Knorr-Bremse Celebrates 120 Years of Innovation

Knorr-Bremse AG marks its 120th anniversary in 2025, celebrating over a century of leadership in braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. Founded in Berlin in 1905 by Georg Knorr, the company has grown into a global powerhouse in transportation safety and efficiency, with 32,000 employees across more than 100 locations worldwide. This milestone also coincides with the 20th anniversary of Knorr-Bremse Global Care, highlighting the company’s commitment to social responsibility.

Key Highlights

Global market leader: Knorr-Bremse leads in braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles, generating €7.9 billion in revenue in 2023.
Innovative heritage: From pioneering pneumatic brakes to digital solutions like the Digital Automatic Coupler, the company continues to advance transportation technologies.
Employee-driven success: Celebrations under the motto “One World – One KB” focus on the dedication and innovation of its global workforce.
Social impact: Knorr-Bremse Global Care has supported over 1 million people worldwide, prioritizing education and access to clean water.

Company founder Georg Knorr in his Berlin office. — Company founder Georg Knorr in his Berlin office

A Legacy of Visionary Leadership

From its early days under Georg Knorr, who revolutionized rail safety, to the transformative leadership of Heinz Hermann Thiele, Knorr-Bremse has consistently prioritized safety, efficiency, and innovation. Thiele’s strategic focus on rail and commercial vehicle systems, combined with an international expansion and a successful IPO in 2018, solidified the company’s market dominance. Today, Knorr-Bremse holds 12,000 patents, a testament to its engineering excellence.

Building the Future

Knorr-Bremse is at the forefront of transportation digitalization. Its Digital Automatic Coupler transforms rail freight with advanced automation, while Cojali’s Jaltest Diagnostics suite enhances vehicle workshop efficiency through predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. These innovations reflect Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to shaping a sustainable, efficient future for global transportation.

For more details on Knorr-Bremse’s history and anniversary updates, visit their corporate website.

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