AVON, Ohio — More than 170 employees of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems (Bendix) set to work with hammers and nails to frame a two-story house for a family in need.
The June 1 construction event, which took place in the parking lot at Bendix’s headquarters, continued the company’s long-running commitment to hands-on community support.
“We share a lasting commitment at Bendix to building communities and having a positive impact on our neighbors,” said Maria Gutierrez, global head of HSE for Knorr-Bremse’s CVS division. “Our employees are the heart and soul of that effort through their generosity. Helping build a house for a local family is one way we live the company culture and strive to put our social responsibility to work.”
Working with Habitat for Humanity and Help Build Hope
Bendix conducted the framing project in collaboration with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity and Help Build Hope. The Bendix volunteers signed the finished wall frames with personal messages of encouragement. Then they loaded the frames for delivery to a Greater Cleveland Habitat development site where the home will be completed.
Bendix’s community-support efforts align with the philosophy of Knorr-Bremse, its Munich, Germany-based parent company.
A Labor of Love
The 2026 build marks the 20th home framed by Bendix employees in Avon – and at the previous Bendix headquarters in Elyria, Ohio – since the initiative began in 2015. Taking place rain or shine, this labor of love is a much anticipated part of the Avon team’s community engagement calendar.
Bendix purchased the wood and fasteners for the house. In addition, the company contributed to the roof fund, along with support for wall transportation and coordination provided by CrossRoads Missions.
Co-leaders of the 2026 build were Janelle Anderson, executive assistant to the CTO and vice presidents, and Erich Neugebauer, agile specialist. Both are members of the Avon Local Care Team, which provided support, along with the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety team, the facilities group, communications and executive leadership.
In a parallel effort, Bendix held a Habitat for Humanity ReStore collection drive leading up to the event.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
