In September 2010 Knorr-Bremse Asia Pacific, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group acquired the Australian HVAC systems specialists Sigma Coachair Group. The move forms part of the long term strategic drive to expand the Group’s position in a number of areas through targeted acquisition.

Sigma Coachair Group currently employs some 200 people worldwide and is involved in the development, manufacture and support of HVAC systems branded Air International and Sigma. The systems built by Sigma Coachair are mainly destined for rail vehicles but the company’s portfolio also covers industrial applications.

In the UK the Sigma Coachair operation now comes within the KBRS UK family and their role will be the specialists in rail HVAC serving the UK and Ireland markets. The company name has been changed to Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (Burton). To enable this new company to be able to offer customers the ultimate in rail HVAC supply and service for the British Isles the company has relocated to impressive new premises located in Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire.

From their new facility, which opened at the beginning of April, Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (Burton) will offer original equipment supply and support, service and maintenance for Knorr-Bremse Group HVAC brand, Merak. In addition, KBRS (Burton) will continue to support the Sigma installed base in the UK and Ireland as well as repairing and maintaining other HVAC rail brands.

Techtrain HVAC specialist will move to the Burton site and KBRS (Burton) will effectively become the Knorr-Bremse HVAC ‘source’ in the UK. Techtrain continue to operate from their Sheffield facility and continue as the training specialist of Knorr-Bremse for the UK and Ireland markets.