MUNICH (AP) — Knorr-Bremse, a global leader in transportation technologies, has announced a significant expansion of its operations in India, focusing on both the rail and commercial vehicle sectors.
In a recent development, a cutting-edge building complex was unveiled at the cross-divisional TCI (Technology Center India) development center in Pune, heralding a new era in innovative transportation technologies. This expansion is poised to reinforce Knorr-Bremse’s position in the Indian market while contributing to its global growth strategy.
The Knorr-Bremse Technology Center India (TCI) has emerged as a hub for research and development, engineering, and IT services, serving Knorr-Bremse Group’s global sites. The latest building project, representing a substantial investment in the upper single-digit million-euro range, underscores Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to the Indian market.
Marc Llistosella, CEO of Knorr-Bremse AG, highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “The expansion of our Technology Center India is a very important investment for Knorr-Bremse. We want to drive growth through our Rail and Truck divisions – both in India, as an emerging mobility market, and in other key markets. As a global development center, the expanded TCI will play a central role in enhancing our business and creating pioneering transportation technologies.”
Arun Bhat, Managing Director of TCI, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the impact of the new building on R&D capacity, saying, “The new building will enhance our R&D capacity in terms of both workforce and project volume. Our investment underscores India’s importance as a promising market and a highly attractive engineering and development hub. This will enable us to satisfy complex customer needs and manage the anticipated market growth in India and worldwide.”
The extended complex is strategically located near the existing TCI development center, established in 2012, and currently employing more than 800 professionals in Pune’s Hinjewadi suburb. Remarkably, the new construction project, initiated in May 2023, was completed in record time. Approximately 1,300 experts will be based here, focusing on product development, engineering, hardware and software, IT, simulations, and virtual testing. Their efforts will be pivotal in advancing the Group’s core innovation and development activities, particularly in areas like next-generation train and truck braking systems.
Sustainability is at the heart of the new complex’s design, adhering to Green Building standards. Its energy-efficient features align with Knorr-Bremse’s Climate Strategy 2030, aiming to reduce production-related carbon emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 75% compared to the baseline year 2018. Solar panels mounted on the roof will substantially cover the site’s energy needs, supporting the company’s commitment to combat climate change in line with the Paris Climate Accord.
At a recent tech event, Knorr-Bremse showcased numerous product innovations arising from its global engineering expertise. These innovations promise to enhance safety, efficiency, and eco-friendliness in India’s transportation landscape.
Among the highlights were Rail Vehicle Systems products like AirSupply Smart, an intelligent, demand-driven compressed-air supply for braking systems, ensuring quieter and more energy-efficient operation. Additionally, the latest iteration of CubeControl was featured, a brake control system that intelligently interconnects key braking system components, offering flexibility, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with passenger trains worldwide.
For the Commercial Vehicle Systems segment, products such as GSAT (Global Scalable Air Treatment system) and GSBC (Global Scalable Brake Control ECU 2) were showcased. GSAT is a modular compressed-air treatment system for commercial vehicle braking systems, integrating multiple functions and scalable for all types of commercial vehicles globally. The GSBC electronic brake control system provides advanced control of vehicle dynamics and a range of driver assistance functions.
Knorr-Bremse’s expansion in India represents a major stride in the company’s commitment to advancing transportation technologies and contributing to India’s burgeoning mobility market while remaining at the forefront of sustainable practices.
