Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems prepares for brake equipment production in Russia

In the course of this month, Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems completed the preparations for the production of disc brakes and compressors in Voronezh, Russia. The brake equipment assembly facilities were set up in collaboration with OAO Vagonremmash, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Russian Railways RZD.

The start of production is a significant milestone in cooperation between the two companies. Joint activities were triggered at the 2008 InnoTrans fair, where Knorr-Bremse and Russian Railways RZD signed a memorandum of understanding governing the establishment of a joint venture.

For Knorr-Bremse, the establishment of production activities and the partnership with RZD, in the shape of its subsidiary Vagonremmash, is an important step in the ongoing reinforcement of the company’s presence in the highly promising Russian railway market. In particular, this move ensures that Knorr-Bremse can meet RZD’s requirements in terms of reliable products adapted to the specific needs of the Russian market.

The bogie equipment produced in Voronezh is initially destined for use in Russian passenger coaches built by OAO TVZ, although the equipment can also be used in other types of vehicle. The oil-free compressors assembled in Voronezh can in future be installed in electric multiple units or locomotives, for example. Plans already envisage the expansion of these activities and the establishment of a joint venture company. The aim here is for the Voronezh plant to be able to offer top quality equipment designed to meet the needs of all Russian types of rail vehicle. To ensure compliance with the high quality requirements, production will be based on the uniform corporate standards laid down by the Knorr Production System (KPS) and globally proven qual-ity standards will be introduced.

Knorr-Bremse has been active in the Russian rail vehicle market for more than 40 years now. Back in the 1960s the former main Knorr-Bremse plant in East Berlin supplied brake equipment for Soviet passenger coaches, locomotives and multiple units. Russian high-speed trains such as the Siemens Sapsan and the Alstom Allegro are today equipped with Knorr-Bremse braking and on-board systems. In addition, Moscow Metro car-sets also use Knorr-Bremse systems.

Another milestone in opening up the Russian rail vehicle market is the development by Knorr-Bremse of a control valve that complies with the GOST standard and is deployed in Russia and the CIS states. When developing this valve, Knorr-Bremse took special account of compatibility with existing valves and in the process introduced some substantial improvements. The control valve also excels in terms of its very low maintenance requirements.