Press releases
Knorr-Bremse acquires rail transport activities of brake pad specialist TMD Friction
February 08, 2016 [Knorr-Bremse Group]
The Knorr-Bremse Group has acquired the rail transport activities of brake pad specialist TMD Friction. Through this move, Knorr-Bremse is not only strengthening its position as a systems supplier but also adding to its friction materials expertise.
TMD Friction is a member of the Nisshinbo Holdings Inc. of Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of friction materials for automobiles, commercial and rail vehicles. The company develops and produces innovative friction materials for almost all railway applications at its plants in Coswig, Germany and Manchester, UK.
“Through the acquisition of the rail transport activities of TMD Friction we are strengthening both our market position and our know-how in friction materials,” said Klaus Deller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG. “Being able to develop braking systems and friction materials from start to finish will help us further improve the braking effect, reduce noise and cut life cycle costs, benefitting our customers and the environment.”
The acquisition forms part of Knorr-Bremse’s ongoing growth strategy. Back in 2008, Knorr-Bremse acquired Anchor Brake Shoes, the leading North American brake shoe manufacturer for locomotives and freight cars. This was followed in 2010 by a joint venture with ICER Rail that enabled Knorr-Bremse to round off its range with organic brake pads and brake shoes that comply with the European UIC standard.