Knorr-Bremse strives to add value for its customers and make a positive contribution to society with innovative system solutions for sustainable mobility and responsible conduct. For this reason, sustainability is firmly integrated into our organizational structures. In our Sustainability Report for 2022, we seek to provide you with transparent and objective information about the resulting strategies, measures and results.
Dear Reader,
as the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse, we are united in our commitment to responsible conduct. We believe that corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices are essential. When looking back on fiscal year 2022, we see a period in which we raised our commitment to sustainability to a new level. In this report, you can read how the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse has continually developed sustainability at the company.
Knorr-Bremse is the global market leader for braking systems and other systems used by rail and commercial vehicles. Knorr-Bremse’s products make a major contribution to improved safety and energy efficiency on road and rail. Thanks to its innovativeness, Knorr-Bremse is able to play a role in global megatrends such as urbanization, sustainability, digitalization and mobility. These trends are key aspects of the mobility transition and offer long-lasting growth opportunities for rail and commercial vehicle markets.
It takes a high degree of innovation to continuously develop high-performing products. The more than 12,000 patents that we have registered or applied for are just an example of our track record on this. At Group level, we invested € 466.1 million (2021: € 431.4 million, 2020: € 396.4 million) in our R & D activities in fiscal year 2022. In 2022, the ratio of R & D expenditure to Group revenue was 6.5%, slightly above the previous year’s level (2021: 6.4%, 2020: 6.4%). At the end of the fiscal year, the company employed 4,216 people in research and development (2021: 3,980, 2020: 3,793).
Selected Key Figures for 2022
€ 7,150 billion
We generated € 7,150 billion in revenue in our two divisions in 2022
31,599 employed
The Group employed 31,599 people globally as of December 31, 2022
6.5 %
We invested 6.5% of our revenue in research and development in 2022
6,907 Mio. Euro
Our order book amounted to € 6.9 billion as of December 31, 2022
Knorr-Bremse rests on two strong cornerstones in the form of its Rail Vehicle Systems (RVS) and Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) divisions. All products and system solutions are designed to satisfy our customers with their quality and reliability at all times. In both divisions, Knorr-Bremse constantly works to boost connectivity within, and between, subsystems further and further.
Rail Vehicle Systems (RVS)
The Rail Vehicle Systems division is a leading partner, equipping vehicles such as high-speed trains, long-distance and regional passenger trains, metro trains and light-rail vehicles as well as locomotives and freight trains with systems for braking, entrance and HVAC, among other things. The division also offers a broad portfolio of other connected, high-tech system solutions for rail transportation.
Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS)
The Commercial Vehicle Systems division offers products and systems for trucks, buses, trailers and agricultural machinery. Knorr-Bremse is the world leader in the global market for disk brakes as well as pneumatic braking systems for commercial vehicles. The CVS division is also a leading supplier of products for braking systems and vehicle dynamics (including steering systems), energy supply and distribution; and fuel efficiency.
Achieving Knorr-Bremse’s sustainability targets means working together. Three members of the Executive Board and a young sustainability professional discuss their approaches.
The aim of the Waalitj Foundation is to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by providing education, employment and business opportunities. Knorr-Bremse Australia Pty. Ltd. has provided funding in particular to the "Deadly Sista Girlz" program. The project is designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls develop self-esteem and self-confidence and convey pride for their identity. The program is also intended to improve the quality of the girls’ education. With the help of Knorr-Bremse, the tutoring and mentoring programs for participating girls can be expanded.
Itupeva, Brazil | Education
Knorr Bremse – Sistemas para Veículos Comerciais Brasil Ltda. and Knorr Bremse – Sistemas para Veículos Ferroviários Ltda.
The social project called “Tech Plus Program” enables young people from low-income families to begin a technical training program. The two divisions of Knorr-Bremse and Knorr-Bremse Global Care help 16 adolescents enter the job market by offering them a course in mechanics and maintenance and an opportunity to enter a high-quality vocational training program. The knowledge imparted brings the young people closer to their dream of a better life. On average, Knorr-Bremse offers full-time jobs to 70 % of the young people.
