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That was InnoTrans2024!
With over 170,000 visitors and almost 3,000 exhibitors from 59 countries, InnoTrans is the leading trade fair for railroad technology. The industry gathered in Berlin at the end of September to showcase its innovations. Together with four partners from the network, we had a 36 m2 stand at the Berlin-Brandenburg joint stand in the City Cube, which was the point of contact for numerous international company representatives.
From the first day of the trade fair, the KNRBB team and the teams from co-exhibitors Belfor Deutschland GmbH, the Swedish company Cactus Rail AB, umetec Stahlbau GmbH from Eberswalde and SFS – Safety Flooring Systems GmbH from Velbert were available to the trade visitors. In addition to German partners, many guests from Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, China, Sweden and the USA also used the KNRBB stand to network. The visitors talked about current projects and exchanged new project ideas. In general, many meetings were held with interested trade visitors.
Another highlight for the KNRBB was the organization of a kick-off event for a topic-related cooperation network during the trade fair. The 21 participants came from institutional research, e.g. Fraunhofer Institutes and universities, as well as from a wide range of industrial sectors. The agenda covered a wide range of topics, from a round of presentations on innovation concepts in the rail sector to the presentation of this year’s winner of the Innovation Award on the subject of miniaturized electrochemical gas sensors. From the KNRBB network, UXMA GmbH & Co KG presented a design project and Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences a research project.
All in all, the InnoTrans 2024 trade fair once again surpassed the figures for InnoTrans 2022 with its range of exhibition space, variety of topics and offers for trade visitors.
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2nd symposium “KRITIS – simply do it!”
The 2nd symposium “KRITIS – simply do it!” took place on 20th June 2024 at the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt Berlin, organized by TGZ PM GmbH. The venue in Berlin-Charlottenburg provided the perfect backdrop for discussions on the key topics of “Sensors and Monitoring – Solutions for Critical Infrastructure Protection”. Kompetenznetz Rail Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH took an active part in the event and contributed its expertise to the specialist event with a presentation.
A total of 150 experts from various fields attended to the symposium. The number of participants reflected the great interest and relevance of the topics. The discussions and presentations focused on innovative sensor and monitoring solutions that can improve the protection of critical infrastructures. Particular attention was paid to the integration of new technologies and the development of practical applications. At the end of the event, several groundbreaking results were presented, including new sensor concepts, improved monitoring methods and possible collaborations between different industry players.
Due to the great success of the symposium and the positive feedback from participants, new dates for future events have already been announced. The next symposium is scheduled for June 2025, also organized by TGZ PM GmbH.
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22. International KNRBB Business meeting in Berlin
The 22nd international Business meeting of the Kompetenznetz Rail Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH (KNRBB GmbH) took place on 23 April 2024 in Berlin and left a consistently positive impression. More than 40 interested participants and guests from Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Austria and Germany accepted the invitation.
The time spent together was filled with presentations of past and current projects as well as new innovations and developments from the network partners. The opportunity for direct dialogue in the relaxed industrial atmosphere of Maschinenraum Berlin was used extensively by all participants.
The speakers at this event included D2hub GmbH with a presentation of the company portfolio; CE cideon engineering GmbH & Co. KG on its experiences with the majority shareholding of a Chinese group; SCI Verkehr GmbH with a presentation on the new Klusii platform and DB Systemtechnik GmbH with a presentation on “machine vision in the railway sector”.
The entrepreneurs’ meeting in the form of a one-day event with specific presentations from the network in the centre of Berlin was a successful event.
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KNRBB Delegation trip to Bydgoszcz
Kompetenznetz Rail Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (KNRBB) organised a delegation trip to the industrial city of Bydgoszcz in Poland from 10 – 11 April 2024. The 12 participating companies were from Denmark with CPC Tracking ApS, Sweden with U-Lift AB, Israel with Baran Advanced Technologies Ltd. and Germany with the companies ime Elektrotechnik GmbH, Benning Elektrotechnik und Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG, JB Train Solutions and D2 Hub, as well as Poland with ime Systems Sp. z o.o. The participants enjoyed a two-day programme at various companies in the rail industry: MZK Bydgoszcz, Rail-Bohamet Sp. z o.o. and PESA Bydgoszcz SA.
On the first day, all participating companies met early in the afternoon at the agreed meeting point and, after being welcomed by the KNRBB, introduced themselves with a description of their business profile. A shuttle bus took them to the first company to be visited in Bydgoszcz. MZK Bydgoszcz is a municipal tram company, which invited the group to visit its depot and take part in discussions. The next stop on the bus shuttle was Rail-Bohamet Sp. z o.o. in Ciele. The company is a manufacturer of glass and components among others for the shipping and rail vehicle industries. Afterwards, the impressions and networking among the participating companies continued at a dinner in Bydgoszcz.
