Railway Friction Materials Market to Reach USD 3,404 Million by 2031 – Strategic Moves by Key Players Drive Growth

 

The global Railway Friction Materials Market size reached 2,534 USD Million in 2024. Looking forward, MarketsGlob expects the market to reach 3,404 USD Million by 2031, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% during 2025-2031.

Market Overview

The global Railway Friction Materials Market reached USD 2,534 million in 2024. According to a new report by MarketsGlob Market Research, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% and reach USD 3,404 million by 2031.

This growth is driven by rising railway safety standards, increasing passenger rail demand, and upgrades in braking technology. Key players are also making strategic moves to strengthen their market share.

Strategic Developments by Major Companies

Knorr-Bremse Enters North American Signaling Market

In September 2024, Knorr-Bremse acquired Alstom’s conventional rail signaling business in North America for around €630 million. This move helps Knorr-Bremse grow its presence in control and safety systems. The deal includes six locations and 800 staff. It aligns with the company's long-term strategy called BOOST 2026.

Wabtec Acquires Super Metal in Brazil

In November 2022, Wabtec Corporation acquired Super Metal, a Brazilian firm known for rail maintenance vehicles and equipment. This supports Wabtec’s expansion in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The deal strengthens Wabtec’s maintenance services and improves safety and performance for global rail systems.

Wabtec Invests in Fanox and Kompozitum

In November 2024, Wabtec made two key acquisitions – Fanox (Spain) and Kompozitum (Slovakia) – for a total of $110 million. Fanox makes railway electrical systems, while Kompozitum produces parts for high-speed train braking systems. These additions expand Wabtec’s product line and global customer base.

Wabtec Acquires MASU in India

In January 2022, Wabtec bought MASU’s railway friction business in India for about $34 million. MASU is known for its friction brake products. This move helps Wabtec grow in Asia and meet the needs of train operators with better-performing brakes.

Digital Expansion with ARINC Rail Solutions

In June 2022, Wabtec acquired the ARINC rail business from Collins Aerospace. ARINC develops dispatch and back-office systems for rail. The acquisition boosts Wabtec’s digital offerings and supports its goal to lead in smart rail solutions.

Key Market Players

• Knorr-Bremse

• Wabtec Corporation

• Bremskerl

• Akebono

• FLERTEX

• Tribo

• Escorts Railway Division

• EBC Brakes Group

• TOKAI Carbon

• Rane Group

• Miba

• CRRC

• BOSUN

• Others
  
  

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Powder Metallurgy Brake Pads

• Synthetic Brake Pads

• Synthetic Brake Shoes

By Application

• Freight Wagons

• High Speed Rail

• Passenger Wagons

• Locomotive

By Sales Channel

• Direct Channel

• Distribution Channel

Regional Coverage

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

• Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, etc.)

• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, etc.)

• South America (Brazil, Argentina, etc.)

• Middle East & Africa (UAE, South Africa, Nigeria, etc.)
  
  

As the market moves forward, global players are expected to continue investing in innovation and partnerships. These efforts will likely support safety, efficiency, and sustainability in railway transport around the world.