Annual Report 2010 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

62 HIGHLIGHt
RepoRt | RAIL VeHICLe SYSteMS
Clear objective:
market leadership
A combination of acquisitions and new partnerships has enabled Knorr-
Bremse to further strengthen its position in rail markets around the world.
During 2010 a joint venture – Icer Rail – was set up to develop organic UIC
brake pads and UIC brake blocks. Acquisition of Sigma Coachair Group (SCG)
raised the Knorr-Bremse Group to the status of the world’s leading manufacturer
of rail vehicle HVAC systems. And the takeover of Heine Resistors GmbH
strengthened the company’s market position in the field of resistors for rail
applications.
Addition in brake pad segment
In May, Knorr-Bremse’s subsidiary Sociedad Española de Frenos formed a joint
venture with Icer Brakes, part of the Berkelium Group, with the specific aim of
developing and manufacturing brake pads and blocks. It was a logical next step
for Knorr-Bremse’s strategy in the rail vehicle brake pad segment. Back in 2008 it
had acquired Anchor Brake Shoe Company, the leading North American manufacturer
of brake shoes for locomotives and freight cars. In this case the focus
was on the American market, whereas the new Icer Rail joint venture expanded
Knorr-Bremse’s portfolio of brake blocks to include organic brake pads and brake
blocks designed to European UIC standards.