Ecrrc.com-Interview with Klüber Lubrication

Founded in 1929 in Munich, Germany, Klüber Lubrication has spent nearly a century evolving into a global leader in specialty lubricants. Today, the company delivers customized lubrication solutions across virtually every industry from the vehicles we drive and the food we eat to mining in remote regions, polar expeditions, heavy chemical processing, clean energy production, and both marine and land-based applications. Wherever precision, reliability, and performance matter, Klüber Lubrication is there—quietly keeping the world in motion.

In the rail sector, Klüber Lubrication’s specialized lubrication technologies—refined over decades of innovation—have supported China’s high-speed rail during its remarkable 15-year rise. With an increasing focus on local service and localized innovation, Klüber’s long-standing partnerships with Chinese rail operators and manufacturers exemplify a shared path of progress and mutual success, reinforcing the company’s global competitiveness.

At the 12th MODERN RAILWAYS, Ecrrc.com sat down with Mr. Song Pengyu, Klüber Global Director of the Railway industry, and Mr. John Purdy, General Industrial Sales Director for Klüber China. In this exclusive interview, they shared how Klüber Lubrication, a century-old brand, has become deeply embedded in the story of China’s high-speed rail and offered insights into its strategies for localization and long-term growth in this critical sector.

15 Years Alongside China’s Railways: Klüber Lubrication’s Commitment

Over the past decade and a half, Klüber Lubrication has stood shoulder to shoulder with China’s railway industry as it transformed into a global leader in rail transit. The company’s journey in China has closely paralleled the rise of the country’s railway technology, unfolding across three key phases.

• Before 2010: The First Encounter

Klüber Lubrication’s initial engagement with China’s rail sector came before the nation had fully entered the high-speed rail era, when railway technology was still in a relatively early stage of development. During this period, through a value-driven and differentiated service model, Klüber Lubrication introduced sustainable, high-performance products and technical solutions tailored to the evolving needs of China’s railway system. Among the first flagship offerings were high-performance switch lubricants.

• 2010–2020: A Decade of Deepening Collaboration

From 2010 to 2020, Klüber Lubrication and China’s railway industry built a solid decade-long partnership—one that coincided with a major breakthrough in China’s rail technology and the full-scale arrival of the high-speed rail era. Klüber Lubrication introduced proven, reliable lubrication solutions from Europe into China’s high-speed rail manufacturing and maintenance processes. These advanced technologies helped drive the rapid development of China’s rail capabilities. During this transformative period, Klüber Lubrication’s products consistently demonstrated strong technical performance and reliability, making it as a key partner in China’s high-speed rail expansion.

• Post-2020: A New Era of Strategic Partnership

Since 2020, Klüber Lubrication and China’s railway industry have entered a new chapter—one defined by long-term strategic collaboration. As China continues to lead the world in rail innovation—developing the fastest high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) and setting new benchmarks for the industry—it is also placing greater emphasis on sustainability and the localization of core technologies. In response to these evolving needs, Klüber Lubrication has significantly expanded its R&D capabilities in China, focusing on localized product innovation tailored to the specific requirements of China’s rail sector. By advancing key localization initiatives, Klüber Lubrication is not only strengthening its product portfolio but also gradually building a robust, locally integrated supply chain—further reinforcing its role as a trusted, long-term partner to China’s railway industry.

Adapting to a Changing Market, Growing Together with Klüber Lubrication

For over 100 years, Klüber Lubrication has remained committed to a customer-centric approach, driving sustainable innovation while tailoring its solutions to local needs. Over the past 15 years, as China’s high-speed rail entered a golden era and took the lead in global railway development, Klüber Lubrication played an active role by introducing proven lubrication technologies from Europe to support this rapid expansion. As China’s high-speed rail network grew and homegrown technologies advanced, Klüber Lubrication doubled down on its commitment to localized innovation. The company launched a series of high-performance lubrication solutions specifically engineered to meet the unique demands of China’s rail environment—solutions that perform reliably in extreme heat, freezing temperatures, sandstorms, and high humidity. At the same time, Klüber Lubrication aligned its offerings with the pace and precision of “China Speed” by introducing eco-conscious, user-friendly packaging designed to enhance maintenance efficiency. For example, standardized lubricant dosing systems for train door mechanisms help frontline technicians work quickly and accurately. Meanwhile, the use of sustainable, low-carbon packaging materials ensures responsible disposal, further supporting China’s green development goals.

