L.B. Foster Co. has concluded an agreement with German-based Knorr-Bremse to have Knorr-Bremse distribute the company’s wheel flange lubrication systems for rail vehicles in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and South Africa.

L.B. Foster has historically enjoyed market leadership in North America and Asia in delivering wheel flange lubrication solutions, the company says. These systems have become standard equipment on rail vehicles. Mounted on the wheel flange and flange back, the lubrication sticks minimize wear at these point, as a result, extending rail grinding intervals and prolonging the service life of the wheels. 

“The partnership with Knorr-Bremse leaves us even better placed to meet the needs of our customers and access markets that we expect to deliver substantial growth,” said John Kasel, sr. VP, Rail Business at L.B. Foster.

The company reports that the partnership has already successfully begun to equip 240 TRAXX locomotives being built by Bombardier Transportation for a South African customer with wheel flange lubrication systems and solid sticks.