As part of our anniversary campaign People@Knorr-Bremse, employees from around the world share insights and stories from their local sites – highlighting what makes each location unique. 120 years of Knorr-Bremse means 120 years of diverse individuals who have shaped the company and made it what it is today. It is their skills, teamwork, and passion that drive us forward. The campaign runs throughout the year as we celebrate Knorr-Bremse’s 120-year history around the globe. Be sure to check back regularly!
Germany: Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems in Berlin
It all began in Berlin, the city where our company was founded and where our dedicated teams have been helping to shape the future of brake technology for rail vehicles for 120 years.
Every day, more than 900 passionate colleagues bring their expertise, precision and commitment to life, making Berlin a vital hub in our global production network. As the lead plant for production of brake disc and hydraulic brake systems production, highly complex pneumatic control valves are also manufactured there. Additionally, the Service Centre in Berlin is the largest Knorr-Bremse Service Centre in Europe.
Australia: Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems
Our Australian CVS subsidiary with locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and a sales office in New Zealand, combines a very special service across three time zones: trucks and trailers from North America, Europe and Japan are on the road in Australia. The technical diversity of our team is therefore unrivalled in the world. They are familiar with the technology of the various vehicle types and designs and regularly show our customers what they can do with truck road tests.
Above all, they are specialised in advanced application engineering. They provide customised solutions for truck and trailer OEMs as well as the aftermarket. From trailer EBS (electronic braking system) to ESP (electronic stability programme) and driver assistance systems with Bendix Fusion (collision mitigation) – every day they work to make the endless roads of Australia safer. So, thumbs up for Down Under!
Spain: Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems
In Spain, Knorr-Bremse brings together two key subsidiaries within its Rail Vehicle Systems Division: Frenos and Merak.
Frenos is a powerhouse in brake technology. In terms of project volume, it ranks as the second-largest site worldwide for OE brake systems (original equipment for rail vehicles). A highly qualified expert team for sales and system solutions – covering customer support, project management, systems engineering, and commissioning – collaborates closely with Spanish rail manufacturers to deliver world-class solutions for global markets.
Merak serves as the global headquarters for HVAC technology, making it the heart of Knorr-Bremse’s climate control innovation. This is where cutting-edge engineering, prototypes and next-generation climate technology take shape.
A heartfelt thank-you to our talented teams in Getafe for their dedication, innovation, and excellence. Here’s to continuing to drive rail technology forward!
Sweden: Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems
Founded in 1936, it plays a vital role in keeping trains running in the train-intensive region of Sweden - a responsibility that's both rewarding and vital to the community.
What really makes Knorr-Bremse in Sweden special are the people - a supportive, collaborative team that feels like family. With a team of 100 employees, the Lund office thrives in a dynamic work environment where job rotation fosters continuous growth, skill development, and motivation. As a local company within a global group, the employees appreciate international opportunities while maintaining a strong sense of community.
Germany: Corporate Headquarters of the Knorr-Bremse Group in Munich
Our corporate headquarters in Munich brings together the Executive Board, central Group functions, and our engineering powerhouse – and yes, we also serve great coffee. :-)
Please fasten your seatbelt: The drone flight over our Munich site begins with a loop through our company museum in the historic original building, filmed during this year’s annual press conference. From there, it continues to the main entrance gate, through three major and significant test benches at our Research and Development Center, across the atrium – a space that fosters open exchange among colleagues – and on to the prototype workshop. The flight then takes you over the sunlit “Magistrale,” into our in-house café Trattoria Giorgio – named after company founder Georg (Knorr) – and finally offers a sweeping view across the entire campus.
Enjoy the flight – Knorr-Bremse in Munich is always worth the journey!