went live in November 2003, and phase two is expected to be completed by March. The first phase incorporates new graphics and navigation, provides downloadable PDFs of updated sell sheets and brochures, outlines key product offerings and newsworthy items, as well as provides links to buybendix.com (merchandise), bendixincentives.com (promotions) and bendixbprp.com (warranty). Phase two will include an all-new installer locator search engine, a purchasing locator retail locations search engine, iPARTS online and access to DARS.
For additional information, please visit: www.honeywell.com.
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