What TMV Control Systems does

TMV Control Systems Inc., founded in 2005 and headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, designs and manufactures modular microprocessor-based control systems for diesel-electric traction vehicles including locomotives, streetcars, DMU passenger trains, and marine vessels. Its flagship product, the Traction Engine Control Unit (TECU), integrates traction motor control, wheel slip/slide control, automatic engine start/stop (AESS), event recording via a DOT-certified Crash Hardened Memory Interface, locomotive monitoring, and optional cellular-based Remote Health Monitoring (RHM) into a configurable platform supporting 40+ locomotive model types. The broader portfolio includes high-voltage electrical cabinets, control stands, axle generators, speed probes, current/voltage sensors, megawatt-hour meters, G-Force sensors, and complementary electronics sold as add-on modules or as bundled retrofit kits.

The company generates revenue primarily through hardware sales of configured TECU systems (Lancaster & Chester case study references approximately $60,000 per locomotive installation inclusive of two weeks of shop time), supplemented by subscription-based RHM recurring revenue, freemium bundled TECU-PC software, and engineering services for commissioning and on-site support. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales in Canada and the US (with a Pennsylvania field service office), event-driven engagement at the RSI and ASLRRA trade shows, OEM/rebuilder embed relationships with Brookville Equipment Corporation, Knoxville Locomotive Works, and Nippon Sharyo, and channel distribution via Backroom in Brazil. Customer segments span Class 1 freight railroads (Norfolk Southern), short line and regional operators (Lancaster & Chester, Genesee & Wyoming subsidiaries, LTEX, Florida Central), passenger transit authorities (Metrolinx, SMART, NCDOT, SFRTA, Metro North, CT DOT, Staten Island Railway, El Paso Streetcar), marine operators (Hornblower Hybrid), and international integrators (INKA Indonesia, Peru Rail). Cumulative deployments exceed 500-700 TECU systems since inception, with the company maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification through Intertek and EPA SmartWay verification for AESS idling-reduction technology.

Name

TMV Control Systems

Legal name

TMV Control Systems Inc.

Website

https://tmvcontrol.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

TMV Control Systems designs and manufactures modular TECU microprocessor-based control systems for diesel-electric locomotives, streetcars, DMU passenger trains, and marine vessels, selling to railroads, transit authorities, and OEM rebuilders across North America and select international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Locomotive Control Systems

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Protection, control & substation automation engineering (relay/RTU/IEC 61850) (EUADAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Testing, Commissioning, Maintenance & Retrofit/Modernization (Substations/Switchgear) (EUADACAL), Incident Detection & Response Coordination Systems (CAD/AVL Integration) (TLAJACAI)

Keywords

• Locomotive control systems
• Rail vehicle electronics
• Traction engine control
• Propulsion control systems
• Locomotive monitoring solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Cambridge

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. TECU Control Systems (Hardware): TMV's primary revenue stream comes from selling its TECU modular control system and associated hardware components (sensors, generators, displays, cabinets, harnesses). The TECU is sold as a configured system tailored to each locomotive application. Revenue is generated per unit with pricing dependent on system complexity and number of modules.
2. Remote Health Monitoring (RHM) Subscription: The RHM cellular monitoring service is offered on a subscription basis. The RAIN module add-on enables any locomotive to access remote monitoring. The website references 'affordable subscription rates' but specific pricing is not publicly disclosed.
3. TECU-PC Software: The TECU-PC software package is provided at no additional cost with every TECU purchase and includes unlimited users. No licensing fees or subscription fees. This is a bundled value-add rather than a standalone revenue stream.
4. Engineering Services & Technical Support: TMV provides engineering consultation for rail vehicles, initial commissioning, technical support trips, and on-site service. Engineering consultation is referenced as part of quality services offered to customers with locomotive electrical issues.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

TMV designs, manufactures, and assembles microprocessor-based locomotive control systems, anchored by its flagship Traction Engine Control Unit (TECU). The platform manages traction motor control, event recording, locomotive monitoring, automatic engine start/stop, and wheel-slip/slide control for diesel-electric locomotives, streetcars, DMU passenger trains, and marine vessels. TMV also builds supporting modules — including axle generators, speed probes, voltage/current sensors, custom electrical cabinets, control stands, and the cellular Remote Health Monitoring (RHM) service — and provides engineering services, schematics, and on-site commissioning.

