Our Journey to Knorr-Bremse: Milestones That Shaped KB Signaling
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General Railway Signal (GRS) is founded
GRS was founded in Rochester, New York, with the merger of Pneumatic Signal Company, Taylor Signal Co. of Buffalo, New York and Standard Railroad Signal Company of Arlington, New Jersey.
Harmon Industries is founded
Harmon Electronics was founded by Bob Harmon in Independence, Missouri, to produce electronics and radio systems for railroads.
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AFTC2 is introduced to the market
A premier compact digital audio frequency track circuit for train detection and cab signaling.
Harmon Industries acquires Electro Pneumatic Corporation (EPC)
As a manufacturer of grade crossing hardware and electronics, EPC expands Harmon's capabilities in railway signaling.
Ultra Cab II onboard cab signal launches in US transit market
Harmon's Ultra Cab II provides enhanced reliability using printed circuit boards and motherboard design removing all wiring during manufacturing.
GRS acquired by Alstom
Following its purchase of Italian company Sasib Railways, Alstom takes ownership of GRS.
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General Electric (GE) purchases Harmon Industries
Joining GE Transportation systems and Harris Corporation, Harmon becomes GE Harris Railway Electronics. Harris would later sell its stake, and the resulting business becomes GE Transportation Global Signaling.
Ultra Cab II cab signals start Positive Train Control (PTC) deployment for Transits
GE's Ultra Cab II's onboard platform provides PTC-compliant solution as part of the enhanced-Automatic Train Control system.
ElectroLogIXS® gets highway crossing functionality
GE's modular ElectroLogIXS® platform adds crossing train detection and crossing warning device control.
Amtrak begins high speed operations with GE ITCS
GE's Incremental Train Control System (ITCS) enables the first high-speed (110mph) passenger service in the United States, outside of the Northeast Corridor.
Upgrade to the AFTC5
The AFTC5 is a cutting edge solution utilizing digital technology, making it easier to combine TWC, cab signaling, and train detection into one single TX/RX unit. The system is compatible with existing onboard and trackside KB Signaling equipment for smooth migrations.
GE Transportation Global Signaling is sold to Alstom
As part of GE's purchase of Alstom's electrical power business, GE sells its signaling operation, which joins Alstom Transportation as Alstom Signaling, Inc.
B&C Transit is acquired by Alstom
Founded in 1999 in Oakland, California, B&C Transit specializes in automated train control design, technical engineering, system installations, field testing, and communication systems for public transit.
KB Signaling joins Knorr-Bremse family
KB Signaling Inc. marks the beginning of a new chapter in North America’s rail industry following the acquisition of Alstom Signaling’s conventional rail signaling business by Knorr-Bremse. As a newly formed company under the Knorr-Bremse umbrella, KB Signaling brings advanced Control, Command, and Signaling (CCS) technologies to the forefront of North American rail infrastructure.
Our establishment signifies more than a change in name – it reflects a strategic expansion into signaling technology and a broader role within the rail ecosystem. Backed by the global expertise of Knorr-Bremse’s Rail Vehicle Systems (RVS) division, KB Signaling is positioned to deliver mission-critical systems that enhance the safety, efficiency, and digitalization of rail operations across the continent.