Bendix celebrates women in automotive on International Women’s Day

Some fell into the industry, others had interests in cars, a couple needed a job – decades later they’re still enjoying rewarding careers at FMP Bendix and making a huge impact for the company.

Quality Engineer, Belinda Barrett
It was Valentine’s Day 1989 when Belinda started at Bendix; she spent two years finishing brake pads before participating in the introduction of ‘cells’ to the manufacturing process, an initiative that boosted efficiency on the lines. This led to a promotion to cell team leader.

“It was a good challenge; I was only 22 at the time but responsible for 10 to 15 people – some were a lot older than me. I enjoyed the role, I matured a lot,” Belinda said.

She then transitioned into the Quality Assurance Department, being promoted and further upskilling before taking on her current position of Quality Engineer. Belinda encourages other females to get involved in automotive.

“For women considering a career in auto, don’t think the industry is only for males – females can work in the auto industry and have a long and successful career also,” she said.

QA Technician in training, Donna Betts
Donna Betts is another Bendix long-termer. Beginning with the company in 1994, her story of career progression is similar, beginning in production and then being promoted to team leader, supervisor, shift supervisor and other roles.

With a Commodore and Falcon under her ownership, Donna enjoys cars and has a mechanical mindset that has helped her at Bendix.

“I love knowing how things work. When I was supervising night shift, I was responsible for setting up – there wasn’t a machine I didn’t know how to run,” she said.

“For me, Bendix and the automotive industry have given me a rewarding and enjoyable career.”

(From l to r): Belinda Barrett, Andrea Currie, Donna Betts, Anne Grinstead and Judy Humphries.

HSEQ Manager, Andrea Currie
A qualified Engineer and studying for a Master’s in Health and Safety, Andrea’s 18 years at Bendix have seen her transition from Quality Manager to Health and Safety, and before joining Bendix, she also had 11 years with a drivetrain components manufacturer.

“The automotive industry has given me many opportunities, including more recently at Bendix where I’ve been able to pursue a different career path,” Andrea explained.

Andrea said the female management style was an asset to an organisation.

“I think female leaders bring a different perspective; there’s probably more empathy and the ability to take another angle on things, giving more overall balance to leadership teams,” she said.

Although now in Health and Safety, mechanical is never far from Andrea’s thoughts – at home she has a car collection that includes FJ, EJ and HT Holdens, a ’55 Chev and a HSV R8!

Documentation Group Manager, Judy Humphries 
Judy describes her role at Bendix as “a hub” – she manages change, such as when new or upgraded products are launched, often working with up to 12 departments to ensure a seamless introduction of the new products.

She began at Bendix in 1984 spending 16 years on the shop floor before moving into Quality Control. Judy said the support from Bendix throughout her career had been amazing.

“I’ve been provided with the opportunity to upskill through various courses and have also been mentored – I’ve learnt about engineering, gained computer and IT skills and worked with some wonderful people,” she said.

Machine Operator and Quality Control, Anne Grinstead
Coming up to 33 years at Bendix, Anne has worked in various production roles before settling into ‘cell six’.

“As a single mum I needed a job, I thought I’d do it for a while and then move on, but I’m still here,” she said.

“The people are great to work with; as employees we’re looked after, the pay is good and so are the hours.”

Anne also met future husband, Jon, on the shop floor, and the couple have now been married for seven years.

“For any females considering a career in automotive, go for it,” Anne said.

These female Bendix employees have enjoyed long and successful careers in the automotive sector, and contributed greatly to the company's ongoing success.