The Bendix Plant in Elmira, NY was an engineering company that began with an agreement between founder Vincent Bendix and Eclipse Machine Company in 1914 to produce Bendix’s automotive starter.  Bendix Corporation acquired control of Eclipse Machine Company in 1928, and in 1929 the company changed its focus to aviation products and changed its name to Bendix Aviation Corporation. General Motors was a major shareholder of Bendix from 1928-1948, and during this time period Bendix produced millions of brakes each year, primarily for General Motors.  

Bendix made items such as, starters, automotive brake shoes and systems, electric power systems and aircraft brakes, however, it is best-known for its development and manufacture of brake pads. In 1982 Bendix attempted a hostile takeover of Martin Marietta Corporation.  This takeover failed and led to Bendix’s acquisition by Allied Corporation in 1983. In 1985 Allied Corporation combined with the Signal Companies, later renamed to AlliedSignal in 1993. 1999 the Allied Signal Corporation merged with the Honeywell Group. Today, the corporation continues to operate under the name Honeywell International.

Bendix utilized asbestos in their brake and clutch equipment. Asbestos was a desirable material because it’s heat resistant properties made friction products more durable. Bendix brakes were lined with asbestos-containing materials. Brake work from long-term wear and tear of the brake pads released large amounts of asbestos particles into the air.

Bendix Plant factory workers, engineers, automotive workers, as well as mechanics who worked on Bendix brakes and clutches were at risk of exposure to Bendix’s asbestos-containing products.  Factory workers at Bendix were at risk of exposure to asbestos while they worked at the plant. Mechanics were at risk of exposure to Bendix’s asbestos products during the maintenance, repair and replacement of Bendix asbestos-containing brakes.

The attorneys at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC have gathered a vast amount of information about the type and variety of asbestos-containing products used at Bendix. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos at Bendix, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.