GOVERNOR O’MALLEY JOINS KNORR BRAKE OFFICIALS AT OPENING OF NEW FACILITY

Company Remains in Maryland, Retains 290 Jobs

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley joined Knorr Brake Company officials for the grand opening of the company’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the Westminster Technology Park. The move to the 235,000 square foot facility, which was driven by a growth in new business, more than doubles the company’s manufacturing capacity. Knorr Brake, which currently employs 290, has added 60 new jobs over the last two years and plans to hire an additional 10 to 15 permanent employees this year.

“In Maryland, we’ve recovered 97 percent of the jobs lost during the recession and continue to lead our region in job growth,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Our progress has not happened by chance. This past session we passed the EARN initiative that will enable workers to get skills training for in demand jobs. We created and expanded tax credits for research development, biotech, and cyber security. Our progress is also due to the commitment of companies like Knorr Brake that have chosen to locate and expand their businesses here in Maryland.”

The State provided a $400,000 conditional loan under the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority (MEDAAF) to assist with the land purchase and construction of the new facility. The building, which received LEED Gold Certification, uses green technology, techniques and design to reduce the carbon footprint.

Knorr Brake Company has been headquartered in Westminster since 1991. The company develops and manufactures Brake, Door, HVAC and Electronic Systems for Mass Transit such as METRO, Light Rail Vehicles, High-Speed Trains, Commuter Rail and Monorail Vehicles for the North America market. Knorr Brake Corporation became the first company in North America to be recognized for excellence in manufacturing by being registered to the International Railway Industry Standard in 2007.