Brake Firms Aiming High

Kingswood brake systems manufacturer KnorrBremse has launched newtechnology as it works to become number one in all its UK markets.

The company, which is forecast to have a turnover of GBP36 millionin the UK and Ireland this year, makes braking systems for commercialvehicles and has its sights set on being the top supplier to thecompanies who make the trailers that attach to the back of lorrycabs.

It already leads the way in supplying bus and truck manufacturersand the aftersales - or spare parts and maintenance - market. Itscustomers include Scania, Leyland and Volvo.

Now it has launched a new antiroll system that is designed to stoptrailers turning over when they go round corners at high speed.

Knorr-Bremse says 600 lorries and trailers roll over every week onthe UK's roads, often resulting in chaos on motorways and major roadsthat can take hours to clear.

Already key UK trailer builder Montracon has said it will fitKnorrBremse's electronic braking system as standard.

Its group engineering manager Martin Histed said the move wouldimprove performance and safety on its trailers and would also meanits customers will find it easier to maintain and monitor theirfleets.

John Parr, managing director of Knorr-Bremse's commercial vehiclearm in the UK, said: "We see significant potential for ourselves inthis sector." He said the company's future ambition was to improveits performance profitably.

Knorr-Bremse, part of a GBP1 billion turnover group based inGermany, employs 165 people at its Douglas Road factory and officesand 25 people handle its distribution and warehousing throughcontractor TNT Logistics.

Workers in its factory manufacture braking system components.

Sister division Westinghouse Brakes makes braking systems fortrains and is based in Chippenham.