On the second day, a guided tour of the historic centre of Bydgoszcz was undertaken. In addition to the cultural insight into the city’s history, the participants took the opportunity to get to know each other better and deepened their discussions on topics such as their experiences of market access in Poland. This was followed by a company tour at PESA Bydgoszcz SA. The company has a steadily growing site right next to the main railway station in Bydgoszcz. The Director of International Sales gave a presentation on the company and then showed all the participants around the production halls, starting with the production of body shells and ending with the assembly of rail vehicles, in particular locomotives, trams and passenger coaches, with the associated technology and the respective interiors. The participating companies also had the opportunity to present their companies and exchange contacts for further discussions.
The two-day delegation trip was a successful event for all participating companies. On the one hand, the agenda covered a multifaceted vehicle industry and its production in the railway sector and, on the other hand, the participants used the time to discuss their service portfolios more intensively in the small group and to network with each other for future projects.
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21. International KNRBB Business meeting
The 21st International Business Meeting of KNRBB GmbH took place on 7 December 2023 in cooperation with the Förderverein historischer Straßenbahnen Potsdam e.V. in Potsdam. Over 30 interested participants and guests from various countries met for an interdisciplinary dialogue and had the opportunity to get to know new network partners. Among the representatives were participants from Denmark, Ireland, Poland and the Netherlands.
During a tour of the depot for buses and trams of Potsdamer Verkehrsbetriebe ViP GmbH, those participants were able to gain an impression of the workshop services and vehicle care and maintenance provided by ViP GmbH. The company has been operating the majority of local public transport services in Potsdam since 1990. The company is a subsidiary of Stadtwerke Potsdam GmbH. Today, the transport company operates seven tram and 25 bus lines as well as a ferry service as a partner of the VBB. Since 2005, the Historische Straßenbahn Potsdam e.V. association has been responsible for the preservation of the four historic tram types and has made it possible to take a tour through the city in the historical Gotha carriage from the 1960s.
KNRBB welcomes new network partners
The participants took the opportunity to network before and after the tour. They were enthusiastic about what they had experienced during so far at the tour. Four new members presented themselves at the business meeting:
Benning Elektrotechnik und Elektronik GmbH &Co KG: A company from Bocholt that specialises in repair and maintenance replicas, diagnostics and on-site service for the electrical machinery sector.
CPC Tracking: A Danish company focused on optimising, increasing efficiency and reducing costs through the use of online tracking and big data collection in infrastructure and rail operations.
DSP: Headquartered in the Netherlands and with a branch in Poland, DSP is a leading company in the railway market, where 50 specialists repair, overhaul and maintain engines, transmissions, power packs, compressors and other hydraulic components.
It’s BB: A company from Berlin that provides information in the field of IT security and establishes connections to the right companies for current trends.
The business meeting was a complete success and was rounded off with networking at the Potsdam Museum.
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Award for Refit Night Express
The award for excellent design for a product designed by UXMA, Centerline Design and KNRBB
The German Design Awards are the premium prize of the German Design Council. With its global scope and international appeal, it is one of the most prestigious awards in the design landscape across all industries. Since 2012, the German Design Awards have been identifying key design trends, presenting them to a broad public and honouring them. Extraordinary submissions in product design, communications design and architecture are selected each year.
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TRAKO 2023 (19. – 22. September 2023 in Danzig)
The KNRBB once again participated as a trade fair exhibitor at TRAKO on the Berlin-Brandenburg joint stand organised by Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH. The 15th TRAKO was special for all exhibitors and visitors, as it was the second largest trade fair in the field of rail transport technology in Europe with a growing and diverse exhibitor portfolio. In total there were over 600 exhibitors from 52 countries and over 23,000 visitors. The figures are also proof of the demanding quality of the fair.
The KNRBB and the 10 other exhibitors were represented at the well-organised Berlin-Brandenburg joint stand, each with their own exhibition stands. Even more than 2 years ago, the KNRBB stand served as a contact point for numerous network partners and visitors. The high number of company representatives interested in the network was very pleasing at this TRAKO. Most of the guests came from Poland and Germany, but there were also visitors from the Czech Republic, Austria, Turkey and Italy.
The KNRBB management and the other exhibitors at the Berlin-Brandenburg joint stand were satisfied with the course and results of the trade fair and most of them want to be there again in two years. Then at the 16th TRAKO in Gdansk.
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KNRBB at international fair “Train & Rail” in Stockholm
From 24-27 April 2023, everything revolved around the latest trends in the rail transport industry at the exhibition centre in Stockholm. During the three days, 124 exhibitors presented their products and services to over 3000 visitors. In addition to the trade fair activities, specialist conferences were held on all aspects of rail and an industry dinner with 400 participants also provided a good opportunity for exchange. Train & Rail was not only a global forum for international representatives of the railway industry. Above all, it presented the technical know-how of the broad-based areas of the railway industry. This applies to topics such as Rail 4.0, digitalisation and environmentally compatible complete solutions.
