Knorr-Bremse has broken ground on a modular industrial campus in Chennai, India, committing up to €200 million over the next five years. The facility will integrate production, engineering, and artificial intelligence operations across approximately 188,000 square meters, with capacity for up to 3,500 employees at full build-out.
Highlights
- Knorr-Bremse will invest up to €200 million in a cross-divisional campus in Chennai spanning roughly 188,000 square meters, with initial operations starting in late 2027.
- The first phase includes production plants for rail entrance systems and commercial vehicle braking components, serving both Indian and global export markets.
- Chennai was selected for its engineering talent and proximity to the company’s AI center, which opened in summer 2025.
- The campus targets LEED Platinum certification and includes 2,500 kWp of planned photovoltaic capacity in the initial construction phase.
Phased Construction and Scope
The campus will be built in multiple phases. The first phase delivers production capacity for entrance systems used in metros, regional trains, and high-speed trains, alongside braking system components for commercial vehicles. Operations at this stage are expected to begin by the end of 2027.
Additional office complexes are planned for completion by 2030 and beyond. These facilities will house Global Business Services operations, consolidating HR, finance, and administrative processes to improve organizational efficiency.
The Chennai site will complement Knorr-Bremse’s existing development and production locations in Pune and Palwal.
Strategic Role of Chennai
Chennai has emerged as a leading technology hub in India’s Tamil Nadu state. Knorr-Bremse established an AI center there in summer 2025 as part of its global digital strategy. The new campus is being built adjacent to that facility and features a modular design that allows flexible expansion.
“India is a key region for us with great potential — as a location for innovation, a production hub, and a transport market,” said Marc Llistosella, CEO of Knorr-Bremse AG. He added that the campus provides a foundation for the company’s Rail and Truck divisions to grow profitably in India and internationally.
Indian and Global Market Production
Products manufactured at the Chennai campus will serve both domestic demand and global export. Knorr-Bremse is already supplying braking and entrance systems for metro projects in Delhi and Chennai. The company will also equip India’s first high-speed trains with braking, entrance, air conditioning, and sanitation systems.
Combined sales from both Knorr-Bremse divisions in India currently exceed €300 million annually. The company expects continued growth across its core segments:
- Freight rail transport
- Passenger rail systems
- Commercial vehicles, including trucks, delivery vehicles, and buses
Sustainability Standards
The campus is designed to meet LEED Platinum certification requirements for energy efficiency and environmental performance. It also aligns with EU taxonomy criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities. The first construction phase includes photovoltaic systems with an installed capacity of approximately 2,500 kWp.
The investment reflects Knorr-Bremse’s long-term approach of allocating four to five percent of annual revenue to capital expenditure.
Source: Knorr-Bremse Newsroom
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