Product overview

TMV Control Systems offers a modular locomotive control platform centered on the TECU (Traction Engine Control Unit), a microprocessor-based system for diesel-electric locomotives, streetcars, and marine vessels. The portfolio includes core products (TECU control system, High Voltage Electrical Cabinet, Control Stands), add-on modules (AESS automatic engine start/stop, Axle Generators, Speed Probes, Current and Voltage Sensors, Megawatt-Hour Meter, Remote Health Monitoring with RAIN module, TECU-PC software, Crash Hard Memory Interface, G-Force Sensor, Battery Saver, Engine Shutdown Timer), and services (Locomotive Schematics). The TECU serves as the central hub, integrating with sensors and add-on modules to provide comprehensive locomotive monitoring, control, diagnostics, and remote health tracking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TECU (Traction Engine Control Unit) TMV's flagship microprocessor-based modular control system for diesel-electric locomotives, streetcars, DMU trains, and marine vessels. The TECU manages event recording, locomotive monitoring, Auto Engine Start/Stop (AESS), and wheel slip/slide control, handling hundreds of analog/digital I/O signals through a 32-bit processor with CAN databus.
• Control Stands Operator control interfaces for use with TMV's control platforms, featuring state-of-the-art electronics and precision wiring, tool-less access panels, back-lit controls, and optional dual 12-inch displays. Sold to locomotive builders and operators.
• High-Voltage Electrical Cabinet Custom-designed high-voltage electrical cabinet housing the TECU, contactors, relays, sensors, and wiring harnesses. Includes pressurized, filtered airflow for dust/dirt protection. Built in-house by TMV for OEMs and rebuilders needing a complete electrical room solution.
• AESS (Automatic Engine Start/Stop) Automatic engine start/stop module that monitors a locomotive and shuts down the engine after 25 minutes of idle to conserve fuel, with RUN, Auto Shutdown, and Manual Shutdown modes. EPA SmartWay verified and compliant with AAR S-5502. Operates standalone or within the TECU.
• Axle Generators (Active and Magnetic) Speed sensors that capture true wheel speed, available in Active variants (120 ppr and 60 ppr, 10–20 VDC via MILSPEC connector) and Magnetic variants (20 ppr and 60 ppr, passive 2-wire). Built with ultra-slim profile for harsh rail conditions including ice, snow, and debris.
• 3-Wire Speed Probe Zero-speed active sensor that detects rotation of a target gear on the traction motor armature shaft. 3-wire design (12V powered, signal, ground) provides higher reliability than traditional 2-wire magneto resistor probes and eliminates troubleshooting overhead.
• Current Sensor Current sensor that measures current through cable-holes without modifying existing wiring. Available in 360A and 1800A variants and designed to withstand transportation shock and vibration.
• Voltage Sensor (Voltage Panel) Voltage sensing panel available in 1200V and 1600V max variants. Measures voltage from the main generator and communicates data to the TECU for traction and power monitoring.
• Megawatt-Hour Meter System that calculates and displays total power output (megawatt-hours) on an LCD color touchscreen using voltage and current sensors, with trip logging and maintenance interval tracking. Ultrasonic fuel level sensing compensates for track slope grade variations.
• Remote Health Monitoring (RHM) Cellular-based subscription monitoring service providing locomotive GPS location, sensor readings, fault logs, and real-time data through a web-based portal. Includes the RAIN (Remote Access Integrated Network) module supporting CAN, Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 communications for off-site diagnostics.
• Crash Hard Memory Interface (CHMI) DOT-certified crashworthy memory module that preserves event recorder data under fire, impact shock, static crush, fluid immersion, and hydrostatic pressure. Provides regulators and accident investigators with reliable post-event data.
• G-Force Sensor Accelerometer-based impact detection sensor that records locomotive handling and abuse data. Calibration can be tailored to specific operations to identify excessive coupling forces, supporting crew training and accident analysis.
• TECU-PC Software Windows software package that interfaces with the TECU, included at no additional cost with every TECU purchase with unlimited users. Provides Screen Display, Table Display, and Graph Display modes for real-time captures, fault log downloads, short-term logs (last 2 minutes), and remote/serial connections.
• Battery Saver Timer device that automatically disconnects non-essential loads after 20 minutes of engine shutdown to prevent battery drain from operator oversight.
• Engine Shutdown Timer (EST) Simple timing device that shuts down a locomotive engine after a configurable idle time period to support idling-reduction policies.
• Locomotive Schematics (Electrical Drawing Services) Electrical drawing services including updates, redlines, and creation of new schematics to support locomotive control system design and installation projects.
• Engineering Services & Technical Support Engineering consultation for rail vehicles, initial commissioning, technical support trips, and on-site service for customers with locomotive electrical issues. Delivered by TMV engineering staff alongside product sales.

Named customers24 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship project partnership, core strategic partner, notable end customer, quality certification partner, notable application reference, international project partner and regional expansion.

