Unipart sells Westcode UK 

Westcode specialises in rail vehicle engineering, in particular maintenance, repair, and refurbishment services in relation to braking, climate control, and door systems. Based in Wiltshire, Westcode UK’s customers include rolling stock manufacturers, fleet operators, maintainers, and vehicle refurbishment companies as well as Unipart Rail. 

Westcode UK was acquired by Unipart Rail in 2019 along with Westcode Inc in North America. Westcode Inc remains a Unipart Rail company and is not part of this transaction.

Knorr-Bremse is the global market leader for braking systems and other systems for rail and commercial vehicles, with its headquarters in Munich, Germany. The company employs around 31,500 employees at over 100 sites in more than 30 countries. 

Neil McNicholas, Unipart Rail Managing Director, said: “Westcode UK has provided customers with fantastic service in the four years they have been in the Unipart Group, and this sale to Knorr-Bremse will continue to strengthen their range of products and services. Both Westcode UK and Knorr-Bremse will remain key suppliers to Unipart, and we look forward to continuing to distribute their products to our customers. Thank you to everyone at Westcode UK for their great contribution. 

“Westcode Inc remains part of Unipart Rail, and our business in North America continues to go from strength to strength.”

Darren Leigh, Unipart Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Knorr-Bremse provides Westcode UK with scale opportunities to further enhance its product portfolio and has core offerings that offer a better strategic alignment for Westcode UK. I would like to thank all Westcode UK employees for their loyal service and wish them every success under new ownership.”

Paul Goodhand, Managing Director, Knorr-Bremse Rail Services UK Ltd said, “Our acquisition of Westcode is an exciting opportunity. Westcode’s business and operating culture is an excellent fit with our Knorr-Bremse business and allows us to expand our offering to customers across the UK.”