Wabtec
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail equipment manufacturing |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America) |
Key people | Albert J. Neupaver (Chairman), Rafael Santana (President and CEO), John Olin (CFO) |
| Products | Locomotives, freight car and passenger transit vehicle components, rail braking technology, HVAC and heat exchange systems, rolling stock parts; locomotive maintenance, refurbishment, and repair services |
Number of employees | 27,000 (2023) |
| Website | www |
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, commonly referred to as Wabtec, is a U.S.-based enterprise established in 1999 through the merger of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) and MotivePower. Its corporate headquarters are situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Wabtec manages nearly 50 production facilities distributed throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and South America.
The company focuses on producing components for locomotives, freight cars, and passenger transit vehicles, including locomotives with power up to . Its offerings encompass rail braking technology, HVAC and heat exchange systems, alongside various other rolling stock parts. Additionally, Wabtec delivers locomotive maintenance, refurbishment, and repair services.
Ranked among Fortune 500 companies, Wabtec reported revenues totaling US$9.68 billion in 2023, with an operating profit of US$1.01 billion and net earnings of US$641 million in 2022. The company employs approximately 27,000 personnel. Its leadership team features Chairman Albert J. Neupaver, President and CEO Rafael Santana, and Chief Financial Officer John Olin.
Wabtec’s expansion strategy gained momentum following its acquisition of GE Transportation on February 25, 2019, significantly boosting its global presence and market share. Its organizational structure includes divisions such as Dellner, Faiveley Transport, GE Transportation, and MotivePower, supporting a diversified business approach centered on innovation and competitive positioning within the rail sector.
History
The origins of the company date back to 1869 with the establishment of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WA&B, later known as WABCO), which became an independent entity through a management buyout in 1990 before going public in 1995. (Separately, WABCO Vehicle Control Systems was spun off by American Standard Companies in 2007 and is now owned by German corporation ZF Friedrichshafen.)
Another foundational element of Wabtec is MotivePower, which began in 1972 when Morrison Knudsen launched the MK Rail division after acquiring a manufacturing plant in Boise. In 1994, Morrison Knudsen formed MK Rail Corporation, expanding its locomotive component business through acquisitions. By 1996, MK Rail separated from Morrison Knudsen and rebranded as MotivePower Industries Corporation. MotivePower continues as a wholly owned subsidiary producing locomotives under Wabtec.
The company’s logo represents an axial perspective of a mechanical brake valve, symbolizing its engineering roots.
On June 10, 2023, employees at Wabtec’s Erie, Pennsylvania facility, represented by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, commenced a strike concerning wages, healthcare coverage, paid leave policies, grievance strike rights, and the manufacturing of tier-4 emission-compliant locomotives. This labor action lasted more than ten weeks and concluded on August 31 with an agreement that included wage increases for workers.
Mergers and acquisitions
In March 2010, Wabtec acquired Xorail—a company specializing in railway signaling design and construction—for $40 million. Subsequently, in July 2010, it purchased G&B Specialties and Bach-Simpson Corp., producers of track components and locomotive parts, for approximately $31.8 million and $12 million respectively. Later that year in November, Wabtec acquired Swiger Coil Systems from Cleveland for around $43 million; this company manufactures traction motors and electric coils.
On June 14, 2012, Wabtec expanded by acquiring Mors Smitt Holding for $88.4 million. Two years later in June 2014, it purchased Fandstan Electric Group—a manufacturer serving rail and industrial sectors—for $199.4 million. In June 2015, Wabtec acquired Metalocaucho (MTC), specialists in suspension and vibration control systems operating across Spain, China, and India, for $23.4 million. The following month in July 2015, Wabtec announced plans to acquire a majority stake (51%) in Faiveley Transport through a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $1.8 billion including debt; the acquisition was completed in December 2016 for $1.7 billion.
In August 2014, Wabtec added Dia-Frag—a producer of friction products including motorcycle braking systems—to its portfolio for $70.6 million. October 2015 saw the acquisition of Track IQ, a manufacturer of lineside sensors. In May 2018, Wabtec confirmed an $11 billion merger with General Electric’s locomotive division (GE Transportation); finalized in February 2019, this merger granted Wabtec shareholders a controlling interest of 50.8% in the combined entity.
On January 4, 2022, Wabtec extended its global footprint by acquiring Masu’s railway friction business located in New Delhi for $34 million. In April that year, it enhanced its digital rail inspection capabilities by purchasing Trimble’s Beena Vision business. June 2022 brought another acquisition with Collins Aerospace’s ARINC rail solutions to broaden rail optimization services. In June 2023, Wabtec further expanded by acquiring L&M Radiator—a Minnesota-based heat exchanger manufacturer.
Looking ahead to January 2025, Wabtec announced plans to strategically acquire Evident's Inspection Technologies division for $1.78 billion to reinforce its inspection technology portfolio. This expansion continued with the March 2025 acquisition of coupler manufacturer Dellner.
These strategic acquisitions underscore Wabtec’s proactive approach to diversifying its product range and strengthening its position within multiple segments of the global rail industry through focused investments and mergers.
Brush Traction
On 25 February 2011, Wabtec completed the acquisition of Brush Traction, a locomotive manufacturer and maintenance provider located in Loughborough, England, for a purchase price of US$31 million.
Bearward Engineering
In November 2011, Wabtec expanded its portfolio by acquiring Bearward Engineering, a Northampton-based company specializing in industrial radiators and cooling solutions for power generation. The firm reported annual revenues of approximately US$70 million and employed close to 300 personnel.
Brecknell Willis
Wabtec integrated Brecknell Willis Composites Ltd into its group following the 2014 acquisition. Production activities at the Chard, Somerset site were discontinued in 2023, with manufacturing operations relocated to other Wabtec facilities. However, the Chard office continues to function as a hub for engineering, project management, and sales operations.
Wabtec Rail UK
Acquired in 1998, Wabtec Rail operates out of the Doncaster Works in England, offering overhaul and repair services for railway rolling stock and components. This facility occupies part of the former British Rail Engineering Limited premises. In 2014, it experienced its inaugural industrial action ballot related to pay disagreements. The site is slated for closure in 2025.
Wabtec Rail Scotland
Wabtec Rail Scotland managed the former Andrew Barclay Sons & Company manufacturing site in Kilmarnock until it ceased operations in 2020.
LH Group Services
On October 1, 2012, Wabtec acquired LH Group, a supplier specializing in diesel engine, transmission, and bogie overhauls. Headquartered in Barton-under-Needwood, LH Group employs roughly 400 individuals and generates around $65 million annually, with approximately 10% of its revenue derived from markets outside the rail sector.
Battery electric locomotive
In September 2021, Wabtec introduced the world’s first battery-powered freight locomotive at an event in Pittsburgh. This innovation was developed through a collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University aimed at advancing zero-emission rail technologies. The locomotive replaces the conventional diesel engine with an extensive battery system that powers traction motors and incorporates regenerative braking to recharge the batteries.
Wabtec anticipates that the subsequent model, expected within two years, will reduce diesel fuel usage by nearly one-third and ultimately achieve zero emissions through integration with hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The initial deployment of battery locomotives took place on the Roy Hill railway line.