Who / What
Wabtec (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation) is an American manufacturing company specializing in equipment for the rail transportation industry. It produces components and systems for locomotives, freight cars, and passenger transit vehicles, including building new locomotives with up to 6,000 horsepower.
Background & History
The company was formed in 1999 by the merger of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) and MotivePower. WABCO itself had a long history dating back to the 19th century, being a pioneer in railway air brake technology. This merger created a significant entity in the rail supply industry, combining expertise in braking systems and locomotive manufacturing.
Why Notable
Wabtec is notable for being a major global provider of equipment, technology, and services for the rail sector. Its products are critical for the safety, efficiency, and performance of freight rail and passenger transit systems worldwide. The company's ability to manufacture high-horsepower locomotives represents a key technological achievement in the industry.
In the News
As a publicly traded company and a key player in the rail industry, Wabtec's activities are regularly featured in business and transportation news. Recent developments often focus on contracts for new locomotives or technological advancements in rail efficiency and sustainability. The company's performance is a barometer for the health of the global rail transportation market.
