The Knorr-Bremse Group (
www.knorr-bremse.com) has acquired the rail transport activities of brake pad specialist TMD Friction (
www.tmdfriction.com).
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 Japan’s Nisshinbo Holdings Inc, which is a leading manufacturer of friction materials for automobiles, commercial vehicles and trains.
The company develops and produces friction materials for almost all railway applications at its plants in Coswig (Germany) and Manchester (UK).
Klaus Deller, chairman of the executive board of Knorr-Bremse AG, said: “By acquiring the rail transport activities of TMD Friction we are strengthening both our market position and our know-how in friction material. 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.”
The acquisition forms part of Knorr-Bremse’s on-going growth strategy. In 2008, it acquired Anchor Brake Shoes, the leading North American manufacturer of brake shoes for locomotives and freight cars.
This was followed in 2010 by a joint venture with ICER Rail that allowed it to round off its range with brake pads and brake shoes that comply with the European UIC standard.