120 years of Knorr-Bremse - a success story. Join us on a journey through the company's history and experience all the activities surrounding our anniversary here!
In 2025, Knorr-Bremse AG will be celebrating its 120th anniversary. Since it was first founded in Berlin on January 19, 1905, the company has pursued one central mission: to make travel by road and rail safe, efficient and sustainable. Today, the Knorr-Bremse Group is the global market leader in braking systems and a leading supplier of other systems for rail and commercial vehicles. This makes Knorr-Bremse one of the most successful industrial companies in Germany. More than 32,000 employees working at more than 100 locations in 30 different countries are developing and producing innovative solutions for the latest challenges in a new world of mobility.
Anniversary Greetings from the Management
Knorr-Bremse in a Nutshell
0 years
Georg Knorr founded Knorr-Bremse GmbH in Berlin
> 30,000
employees worldwide across 100+ locations in 30 countries
~ 10,000
patents highlight the company’s innovatory expertise
Management Anniversary Videos
Personal messages from the Executive Board members and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board
The Knorr-Bremse management team has prepared personal video messages to mark the company’s 120th anniversary. The members of the Executive Board and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board share their thoughts on this remarkable milestone while also reflecting on the values that define Knorr-Bremse.
Video Messages of the ManagementA Moving Journey through our Company’s History
Knorr-Bremse History
120 years of know-how and experience: rise to become the global market leader in braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles
After it was set up in 1905, Knorr-Bremse quickly established itself in the marketplace and began to set new technological standards with its freight train air brakes. The Kunze-Knorr brake soon led the field for gradual-release braking systems in Europe by a wide margin. In 1923, Knorr-Bremse moved into a second field – air brakes for commercial vehicles. By the end of the 1930s, some 90 percent of German trucks in the 7-16 metric ton range were equipped with braking systems from Knorr-Bremse.
Knorr-Bremse company historyPioneers of the Company
By founding Knorr-Bremse GmbH in Berlin in 1905, he laid the foundations of the company’s global success.
As a young engineer, he succeeded in revolutionizing rail transportation with his visionary ideas and meticulous development work. A few years later, the company also entered the commercial vehicle market. Safety was always a key consideration when developing braking solutions and other safety-critical components and subsystems: The company’s major breakthrough came after pneumatic brakes developed by Knorr reduced the number of accidents and made vehicles more reliable.
Portrait of Georg Knorr
His determination, his unwavering will to succeed and absolute dedication to his task characterized him.
In 1985, Heinz Hermann Thiele took over the leadership of the company. Through his entrepreneurial vision, in more than 35 years he built up the Knorr-Bremse Group from a medium-sized company in a difficult economic situation into a profitable, globally successful corporation. In 2021, the majority shareholder, long-standing CEO, and Chairman of the Supervisory Board passed away at the age of 79.
Portrait of Heinz Hermann ThieleDevelopment of the Knorr-Bremse Logo
Social Commitment
Knorr-Bremse Global Care e.V. is also celebrating an anniversary!
Knorr-Bremse Global Care was founded in 2005 by employees in response to the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia. The initiative was spearheaded by Heinz Hermann Thiele and his daughter, Julia Thiele-Schürhoff. For the past 20 years, the association’s central mission has been to empower people who have fallen into hardship through no fault of their own. Knorr-Bremse Global Care focuses on education and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), aligning its efforts with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Today, this globally active nonprofit organization has reached over one million people worldwide with funding exceeding 30 million euros. Knorr-Bremse supports the association’s work through regular donations.
Knorr-Bremse Global Care WebsitePress Release
Knorr-Bremse celebrates 120 years of forward thinking
Knorr-Bremse’s ascent is characterized by a powerfully entrepreneurial mindset and visionary innovation. Thanks to the ideas of the company’s original founder, Georg Knorr, millions of people around the world now travel safely by road and rail every day. Starting in the mid-1980s, Heinz Hermann Thiele spent almost four decades showing all what could be achieved with courage and determination as he built up the company into a major global player.
Anniversary year kick-off press releaseWhat products are hidden in the 120?
Air Disc Brake
The components used to brake the vehicle are located at the interface between the axle and wheel. Pneumatic disc brakes convert kinetic energy into thermal energy – with a high level of efficiency, progressivity, and reliability. With 40 years of experience in developing pneumatic disc brakes for commercial vehicles, and with over 50 million units produced, Knorr-Bremse is a technological and global market leader. We offer solutions for all braking applications in trucks, buses, and trailers for wheel sizes 22.5, 19.5, and 17.5 inches. Thanks to continuous development and ongoing improvement of its products, Knorr-Bremse sets new standards for performance, weight, durability and sustainability.
Learn more about Air Disc Brakes
Electronic Levelling Control (ELC)
The ELC allows you to control and adjust the vehicle level and to control lift axles for vehicles with air suspension. To do so, distance sensors measure the distance between the chassis and axle beams. The goal is to move the vehicle to a certain level, regardless of its load. Knorr-Bremse offers custom-tailored, innovative systems for trucks, buses and trailers based on over 25 years of experience with ELC on commercial vehicles. For better comfort, efficiency and safety – for drivers and passengers alike.
Learn more about Electronic Levelling Control
'UltraPad Extreme'
The importance of an optimal friction pairing for braking systems is well known. We bundle all relevant products such as brake pads, blocks and discs under “Friction Technologies”. Our 'UltraPad Extreme' sintered brake pads are particularly popular in the high-speed sector and impress with their high friction stability, reduced hot spots and high mechanical resistance. Knorr-Bremse can offer customer and application-specific friction material pairings for almost any vehicle type.
Learn more about 'UltraPad Extreme'
'AirSupply Smart'
The intelligent air supply unit 'AirSupply Smart' provides compressed air according to demand and situation. As a fully integrated system, it offers a wide range of communication and control options. In addition, the system is optimized in terms of space, weight and life cycle costs. Key functions such as Silent Mode also reduce noise emissions.
Learn more about 'AirSupply Smart'
Foot Brake Module of the Electronic Brake Control System (EBS)
The Electronic Brake Control System (EBS) reacts almost instantaneously in critical driving situations. Braking interventions are immediate and lightning-fast, triggered by the EBS. They are controlled by a central control unit - the system computer. The advantages of electronic brake control over conventional pneumatic control: shorter response times and therefore shorter braking distances. Every second and every centimeter counts.
Learn more about the Foot Brake Module of the Electronic Brake Control System
'FreightLink'
To get more transport of goods onto the rail, rail freight transport needs to become more efficient and competitive. The Digital Freight Train, with the Digital Automatic Coupler 'FreightLink' as a central component, initiates an epochal change and will thus make a decisive contribution to achieving the European Union's climate targets.
Learn more about 'FreightLink'