Together with five other network partners, KNRBB GmbH had a 30 m2 stand at the specially organised joint stand, which was the contact point for numerous international company representatives. A special highlight was the presentation of KNRBB GmbH and the co-exhibitors on the podium. At the joint stand, the DB E.C.O Group, IME Elektrotechnik GmbH, Antonics, PAX Life Solutions and UXMA presented their products and expertise to interested trade visitors. Another highlight was the presentation of the night train concept, which was virtually accessible via VR glasses. The visitors talked about current projects and exchanged views on new trends in the industry.
The visibility of KNRBB GmbH and its network partners at the 1st Train&Rail led to many new contacts in the Scandinavian region. The bundling of competences and products of the co-exhibitors combined with the virtual reality presentation of the night train cabins was enthusiastically received by the trade visitors. A great result that strengthens the KNRBB as an international network of rail transport technology.
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20th international KNRBB-Business meeting
The 20th KNRBB GmbH International Business Meeting took place on 9 March at OWS Service für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH in Weiden in der Oberpfalz. More than 50 participants and guests from different countries met for an exchange and had the opportunity to be guided through the service halls of OWS and to get to know new network partners. Among the representatives were participants from Denmark, Ireland, Israel, Norway, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.
During a guided tour of the plant, those present were able to gain an impression of the service provided by OWS. Since 2010, the company has been operating a modern repair, development and production unit for rail vehicles at the railway site in Weiden. All maintenance work and conversions can be carried out on more than 20,000 m² of hall space. In addition to workshop services, OWS also offers development services and has highly qualified employees and workshop vehicles on site.
KNRBB welcomes new network partners
The participants took the opportunity to network before and after the tour. In doing so, they were enthusiastic about what they had experienced during the tour. At the current meeting, the six new members presented themselves:
- Associated Rewinds Ire Ltd: a company from Ireland specialising in the repair and maintenance of electric motors and generators.
- BELFOR Deutschland GmbH: This is a German company specialising in damage restoration, building management and facility services.
- Centerline Design GmbH: The company provides end-to-end engineering solutions for clients worldwide. It emphasises customisation and working with clients to create tailored solutions.
- Ingenieus AG: A Swiss company active in the field of energy efficiency and sustainability, developing solutions for businesses and public institutions.
- SFS Safety Flooring Systems GmbH: A company from Germany that specialises in the development and production of anti-slip flooring for public and private areas.
- UXMA GmbH & Co. KG: A German company offering digital solutions in the field of user experience and user interface design.
The business meeting was a great success and was rounded off with a business dinner and networking at the Amedia Hotel Weiden.
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“Glühwein” drinking in the LAT S-Bahn wagon
On Tuesday, 13.12.2022, network partners of the KNRBB – Kompetenznetz Rail from the Berlin-Brandenburg region spontaneously met to drink Glühwein in the LAT S-Bahn wagon (class 476 from 1929), initiated by Antonics and LAT. The goal of the event was to network partners in the field of rail transport technology and thus to end the year 2022 in a cozy atmosphere. A delicious barbecue buffet and aromatic apple punch created a pre-Christmas atmosphere. Guests Westermo, ime, GuK, BELFOR, Kiel Seats, Achat Infrastructure, DB Engineering & Consulting, Centerline Design, Vivotek and Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH exchanged views on current topics and networked in a cheerful, wintry setting. The Christmas market-like event provided extra flair.
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KNRBB at InnoTrans 2022
From September 20-23, 2022, everything at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds revolved around the future of mobility. Over 2,800 exhibitors from 56 countries, 128 vehicles on the open-air exhibition grounds and over 250 world premieres were presented at InnoTrans, the leading international trade fair for transport technology. InnoTrans is not only a global forum for international representatives of the rail industry. Above all, it presents technical innovations and offers alternative and sustainable solutions for the rail industry. This concerns topics such as Rail 4.0, digitalization and alternative drives.
Together with two other network partners, KNRBB GmbH had a 27 qm booth at the Berlin-Brandenburg joint booth in the CityCube, which was the contact point for numerous international company representatives. A special highlight was the presentation of a future concept for sustainable business travel: The conversion of classic rail cars into business night train cars. The special thing about it – the concept is sustainable, future-proof and could already be experienced virtually on site. In addition to German partners, many guests from France, Great Britain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Italy and the USA also used the KNRBB booth to network. The visitors talked about current projects and exchanged ideas for new projects.
The visibility of KNRBB GmbH and its network partners at InnoTrans 2022 led to many new contacts. Specifically, the network has already been able to win three cooperation partners, including two internationally established companies. The virtual reality presentation of the night train cabins was enthusiastically received by the trade visitors. A great result that strengthens the KNRBB as an international network of rail transport technology. The feedback from many other network partners and companies from Berlin-Brandenburg is also largely unanimous: InnoTrans 2022 was a complete success.
