Wabtec acquires Indian railway friction business

Wabtec Corp. said it recently acquired the railway friction business from MASU, a leading Indian manufacturer of friction products across the automotive and rail industry.

The acquisition, which has received necessary regulatory approvals and is subject to customary closing conditions, will expand Wabtec’s installed base and accelerate growth across its brake product portfolio, the company said.

“MASU is a strategic acquisition for Wabtec that complements our product portfolio and builds upon our leadership position in the railway friction market,” said Lilian Leroux, president of Wabtec’s Transit business. “It aligns with our growth strategy to provide operators with innovative, scalable products that increase productivity, utilization, and capacity. 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.”

The acquisition, valued at approximately US$34 million, will strengthen Wabtec’s position as a leading rail manufacturer in India, the company said.

“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.”