A KNOTT electromagnetic brake system

Brake technology solutions leader KNOTT has teamed up with VORTEX, an Indian specialist in electromagnetic brakes and couplings, to form KNOTT-VORTEX, a joint venture which will be formally established by the end of the first quarter of 2016.

KNOTT spokesman Tobias Knott tells Forkliftaction News the new entity will show off its innovations at CeMAT 2016 in Hannover later this year.

"The joint venture company will be responsible for development and manufacture of electromagnetic brakes for all export markets, especially for the materials handling forklift and warehouse truck industry," he says. "Additionally, it will also be responsible for manufacture and sales of the KNOTT range of mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic industrial and off-highway equipment brakes, and brake actuation system components for the Indian off-highway equipment OEMs and aftermarkets."

The JV will initially target OEMs, with Knott confirming that he is in contact with the major players.

"Our products will be dedicated to OEM customers," he says, adding that they could subsequently be offered to the aftermarket.

Knott boasts that the JV will offer customised solutions with the flexibility to develop specific brakes to meet customer performance specifications within limited space restrictions. The alliance also brings lower manufacturing costs and extends KNOTT's global distribution structure.

Founded in 1937, KNOTT currently provides brake solutions for materials handling equipment ranging from small electric forklifts to large container trucks.