German firm Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems has signed an agreement to acquire intellectual property rights and technical know-how from Federal-Mogul for the development of rail friction technology for railway vehicle and industrial applications.
The agreement also requires Knorr-Bremse to share a licence with Federal-Mogul, enabling the company to supply rail friction materials to its clients.
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Knorr-Bremse Executive Board chairman Klaus Deller said: “By acquiring this rail friction product know-how and integrating it into our production operations, we are rounding out our expertise in friction materials and further strengthening our overall market position.
“As a result, across the full lifecycle, we are able to offer our customers the right product for almost any type of train and using every type of technology, which will also make us industry leaders in quality.”
The acquisition of new technical expertise is expected to help Knorr-Bremse to upgrade its proficiency and support its plan to develop new and improved customer-oriented products.
With plans to manufacture the systems at its own production site, the company noted that integrated development of rail braking systems and brake pads will enable swift deceleration, as well as help to reduce noise emissions and lifecycle costs.
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By GlobalDataThe acquisition forms the latest deal under Knorr-Bremse’s plan to develop its friction material sector with new knowledge and competence.
In 2008, the company purchased Anchor Brake Shoe Company, a locomotive and freight car brake shoe manufacturer in North America, followed by the acquisition of rail vehicle operations of brake pad specialist TMD Friction in 2016.