Shanghai, China | Health
Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
As a result of China’s strict Covid-19 policies, no social activities could be conducted in person in 2022. Accordingly, employees of Knorr-Bremse CVS (Shanghai) and Knorr-Bremse Suzhou who are active in social projects as members of the local “KB love” team worked with other colleagues to produce two educational videos: one that covers safety- and health-related topics and a second that explores the subject of self-care and self-protection. The videos are to be shown to more than 550 pupils at elementary schools located near eight Knorr-Bremse sites in China each year to help improve child safety.
Berlin, Germany | Education
HASSE & WREDE GmbH
MetrumBerlin GmBH is a recognized provider of youth services that has been active for 15 years in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf borough, close to the Knorr-Bremse site. Its assistance primarily consists of outpatient family and care assistance. In particular, HASSE & WREDE GmbH provides funding to the project “Jugendbüro 15plus” (“15+ youth office”). Here, young people from difficult social backgrounds receive educational counseling and support, for example, with job applications.
Munich, Germany | Health
Knorr-Bremse Services GmbH
At the Munich site, employees who engage in social projects on a voluntary basis in their free time can apply for financial support for "their" project as part of the Get Involved initiative. Martin Pauli, an employee of Knorr-Bremse Services GmbH, has been an active volunteer at the Passau Mountain Rescue Service since 1992. His initiative and a donation from Knorr-Bremse made it possible to purchase an intubation-capable resuscitation manikin for the rescue service. The 47 mountain rescuers can use the manikin to practice emergency medical situations.
Tinqueux, France | Environment
Knorr-Bremse Systèmes Ferroviaires France S.A.
Knorr-Bremse Systèmes Ferroviaires France has sponsored two beehives (equivalent to 80,000 domestic bees) from a local beekeeper. In addition, insect houses and larvae were distributed to employees to attract wild bees to their gardens or balconies.
Pune, India | Education
Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles India Private Ltd.
Knorr-Bremse CVS India has cooperated with Knorr-Bremse Global Care Asia Pacific to finance the Air Brake Training Van. The van is used to provide high-quality technical training to students being supported by the NGO Don Bosco. The revamped bus is equipped with a wide range of high-tech equipment, including a virtual reality (VR) headset and VR gloves, to enable complex technical information to be taught in the best possible way. As part of the “Learn Differently” program, the van provides mobile VR workshops in the Indian state Maharashtra. This innovative teaching approach supports the training of students and mechanics at Don Bosco’s locations. Graduated participants receive course certificates and have a chance to gain practical experience in the different departments of Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles in Pune.
Florence, Italy | Environment
Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems Italia S.r.l.
Thanks to the financial support provided by Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems Italia, Treedom, an organization established in Florence, was able to plant 200 trees. By using the Treedom web platform, a tree can be planted remotely and its growth can be tracked online. The trees and their fruit belong to local farmers who tend to the trees. The start-up funding for fruit trees can contribute to food security and create new income opportunities for farmers. Farmers receive training in agroforestry in complementary courses.
La Pocatière, Québec, Canada | Education
Technologies Lanka inc.
“Addicted to Technology,” an organization that has been financially supported by Technologies Lanka inc. since 2017, is directed at schoolchildren who are 11 to 14 years old. The aim is to awaken their interest in training programs and careers in science and technology. As part of a trade fair held in 2022, employees of Technologies Lanka organized interactive activities around the key switch that the company manufactures. This gave the students the opportunity to experience real work processes at the plant.
Acuña, Mexico | Social Cohesion
Bendix Acuña
A severe tornado ravaged the region around Acuña in May 2015, destroying more than 1,000 houses. Bendix Acuña has been supporting Casas por Cristo, a local non-profit organization that assembles teams of volunteers who build houses for families in need, ever since. Each year, the volunteers from the Bendix site spend four days building a house. The house is secure and protected and has a concrete foundation, electricity, windows and doors. Twenty-four employees took part in the program in 2022.
