Parts factory spends big on upgrades

DELACOMBE manufacturer of Bendix brake pads, FMP Group, has brought a leading-edge piece of equipment into its research and design centre.

Custom-built in Italy, a Comec Grinder worth more than $1 million has been installed with the aim of giving the factory’s technicians and engineers opportunities to develop brake pads with more complex angles and edges, which can influence performance and noise.

Head of manufacturing Tony Simmons said making automotive parts has become a “tough gig,” with many brands moving out of the country, so maintaining flexibility at the Ballarat site was key.

“Bendix is a strong market leader in Australia, and part of that heritage is because we do manufacture and do all the research and design in Australia,” he said.

“We’re open to changing our plant so that we can be more flexible, and locally make to order, instead of mass production.

“We haven’t got all the answers yet, but the grinder is one investment we’ve made in that direction, and one of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle… so we can keep manufacturing in Australia.”

A statement from FMP Group said there have been other efficiency upgrades to tooling and robotics in the last year.

“FMP Group will also introduce an on-line boxing system in the coming months, further increasing production efficiency,” the statement said.

“Other future programs are also well advanced and include expanding the company’s ability to implement low volume, made to order products, and transitioning to digitised production.

“Around 118 people are currently employed by FMP Group in Ballarat, and the company is one of only a few automotive aftermarket businesses that remain committed to manufacturing in Australia, retaining critical sovereign knowledge and local jobs.”

Bendix has been operating in Ballarat since 1955.