The Rail Transport Office has granted an acceptance certificate without time limit for using SARPO (System of Automatic Decoupled Carriages Speed Regulation) with a Visual and Operator Unit and Recorder Unit to the TENS-AXTONE consortium. SARPO was implemented in 2008 on 16 directional tracks at the Poznań Franowo hump yard. The retarder, developed and manufactured by AXTONE Group is one of the elements of the SARPO system.

“SARPO system, designed and implemented together with TENS Sp. z o.o. is very precise in directing decoupled carriages to the target trains and resistant to environmental factors, which is a new quality as compared to the previous and already highly used-up railway solutions. Unstable parameters of traditional equipment poses a potential hazard for people and transported goods. Consequently, it is necessary to modernise the mechanisms and brake systems. In particular, it refers to decoupled carriages speed regulation that should ensure the required high level of safety for humans, rolling stock and loads as well as the surrounding natural environment,” said Andrzej Raszeja, Sales Director and member of the AXTONE Group Management Board.

AXTONE Group also offers the largest in Europe, two-point “crash” type buffer for locomotives and other rail vehicles that require using devices absorbing great energy. A proprietary design of the buffer complies with the requirements of UIC 526-1 and UIC 527-1. The technical solution patented by the Group significantly reduces the collision force and ensures its more moderate course, therefore using “crash” type buffers is a guarantee of safety. It is confirmed by the high standard of the revolutionary product for the rail industry offered by AXTONE Group.

On 31 July 2008, AXTONE Group was incorporated into the investment portfolio of the Scandinavian fund, IK Investment Partners. According to the contract, IK purchased 100% of the company stock from the previous owner – Advent International. The Scandinavian company manages private equity investments; the value of its assets amounts to EUR 5.7 billion.

AXTONE Group is the main supplier of buffers for freight and passenger carriages, locomotives, and public transport vehicles. The products are based on elastomer technology, the company’s own and patented solutions. The companies also provide comprehensive services concerning the renovation and modernisation of its products.