• CAF Power & Automationflagship project partnershipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018TMV partnered with CAF Power & Automation on Norfolk Southern's DC2AC project, converting GE Dash9 locomotives from DC traction to AC traction. TMV was responsible for the electrical cabinet and control system while CAF provided the AC traction power conversion. This was TMV's first 'entire electrical room' project.
• Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW)core strategic partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013Knoxville Locomotive Works serves as a key integration partner, embedding TMV's TECU in their locomotive repower programs. KLW has installed TECU on multiple units including the notable KLW 2250 GP-38 repower and SE32C locomotives. KLW's sales material explicitly promotes the TECU as a key component.
• Nippon Sharyocore strategic partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013Nippon Sharyo incorporated TMV's TECU into Union-Pearson DMU trains for Metrolinx in Toronto (18 units) and SMART DMU trains for California (12 units). Nippon Sharyo administered rigorous third-party environmental testing (Hyphen Lab and Global EMC) of the TECU before approving it for their passenger rail vehicles.
• Metrolinxnotable end customerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2013Metrolinx (operating the Union-Pearson Express between Toronto Union Station and Pearson Airport) hired Nippon Sharyo with TMV as the TECU supplier for the UP DMU train fleet. The train began revenue service June 6, 2015.
• Hyphen Lab / Global EMC INC (Testing)quality certification partnerOthers · 1 January 2013Hyphen Lab and Global EMC INC conducted independent ANAB-accredited environmental testing of the TECU, including shock/vibration (IEC 61373), emissions (EN50121-4/FCC Part 15), ESD immunity, burst/surge immunity, and temperature/humidity tests (IEC 60571).
• Hornblower Cruisesnotable application referenceTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2011TMV provided 2-module TECU control systems for Hornblower's hybrid ferry vessels serving Alcatraz (San Francisco) and Staten Island (New York) in 2011. The TECU monitors all propulsion systems on these hybrid vessels, which achieve 75% less fuel consumption through combined diesel-electric-wind-solar power.
• Indonesia Railway Industry (INKA)international project partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2010INKA in Madiun, East Java, Indonesia used TMV's TECU system for the Railbus Wonogiri Project (2010). Two engines per Railbus operate in push-pull configuration, each with a pair of TECUs. Operators view all bus statistics on TMV's interactive display screens.
• Brookville Equipment Corporationcore strategic partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2007Brookville Equipment Corp serves as the primary OEM/rebuilder integrating TMV's TECU into streetcar rebuilds and locomotive supply contracts. Key projects include New Orleans streetcar rebuild (2007-2010, 31 units), El Paso streetcar refurbishment (2015), and multiple locomotive deliveries to transit authorities including NCDOT, SFRTA, Metro North, and Connecticut DOT.
• Backroomregional expansionChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTMV partnered with Backroom to supply rail, marine, and public transit products to customers in Brazil. This is a distribution/reseller relationship enabling TMV to serve the South American market.
• Intertek (ISO Certification)quality certification partnerOthersIntertek provided independent assessment and registration of TMV's quality management system under ISO 9001:2015 standards, covering design, development, and assembling of rail vehicle control systems.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Progress Rail (Caterpillar): Progress Rail, a Caterpillar subsidiary, is one of the largest North American locomotive services, remanufacturing, and parts suppliers. It performs locomotive repower and modernization programs similar to those served by TMV's TECU, making it a peer on both the rebuild side and the control electronics integration side.
• ZTR Control Systems: Acquired by Wabtec in 2017, ZTR specialized in locomotive control system modernization for North American railroads — the most direct peer to TMV's TECU retrofit business. Both companies upgraded legacy DC and early AC traction controls on Class 1 and short-line fleets.
• Mors Smitt: Mors Smitt (now part of Wabtec) supplies locomotive electronics including event recorders, control electronics, and relays for rail vehicles globally. Directly comparable to TMV's TECU and Crash Hardened Memory Interface (CHMI) product lines serving similar safety and monitoring use cases.
• Voith: Voith supplies locomotive transmissions, drive systems, and digital rail solutions including rail vehicle automation and condition monitoring. Comparable to TMV's wheel-slip control and Remote Health Monitoring (RHM) offerings, with deeper exposure to European and Asian rail markets.
• Knorr-Bremse: Global leader in rail vehicle braking and on-board control systems for locomotives, multiple units, and freight cars. Comparable to TMV as a rail vehicle electronic controls supplier with deep OEM relationships and a broad installed base across rail subsystems.

Others

• Curtiss-Wright: Industrial conglomerate with defense, aerospace, and rail signaling/controls businesses (including the legacy Penny & Giles and DRG businesses). Provides rugged electronic controls and sensors to rail customers that overlap with TMV's sensor and ruggedized electronics portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Hitachi Rail: Major rail OEM following its acquisition of Ansaldo STS and Thales Ground Transportation. Provides signaling and train control systems at scale, broadly comparable to TMV's locomotive control work but focused on mainline signaling and passenger transit systems.
• Alstom: Global rail OEM with a broad portfolio including locomotives, signaling, and train control systems. Comparable to TMV in the train control domain, though Alstom is vertically integrated and serves primarily new-build opportunities rather than the retrofit niche.
• Wabtec Corporation: Following its merger with GE Transportation and acquisition of ZTR, Wabtec is the dominant North American rail OEM and aftermarket services supplier with proprietary locomotive control stacks. Broadly overlaps with TMV as a competitor in control systems and as the parent of TMV's closest direct peer (ZTR).
• Siemens Mobility: Major global rail OEM with proprietary traction and control systems across locomotives, light rail, and streetcars. Overlaps with TMV's passenger rail and streetcar control business but at vastly greater scale and with vertical integration across vehicle manufacturing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tmvcontrol
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoUPuKm3oAmlyvnhNHsMWSg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tmv-control-systems
• Facebookfacebook.com/tmvcontrol

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TMV Control Systems