Knorr-Bremse secures eight-year contract to overhaul sanitary systems for Class 390 Pendolino trains

Knorr-Bremse Rail Services (UK) has secured an eight-year contract from Alstom to repair and overhaul 510 sanitary systems fitted to the iconic Class 390 Pendolino trains.

A leading supplier to the rail industry, Knorr-Bremse has more than 30 years’ experience in integrated sanitary systems. The original systems were supplied by Evac, which Knorr-Bremse acquired in June 2021. This acquisition brought the Evac product range into Knorr-Bremse’s comprehensive rail solutions portfolio, giving the company unrivalled expertise in maintaining and upgrading these systems.

The extensive programme will be carried out at Knorr-Bremse’s dedicated facility in Wiltshire. The long-term agreement underlines both the proven quality of Knorr-Bremse’s sanitary technology and Alstom’s confidence in the company’s ability to deliver specialised aftermarket services. With more than 200,000 sanitary systems delivered worldwide, Knorr-Bremse is now a global leader in this field.

The overhauled systems will improve the reliability and comfort of the Alstom-built Class 390 fleet, which serves as a backbone of the UK’s West Coast Main Line. Featuring advanced vacuum technology, the systems provide passengers with hygienic, water-efficient wastewater disposal.

The repair process will see each unit stripped down at the Wiltshire facility after removal at Alstom’s Manchester Traincare Centre in Longsight. Key components including vacuum pumps, sliding gate valves, and solenoid valves will be inspected, refurbished, or replaced as required. Every unit will then undergo rigorous testing before being returned to Longsight for re-installation.

Simran Sandhu, Senior Procurement Project Manager at Alstom, said: “We’re pleased to continue our collaboration with Knorr-Bremse on this vital programme. Their proven expertise in sanitary systems means together we can ensure the Class 390 Pendolino fleet continues to benefit from enhanced reliability and passenger comfort.”

She added: “This contract reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable rail solutions for the UK network.”

This partnership reinforces Knorr-Bremse’s position as a trusted provider of rail sanitary systems in the UK. The project is not just about equipment maintenance; it's about preserving the passenger experience and ensuring systems meet the highest quality and reliability standards. This contract underscores Knorr-Bremse's commitment to delivering world-class solutions that support sustainability and passenger satisfaction.