Mödling, Austria | Health
Knorr-Bremse GmbH
Knorr-Bremse GmbH in Mödling has provided funding to Rheumalis, an association that offers therapy and assistance to children suffering from rheumatism, as part of a volunteer program. Thanks to the dedication of an employee who volunteers at the organization, Rheumalis received a donation from Knorr-Bremse that was used to offer a popular week of therapy to 14 families from all parts of Austria. The program included both physiotherapy, ergotherapy and art therapy as well as consultations with physicians, psychological counseling and a range of presentations. The children also had a chance to use a dummy hand to take a blood sample. This game-like exercise helped to reduce the children's fear of blood tests.
Lund, Sweden | Social Cohesion
Knorr-Bremse Nordic Rail Services AB
Knorr-Bremse Nordic Rail Services AB in Lund gives families in its region financial support so that their children can take part in athletic and recreational activities. In 2022, assistance was provided to a total of 17 girls and boys between the ages of 4 and 15. The supported activities included membership in a swimming club, dance lessons and soccer training with all the necessary equipment.
Madrid, Spain | Health
Knorr-Bremse España, S.A.
Knorr-Bremse España supports the Spanish NGO ACEOPS (center for early recognition and psychosocial counseling). The organization promotes preventive, rehabilitative, educational and psychosocial programs to provide care to disabled children and their families. The aim of this support is to increase the children’s mental, physical and social development potential as well as to improve their social inclusion. The project funds technical equipment for the department of neuropsychology and ADHD for children between the ages of 4 and 16. Employees of Knorr-Bremse España have volunteered at ACEOPS for years. The NGO reaches about 200 children and their families each year.
Johannesburg, South Africa | Education
Microelettrica Scientifica Pty. Ltd.
For ten years, Microelettrica Scientifica Pty. Ltd. has been supporting a girls' school in a suburb of the Soweto Township. Many of the students' parents are unemployed and rely on government subsidies. The Ministry of Education funds the schools, but almost all of the money is used for stationery, books and maintenance. Investments in the school are almost impossible due to the lack of budget. The schools’ labs, computer center and classrooms were in poor condition, which meant the girls were unable to receive a high-quality STEM education. Yet, with the help of donations from Microelettrica Scientifica, the labs and computer center have been able to be upgraded. The girls can now use this improved learning environment to prepare for higher education.
Warsaw, Poland | Social Cohesion
Knorr-Bremse Polska SfN Sp. z o.o.
Following the outbreak of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of Ukrainian mothers and their children found shelter in a social center in the Warsaw district, close to the Knorr-Bremse Truck site. The workforce of Knorr-Bremse Polska SfN Sp. z o.o. wanted to help actively. They drew up a budget, employees bought food and hygiene products and they then transported these donations to the social organization each week on a rotating basis.
Chachoengsao, Thailand | Education
Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems (Thailand) Ltd.
Knorr-Bremse Global Care Asia Pacific teamed up with the Education for Development Foundation (EDF) in Thailand to create a scholarship program for socially disadvantaged schoolchildren. A total of 160 youths between the ages of 14 and 17 are now benefiting from the program in the Thai province of Chachoengsao. Colleagues at Knorr-Bremse Thailand are also providing financial support to students at a nearby school as well as conducting Local Care activities. Tables and chairs were purchased for the school cafeteria, for instance, and Knorr-Bremse employees helped to set them up. Employees also regularly visit the students and talk to them about topics such as their future career opportunities.
Modřice, Czech Republic | Social Cohesion
IFE-CR, a.s.
For years, colleagues from IFE-CR have been providing voluntary support to the Czech Kociánka Center, which supports children and adults with disabilities in particular. In the summer of 2022, for example, a group of volunteers prepared the grounds for hippotherapy (a form of therapeutic riding). They built horse paddocks, cleaned the greenhouse and repaired the gates. Volunteer Tomáš, was pleased: "People in Kociánka do socially relevant work - it's great that we can support them."
Stráž nad Nisou, Czech Republic | Environment
Knorr-Bremse Systémy pro užitková vozidla ČR, s.r.o.
