2025 is an extraordinary year for Knorr-Bremse and the entire rail industry. We are celebrating a remarkable number of anniversaries, each a testament to a long-standing commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation. This year marks 120 years since Knorr-Bremse was founded, 25 years since the acquisition of Westinghouse Brakes, and two decades since our UK headquarters moved to Melksham. These company milestones are celebrated alongside a momentous bicentenary for the modern railway, highlighting how our own journey of innovation has run parallel to the evolution of rail transport itself.
We are proud to be part of an industry that continues to connect communities and drive progress. These anniversaries are a testament to the dedication of our people, the trust of our customers, and our shared vision for a safer, more sustainable future.
25 Years Since the Acquisition of Westinghouse Brakes
The year 2000 was a pivotal moment for Knorr-Bremse in the UK. This was the year the company acquired the brakes division of Invensys (formerly Westinghouse Brakes & Signal Co Ltd). This acquisition brought together two pioneers of the braking industry and cemented Knorr-Bremse's position as a major player in the UK rail market. The union integrated a rich heritage of British engineering excellence with Knorr-Bremse’s global expertise and technological leadership. This powerful synergy has supported the UK’s rail network for decades, delivering transformative solutions for the industry.
20 Years in Melksham: A Hub of Engineering Excellence
The year 2005 marked another significant change, as the UK headquarters moved from its long-standing home in Chippenham to a purpose-built facility in Melksham. This relocation was a strategic step to modernise operations and create a state-of-the-art hub for rail systems in the UK. The new site allowed for greater efficiency, improved collaboration, and a platform for continued growth and innovation. The move solidified Knorr-Bremse’s commitment to its UK presence, building on the legacy of its predecessor while looking to the future. Since opening its doors, the Melksham site has become a hub of engineering excellence, supporting the local community with jobs, innovation, and investment.
120 Years of Knorr-Bremse: A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in Berlin on 19th January 1905 by Georg Knorr, Knorr-Bremse was established with the mission to make rail travel safer and more efficient. Georg Knorr’s ingenuity led to the development of the company’s first significant product, a rapid-release pneumatic brake for trains. This invention and subsequent innovations, such as the Kunze-Knorr brake, quickly established the company as a leader in rail vehicle braking systems. Over the past 120 years, the company has grown into a global leader, trusted by operators worldwide for its commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This remarkable milestone celebrates not only the company’s history but also its continuous innovation and dedication to shaping the future of transportation.
200 Years of Modern Railways: A British Legacy
This year, the entire rail industry celebrates the bicentenary of the modern railway. The date marks the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which opened on 27th September 1825. This historic event, which saw George Stephenson's 'Locomotion No. 1' haul the world's first steam-powered passenger train, is widely regarded as the birth of the modern railway. This British invention sparked a revolution in transport, trade, and society, changing the world forever. The rail network’s journey from its early days of steam power to today’s high-speed, digitally-enabled systems is a story of continuous progress. The celebrations of "Railway 200" throughout the year honour this rich history and look ahead to a sustainable future for rail.
A Shared Vision for the Future
For Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems in the UK, 2025 is a year to be proud of. It is a moment to celebrate our own milestones—25 years with Westinghouse Brakes, 20 years in Melksham, and 120 years of Knorr-Bremse—as well as the momentous 200th anniversary of the railway itself. It is a time to honour the legacy of the pioneers who built the industry and to recognise the dedicated teams who continue to drive it forward today. We have a shared history of pushing boundaries and setting new standards, a heritage that inspires us to continue to innovate and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for rail. As an industry, we are not just celebrating history; we are shaping the future.