At this year’s exhibition, Klüber Lubrication responded to the evolving technological needs of China’s railway sector with the debut of Klübersynth BHE 46-403—a next-generation wheel set bearing grease specifically engineered for rail transportation. Designed to extend bearing life, enhance safety, and improve operational efficiency, this advanced formulation optimizes friction performance while significantly reducing operating temperatures.

In the interview, Mr. Song shared that Klübersynth BHE 46-403 has successfully passed the rigorous DIN EN 12081 bench test, meeting the demanding 800,000-kilometer performance standard. Since its launch, the grease has already demonstrated its reliability in real-world operations - surpassing 300,000 kilometers and steadily progressing toward a 1.8-million-kilometer milestone.

Mr. Song emphasized that to maintain global leadership, China’s railway sector must continue pushing the boundaries of technological innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. He also stressed the importance of building a fully localized supply chain in alignment with China’s national strategy for industrial self-reliance.

In response to the evolving needs of China’s railway industry, Klüber Lubrication is steadily rolling out a comprehensive localization strategy, centered on three key pillars: Introducing proven technologies for localized production; developing products and supply chains tailored to China’s unique rail requirements; building local expertise through product promotion, application, and continuous improvement.

As part of this effort, Klüber Lubrication China has developed a tailored product portfolio and rollout plan specifically for the railway sector. A dedicated team has also been established to ensure these efforts are effectively aligned with market demands. To support this strategy, Klüber Lubrication China’s R&D Center has committed dedicated resources to rail industry projects. Working closely with leading domestic rail enterprises, the team is co-developing a product innovation roadmap to meet the specific needs of the Chinese railway system. With a long-term vision of becoming a truly local partner, Klüber Lubrication is investing in domestic talent and technical capabilities. Through closer collaboration with local stakeholders, the company is building a strong foundation for continued growth in China’s rail sector.

No matter how the needs of China’s railway market evolve, Klüber Lubrication remains committed to supporting its progress. Mr. John Purdy, General Industrial Sales Director at Klüber Lubrication China, stated: “As a global leader in specialty lubricants, Klüber Lubrication will continue to follow a strategic path rooted in innovation, sustainable development, and localized service. We are increasing our R&D investment in China and expanding our local production and supply chain capabilities. Klüber Lubrication will work closely with local OEMs and industry partners to help drive the rail transit sector toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and intelligence. Looking ahead, our vision is to be more than a lubrication provider. We aim to be a long-term strategic partner supporting its customers on their journey toward a smarter, more sustainable future in rail transportation.”

From Global to China—and Back Again: Klüber Lubrication’s Evolving Vision for the Rail Transit Ecosystem

As China’s railway technology progressed, Klüber Lubrication applied its century-long expertise to bring globally proven lubrication solutions to the Chinese market, meeting the industry’s foundational needs. With the rise of high-speed rail as the new standard, Klüber Lubrication pivoted to focus on specialized and customized solutions. Through continuous sustainable innovation and a deeply localized strategy, Klüber Lubrication became an integral part of China’s growing rail transit ecosystem. Enabled by Klüber Lubrication’s worldwide platform, the advanced rail technologies and solutions developed in China may soon find their way back onto the global stage. This "global-to-China and back-to-global" journey highlights Klüber Lubrication’s bold vision for shaping the future of the global rail transit ecosystem. Reflecting on Klüber Lubrication China's integration into China’s high-speed rail development, two key themes stand out: localization and globalization.

Localization at Klüber Lubrication China means full-spectrum integration spanning products, technology, knowledge, and talent. These efforts touch every part of the high-speed rail ecosystem from rolling stock manufacturers and system suppliers to railway operators and academic institutions. Klüber Lubrication’s ambition is to serve as a long-term, partnership-driven player within this ecosystem.

On the other hand, as China expands its high-speed rail presence globally, localized implementation abroad becomes critical. With its global supply chain, technical expertise, and strong brand reputation, Klüber Lubrication is uniquely positioned to support Chinese high-speed rail projects as they go international. This complementary synergy strengthens not only China’s global railway ambitions but also Klüber Lubrication’s mission to deliver world-class innovation across borders.

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