Wabtec Acquires India-Based Rail Friction Business
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
MASU’s railway composite brake blocks and disc pads are said to meet UIC and AAR standards for all types of rail transit rolling stock.
Wabtec Corp. is growing its brakes product portfolio with the addition of New Delhi, India-based MASU’s railway friction business; the deal is valued at approximately $34 million.
Wabtec on Jan. 4 reported that the recent transaction with MASU, a manufacturer of friction products across the automotive and rail sectors, has received the necessary regulatory approvals and is subject to customary closing conditions.
MASU’s composite brake blocks and disc pads are said to meet UIC and AAR standards for all types of rail transit rolling stock. They will be added to Wabtec’s range of brake products for metro, regional and high-speed trains, including “ultra-light, integrated brake control platforms for both metro (Metroflexx) and mainline (Regioflexx).”
The acquisition “aligns with our growth strategy to provide operators with innovative, scalable products that increase productivity, utilization and capacity,” Wabtec Transit President Lilian Leroux said. “We have now state-of-the-art friction manufacturing capabilities on every continent and will better serve operators and car builders around the world, reducing operating costs while improving performance.”
“We are excited about this acquisition, which accelerates our long-term growth strategy in India,” said Sujatha Narayan, Senior Vice President and Regional Leader for Wabtec in India. “We have a strong brakes portfolio in India supplying brake systems on Indian Railways’ locomotives and LHB coaches, as well as metros. This acquisition will strengthen Wabtec’s position as a ‘Made in India’ manufacturer, provide an attractive offering for customers, and open new opportunities for regional and international expansion.”
