Wabtec

Wabtec Corporation's story is one of convergence and enduring innovation, a narrative that begins long before its official formation in 1999. Its deepest roots trace back to 1869 with the founding of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) by the prolific inventor George Westinghouse. At the young age of 22, Westinghouse patented the revolutionary air brake system, a technology that would fundamentally transform railway safety and efficiency. The Westinghouse Air Brake Company was incorporated in Pennsylvania and commenced operations in Pittsburgh a year later, quickly establishing itself as an indispensable part of the burgeoning railroad industry. Within five years, thousands of locomotives and cars were equipped with its life-saving technology. The company's innovative spirit didn't stop there; Westinghouse continually refined his system to accommodate longer, heavier, and faster trains, cementing a legacy of progress.

The modern Wabtec Corporation emerged from the strategic merger of Westinghouse Air Brake Company and MotivePower Industries in 1999. MotivePower itself had a history dating back to 1972 with the formation of MK Rail by Morrison Knudsen. This union brought together complementary strengths: WABCO's expertise in braking and transit systems and MotivePower's capabilities in locomotive manufacturing and components. This pivotal merger created a formidable force in the rail industry. The journey continued with significant milestones, including the transformative acquisition of GE Transportation in 2019. This move vastly expanded Wabtec's global reach, digital expertise, and portfolio of locomotives and services, propelling it into the Fortune 500. Today, Wabtec stands as a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors, as well as mining, marine, and industrial markets. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience from its foundational companies, Wabtec continues to drive the future of transportation, focusing on safety, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability for a world in motion.