Knorr-Bremse designs and manufactures state-of-the-art rail system solutions for a wide variety of rail vehicle and station platform applications including systems for trams, monorails, metro trains, freight trains, commuter trains, high speed trains, training facilities and metro station platforms.
Within the extensive Knorr-Bremse systems portfolio are a range of high-performance, quality systems including; complete braking systems for all train and tram types, train driver advisory and training simulator systems, train door systems, level crossing systems, train heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and platform screen systems.
Innovation in rail systems
Knorr-Bremse is committed to driving innovation to create rail products and systems which deliver real benefits to train builders and operators. In 2012 alone, Knorr-Bremse invested over 250 Million Euros in research and development.
Focus is increasingly on energy saving and environmental care as well as the reduction of life-cycle costs. These efforts and investment have already resulted in, for example, the development of high-energy brake discs that reduce weight, distributed brake control systems for optimised brake performance across the whole train, the environmentally friendly oil-free compressor, which negates the need to dispose of oil and oil-contaminated filters and the LEADER driver assistant system, which reduces train energy usage and emissions whilse helping to maintain better operational headways.
Global and local capability
With over 19,000 employees located in 29 locations covering every continent of the world, Knorr-Bremse is committed and able to supply and support customers locally. Through this global network customers can access not only the entire extensive product and systems range and support available from their local Knorr-Bremse facility but also the knowledge, advice, expertise and support of the entire global Knorr-Bremse Rail Group.
RailServices service and support for customers
Support for all Knorr-Bremse systems, whether on board or off board is provided through the dedicated Knorr-Bremse RailServices organisation. Through RailServices, customers can access a structured but flexible range of support and services; from original parts to upgrades, to training, major overhauls and even ‘whole life’ shared risk maintenance contracts.
RailServices staff are always happy to work with customers and advise on the latest technology and developments from Knorr-Bremse, which can enhance performance and reduce lifecycle costs. This support is all designed to keep trains running safely, efficiently and in revenue earning service.
The Knorr-Bremse Group
With over 100 years of heritage the Knorr-Bremse Group today remains at the forefront of safety, performance and reliability. The Group also remains committed to offering train builders, operators and rail user’s products and systems which deliver real benefits.
The drive for innovation continues within the Knorr-Bremse Group with a focus today on the environment and lifecycle cost reduction. Quality and safety remain at the core of Knorr-Bremse Rail Group activities and it is estimated that around the globe every day over one billion travellers rely on Knorr-Bremse systems for their safety.
The companies and brands of the Knorr-Bremse Rail Group
Within the Knorr-Bremse Group member companies, still today, design, develop and manufacture advanced rail systems under their individual world famous brands for Knorr-Bremse Rail Group distribution.
These companies use specialist skills, resources, knowledge and experience to develop best in class systems, including train door systems from IFE, HVAC systems from Merak and Sigma, brake resistors, contactors and disconnectors from Microelettrica Scientifica, driver simulators from Sydac, platform screen systems from Westinghouse Platform Screen Doors and level crossing and signalling systems from Zelisko.
Knorr-Bremse in the UK
In the UK Knorr-Bremse operates from two state-of- the-art facilities, the Knorr-Bremse UK headquarters at Melksham, Wiltshire and the specialist Knorr-Bremse HVAC facility at Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire. From these facilities all Knorr-Bremse Rail Group systems, services and support are available to customer in the UK and Ireland.