Knorr-Bremse is a safety-first kind of company. This is evident in its product range of braking solutions and weighing systems which, rooted in a 120-year history of safety and innovation worldwide, play a big role in helping fleet operators run logistical operations safely and smoothly. This is executed via efficient braking and correct trailer mass calculations.
Knorr-Bremse continues its commitment to ensuring safety across the transport industry with an extensive range of service providers. Knorr-Bremse’s Expert Network was first introduced in the European market in 2016 to maintain the performance of its customers’ braking solutions and to keep their operations running. Following international success throughout the northern hemisphere, it arrived in Australia.
“Our mission is to have every vehicle consistently checked and back on the road as quickly as possible,” says Knorr-Bremse Sales Manager for OE Trailers and Aftermarket – Commercial Vehicle Systems, Jannie Geldenhuys. “To fulfil this mission, we offer a refined Expert Network that sources quality partners through a loyalty program.
“This initiative began in Europe and it has since expanded into the global market. By adapting to various regional markets, the Knorr-Bremse Expert Network has become one of the most successful aftermarket networks in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.”
Knorr-Bremse’s Expert Network recruits skilled personnel within the transport industry to support fleets with vehicles that are fitted with Knorr-Bremse braking solutions and On-Board Mass (OBM) weighing systems. Knorr-Bremse approaches trailer OEMs, customers and mobile repair businesses to represent the Expert Network with highly technical service and maintenance capabilities.
Jannie says those who are selected must meet very high standards.
“The people and businesses that we onboard need to fit certain criteria,” he says. “We screen them internally with our own stringent guidelines and then provide them with extensive training so that they are qualified to best support our customers.
“We consider certain market conditions and the players within them during this process, but the criteria always remain constant. It’s a matter of safety and quality assurance.”
This safety and quality assurance has certainly been upheld since Ryan’s Diesel Maintenance & Repairs joined Knorr-Bremse’s Expert Network. The company, established in 2019 by founder, John Ryan, was born out of concern for the state of safety.
“I had been in the repair business for 25 years before I started Ryan’s Diesel Maintenance & Repairs,” John says. “I was servicing a fleet of log trailers one day when I noticed their Anti-lock Braking System warning lamps were illuminated.
“There was a fault in the system, and that made me think about how many more fleets needed help with their braking systems.”
John was motivated to make a difference after this experience. So, he set up his family business, Ryan’s Diesel Maintenance & Repairs, with his wife and championed values around safety, quality service and frequent communication with customers.
John ensured he could deliver on these values even further by purchasing a Knorr-Bremse braking systems diagnostic kit. It then wasn’t long until the manufacturer contacted him.
“Knorr Bremse reached out to me and invited me to join their service network,” he recalls. “I was very excited to join it, especially when they told me I would get all the support I needed.”
Support was provided to John in many forms. First, he was introduced to some of the customers he would be assisting in Knorr-Bremse’s Expert Network. He also received comprehensive education on the network and how it operates as a call-out service.
John then underwent essential training to be a part of the network.
“There was a day of training at Knorr-Bremse’s old site in Keysborough in Victoria when I initially joined the network,” he says. “Knorr-Bremse had a dolly with a Trailer Electronic Braking System model installed, and we ran through theory and practical work on servicing it.”
In recent times, John has further participated in specific iMass OBM system training days. He has also been invited to various Knorr-Bremse showcases which have shared key products to him and other Expert Network partners.
“The great thing about Knorr-Bremse’s Expert Network is that it’s continuous,” he says. “The sessions have provided me with great opportunities to meet others in the network. I have really felt like part of the family.”
John now focuses more specifically on EBS and ABS inspections. Having assisted customers all over Victoria and South Australia in the Knorr-Bremse Expert Network, he is now equipped to provide others with the type of critical maintenance skills which pushed him to buy a Knorr-Bremse diagnostic kit five years ago.
“I can really see that I’m making a difference to the safety of these fleets and their trailers,” he says. “I’ve noticed that a lot of customers aren’t fitting their TEBS systems in line with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) VSB6 guidelines. These guidelines are imperative for heavy vehicle modification, and I’ve been able to help customers to stay compliant in this space.”
In his work, John collaborates with Knorr-Bremse to ensure the utmost safety of its customers. This is completed via a final check – the last step across the OEM’s entire Expert Network.
“I can guarantee that a quality job has been done because I’ve worked on every stage of it,” he says. “Then, an Approved Vehicle Examiner (AVE) or AVE Inspector will complete a brake calculation for the trailer and give the final sign-off to ensure my fitment is correct.”
While John is proud to make these tangible improvements to the safety of operators on Australia’s roads, he has also recognised Knorr-Bremse’s positive impact on his own expertise.
“I’ve really grown with the brand by being a part of this Expert Network,” he says. “I’m prepared to invest in the future with Knorr-Bremse to support their customers.
“Being around their innovations and sharing them with customers has been great for my business. My wife and I can’t thank Knorr-Bremse and the Expert Network enough for that.”
