Company Profile
Wabtec Corporation
Company Overview
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on over 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether its freight, transit, mining, industrial or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people – together – are accelerating the future of transportation.
Company History
Wabtec Corporation, officially known as Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, has a rich and transformative history rooted in rail innovation.
Origins and Formation
The company traces its roots back to 1869, when George Westinghouse patented the revolutionary air brake system, which dramatically improved train safety and efficiency.
In 1999, Wabtec was formed through the merger of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) and MotivePower Industries, combining over a century of rail expertise.
Growth and Expansion
Wabtec has grown into a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in rail technology, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
It operates in over 50 countries with more than 27,000 employees, serving both freight and passenger rail sectors.
The company expanded significantly in 2019 by acquiring GE Transportation, further strengthening its position in locomotive manufacturing and digital rail solutions.
Innovation and Impact
Wabtec is known for its cutting-edge technologies, including battery-electric locomotives, digital signaling systems, and sustainable transportation solutions.
It continues to lead in safety, efficiency, and sustainability, with a strong focus on employee development, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Notable Products / Brands
MotivePower, Inc. – Locomotive manufacturing G&B Specialties, Inc. – Track and signal products Railroad Friction Products Corporation – Brake systems Schaefer Equipment, Inc. – Railcar components Standard Car Truck Company – Freight car components Vapor Europe S.r.l. and Vapor Ricon Corp. – Door systems and accessibility solutions Xorail LLC – Signal engineering and services Young Touchstone Company – Heat exchangers and cooling systems Faiveley Transport – Global rail systems (acquired by Wabtec) Bearward Engineering Limited – Industrial cooling systems Becorit GmbH – Wheelset and brake components CoFren S.A.S. / S.r.l. – Friction materials Wabtec Rail Limited / Wabtec Rail Scotland Limited – Rail services in the UK Wabtec MZT ad Skopje – Manufacturing in Macedonia Wabtec Railway Products India Pvt Ltd. – Rail products in India Wabtec Australia Pty. Limited – Operations in Australia Wabtec Canada, Inc. – Canadian operations Wabtec de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. – Mexican operations
Notable Clients
CSX, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, AMTRAK, Union Pacific, New York MTA, London Underground, Alstom, Siemens Mobility, Bombardier.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Engineering Breakthroughs
• AC Locomotive Technology: Wabtec revolutionized freight rail by developing the AC traction system, which significantly increased tractive effort—up to 166,000 lbs, a 60% improvement over DC locomotives. This allowed railroads to reduce the number of locomotives needed per train, improving efficiency and lowering costs
• Evolution Series Engines: In response to stricter emissions standards, Wabtec introduced the Evolution Series engines, which not only met Tier 4 compliance but also improved fuel efficiency. These engines became the preferred choice for North American railroads
Sustainability Innovations
• FLXdrive Battery-Electric Locomotive: Wabtec developed the world’s first heavy-haul, 100% battery-electric locomotive. It’s designed to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, with a 7-megawatt-hour version set for commercial deployment in Australia
• Hydrogen Locomotive Research: Wabtec is actively exploring hydrogen-powered locomotives, including internal combustion engines and fuel cell technologies, in collaboration with national labs
Digital Solutions
• Trip Optimizer: This smart cruise control system for trains has saved over 750 million gallons of diesel and reduced emissions by up to 10%. It uses terrain, train composition, and operating conditions to optimize energy use
• LOCOTROL and Control Systems: Wabtec’s suite of digital control technologies enhances traction, braking, and fuel management, contributing to safer and more efficient rail operations
Global Expansion
• Through strategic acquisitions like GE Transportation, Wabtec has expanded its global footprint and now serves customers in over 50 countries, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia