Brake systems for rolling stock DAKO-CZ

BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR ROLLING STOCK

DAKO-CZ, a leading manufacturer of pneumatic, electromechanical and hydraulic brake systems for rail vehicles with roots going back two centuries, offers the latest technology, high quality and flexibility in response to customers’ needs.

DAKO has a clear mission - to be a trusted supplier of brake systems for rolling stock on a global scale, providing high-quality, value-added engineering products. With a planned annual turnover of around CZK 1 billion, of which 70% is generated in export markets, the company already has a strong footing in global markets and counts prime OEMs among its customers, including Siemens Mobility GmbH, Stadler Rail Gruppe, Škoda Transportation and many more.

The company has its own research and development centre, a proprietary testing laboratory and a design centre. The reliability of the design of its brake systems and components is supported by the ownership of 14 patents and 11 utility models complying with UIC and TSI standards and regulations.

Two centuries of engineering

DAKO’s unique know-how is based on a strong tradition - its history goes back to 1816, when a foundry and mechanical engineering factory was founded in Třemošnice. After 1920, the company’s core business expanded to include products for the railway industry. In the 1950s DAKO started to manufacture and assemble brake systems of its own design. But progress did not stop there. International success was achieved with the CV1 and CV2 distributors for international railways and in 1995 the first brake systems for trams were designed and manufactured.

The manufacturing plant has undergone extensive modernisation over the last two decades with state-of-the art technology installed to supply demanding products to international markets. With the experience of its engineers and designers combined with continued investment in research and development, the company regularly introduces new products that meet the highest technical and quality requirements.

In 2019, the company invested CZK 120 million in the acquisition of new technologies and machinery, as well as in the expansion of production facilities, enhanced project logistics and improved staff amenities.

Stable footing

With strict security measures implemented, DAKO-CZ has managed so far to sail through the coronavirus pandemic without significant production restrictions. A full order book means that, while many businesses are laying staff off, DAKO is recruiting. It has recently won important contracts to supply its brake systems and components to Germany, Poland, Slovenia and India, capitalising on the boom in the global rolling stock market.

“Of course, we do feel the impact of the restrictions, for example, we could not present our innovations at the InnoTrans, International Trade Fair for Transport Technology in Berlin this year, and the strict safety measures and their enforcement do mean additional cost. But the main thing is that we can continue to meet our contracted

MSV elektronika

MSV elektronika is a manufacturer and supplier of control systems applied mainly in rail transport. We have developed and supply control computers of vehicles (EMU / DMU, locomotives), including automatic train operation system, whell slip protection and brake switchboards, subsystems for door control, toilets and water management, information systems (LED, LCD), including the control units. We are a leading European manufacturer of design LED signal lights and LED reflectors for all types of railway vehicles.

MSV elektronika develops and manufactures electronic modules for brake systems in cooperation with DAKO-CZ. These systems are certified as an interoperability constituent according to Directives 2008/57 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Directives 2009/161 / EC and 2001/18 / EU. The units are supplied for various types of traction and non-traction vehicles. Their DC supply voltage is 24, 36, 48 and 110 VDC. It can be used in vehicles equipped with a disc or block brake and in vehicles with two or four axles. Units are designed in 6U high cabinets and in standard cibanites 19´´ with 3U high. In the end of October 2020, the DAKO PE06-MSV whell slip protection device system with our ASS06.11 anti-skid device for application in coaches, locomotives and EMU / DMU was certified as the first in the world according to the new edition No. 3 of international standards UIC 541-05.

commitments. In this respect, I must express gratitude to all our employees for supporting the company, respecting all the restrictions and continuing to come to work,” says Dagmar Matúšová, the company’s CEO.

New contracts include the KISS project for STADLER, for the delivery of complete pneumatic brake control systems for KISS regional train units, destined for Slovenia.

“The delivery of ten three-part double-deck units represents a completely new platform for our company. The three-part electric KISS units are designed as regional vehicles with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Their capacity is 292 seats including 16 first-class seats and 277 standing passengers. The double-deck train has also space for wheelchairs and bicycles.”

Proven capability

Earlier this year, the company achieved another success in Germany. By July, brake components for 13 four-carriage underground trains were delivered to be fitted into the Inspiro G1 platform units from Siemens, which operate on Nuremberg’s oldest and longest U1 line.

For its Indian customer ESCORTS, DAKO will supply the brake systems for LHB carriages until March 2021. DAKO won its first contract in India in 2006, and has gradually increased its footing in this fast-growing market. The company’s strong position has been confirmed by another order for brake systems for a total of 800 carriages, which includes 700 brake systems for AC/non AC carriages and 100 brake systems for Power units.

“The new projects best demonstrate the company’s competence, capability and the fantastic work of our sales and design specialists as well as all those on the shop floor. We will be able to accommodate the contracts on time and to the required quality as a result of the increased production capacity which we have now almost completed. To this end, we are now preparing a regional recruitment campaign aimed at both shop floor, and technical and financial skills, “says Dagmar Matúšová. n