Knorr-Bremse Systémy pro užitková vozidla ČR provided financial support to the Czech environmental group Nadace Ivana Dejmala in 2022. The organization’s work is primarily aimed at regenerating water supplies in the countryside, restoring stable forest ecosystems and protecting valuable natural spaces. The organization’s long-term goal is to help people to develop a positive attitude about nature and protect it.
Budapest, Hungary | Social Cohesion
Knorr-Bremse Vasúti Jármû Rendszerek Hungária Kft.
Magyar Élelmiszerbank is a Hungarian food bank. Its mission is to bring excess food to people in need in Hungary as a way of fighting poverty, hunger and malnutrition. More than 30 employees of the Brake Control department at Knorr-Bremse Vasúti Jármû Rendszerek Hungária volunteered at the Hungarian food bank and helped prepare 1,000 servings of food. The food bank also received a financial donation.
Avon, United States | Environment
Bendix
The Avon Green Team at Bendix joined forces with the NGO Drink Local Drink Tap to clean up the banks of Lake Erie around Cleveland, Ohio. Drink Local Drink Tap is an international non-profit organization that develops solutions to problems related to water justice and quality. Fifteen Bendix employees and family members took part in an event and cleaned up plastic and other litter on the lake’s shores. A donation was also made to support the organization’s work.
Watertown, United States | Social Cohesion
New York Air Brake
Since 2019, the Knorr-Bremse subsidiary New York Air Brake has been providing financial support to the relocation and expansion of the local YMCA community and aquatic center as part of a five-year project. YMCA Watertown supports families in the community with a wide range of programs, including youth development, sports, swimming lessons and a further variety of activities for all age groups.
Westminster, United States | Education
Knorr Brake Company (KBC)
The Boys and Girls Club in Westminster wants to prepare young people to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world of work. As part of the “Workforce Development Program Series,” 12 employees of Knorr Brake Company helped 15 to 20 young people lay the foundation for successful careers last year. During a series of events, the volunteers gave the young people advice on preparing résumés and held simulated job interviews with them. At the end of the program, the young people had an opportunity to tour the plant at Knorr Brake Company, talk to employees about their jobs and gain career insights.
Australia
Knorr-Bremse Australia Pty. Ltd.
Brazil
Knorr Bremse – Sistemas para Veículos Comerciais Brasil Ltda. and Knorr Bremse – Sistemas para Veículos Ferroviários Ltda.
China
Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
Germany
HASSE & WREDE GmbH
Knorr-Bremse Services GmbH
France
Knorr-Bremse Systèmes Ferroviaires France S.A.
India
Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles India Private Ltd.
Italy
Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems Italia S.r.l.
Canada
Technologies Lanka inc.
Mexico
Bendix Acuña
Austria
Knorr-Bremse GmbH
Sweden
Knorr-Bremse Nordic Rail Services AB
Spain
Knorr-Bremse España, S.A.
South Africa
Microelettrica Scientifica Pty. Ltd.
Poland
Knorr-Bremse Polska SfN Sp. z o.o.
Thailand
Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems (Thailand) Ltd.
Czech Republic
IFE-CR, a.s.
Knorr-Bremse Systémy pro užitková vozidla ČR, s.r.o.
Hungary
Knorr-Bremse Vasúti Jármû Rendszerek Hungária Kft.
United States
Bendix
New York Air Brake
Knorr Brake Company (KBC)
+400
Knorr-Bremse has been committed to activities in the social domain globally for years. As more than 400 projects show, we are a company whose identity is defined by participating in community life, having a positive effect on our sites’ social environment and creating prospects for people in need. We explore a few selected projects here.
Magazine
Safe-Hubs Create Educational Opportunities
Safe-Hubs serve as refuges for young people in South African townships. How AMANDLA and Knorr-Bremse Global Care want to expand this successful program globally.
Rail transportation is becoming increasingly sustainable. Which Knorr-Bremse systems are serving as the driving force behind low-energy and low-emission rail?
Commercial vehicles are making the transition to e-mobility. These Knorr-Bremse systems are helping to make reliable, high-performance e-trucks possible.
