Knoxville Locomotive Works

What Knoxville Locomotive Works does

Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW), Inc. is a privately held locomotive manufacturer and remanufacturer founded in 1998 as a subsidiary of Gulf & Ohio Railways, Inc., headquartered at 300 West Quincy Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee. KLW manufactures low and high horsepower locomotives that are EPA Tier 4 Certified (2017) and CARB Tier 4 Verified (2018), and provides repower, upgrade, repair, remanufacture, and AC modernization services for existing fleets. Since establishment the company has serviced approximately 1,000 locomotives and delivered more than 50 EPA Tier 4 / CARB Verified units since 2015. Customers include Class I railroads, short line and regional railroads, government entities, and industrial operators across the United States.

The product portfolio comprises seven named models: the KLW 4400 AC-T4 high-horsepower line-haul locomotive (Cummins QSK95 engine), the KLWX 8520 AC modernization program (CAF AC traction systems), the Cummins-powered KLWX 1530, and the MTU-powered KLW 1050, 1560, 2400, and 3200 sub-4K HP switcher and industrial models. Underlying technology centers on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) after-treatment for emissions compliance, IGBT inverter-based AC traction with individual axle control, two-stage low-voltage AC traction motors, a Battery Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for parasitic load reduction, and a power-system agnostic architecture enabling dual-fuel diesel/hydrogen operation and 100% Renewable Diesel/HVO compatibility. In January 2025 KLW co-developed a 3,200 HP hybrid electric locomotive with Canadian National Railway featuring a 2.4MWh-700HP battery-diesel powertrain targeting up to 50% fuel consumption reduction.

KLW operates a project-based enterprise sales model selling custom-engineered locomotives via direct engagement with railroad operators, government buyers, and industrial customers, with no public pricing and multi-year project contracts. The company partners with Cummins and MTU (Rolls-Royce Power Systems) for engines, CAF and TSA for AC traction systems, TMV for control systems, and New York Air Brake for air compressors, and assists customers in accessing Federal Railroad Administration funding programs. Personnel hold over 300 years of combined railroad experience across building, operating, and maintaining locomotives.

Name

Knoxville Locomotive Works

Legal name

Knoxville Locomotive Works, Inc.

Website

https://goklw.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Knoxville Locomotive Works manufactures EPA Tier 4 certified and CARB verified low and high horsepower locomotives, plus remanufacturing and repower services, for Class I railroads, short lines, government, and industrial customers in the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Knoxville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Locomotive Manufacturing and Sales: KLW manufactures both low and high horsepower locomotives that are EPA Tier 4 Certified and CARB Verified. Product lines include Above 4K HP units (KLW 4400), Below 4K HP Cummins units (KLW 1530), and MTU Below 4K HP units (KLW 1050, 1560, 2400, 3200).
2. Locomotive Repowering, Upgrading, and Remanufacturing Services: KLW repowers, upgrades, repairs and remanufactures locomotives ranging from DC/AC modernizations to low horsepower switchers and high horsepower line-haul units. Has serviced approximately 1,000 locomotives since establishment.
3. AC Modernization Services: Provides AC upgrades for efficiency, reliability, and maintenance savings through KLWX 8520 modernization program using CAF AC Traction systems.
4. Funding Assistance Services: KLW offers assistance to customers for third-party funding opportunities, including FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) funding programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Knoxville Locomotive Works manufactures low and high horsepower locomotives that are EPA Tier 4 Certified and CARB Verified, including the KLW 4400 AC-T4 line-haul unit, the KLWX 1530 Cummins-powered below-4K HP unit, and the MTU-powered KLW 1050, 1560, 2400, and 3200 units. The company also repowers, upgrades, repairs, and remanufactures existing locomotives, delivering AC traction modernizations through the KLWX 8520 program integrating CAF AC traction systems.

Product overview

Knoxville Locomotive Works (KLW) is a locomotive manufacturer offering a portfolio of low and high horsepower locomotives that are EPA Tier 4 Certified and CARB Verified. The product lineup includes: the KLW 4400 AC-T4 (above 4K HP for heavy duty line-haul with Cummins QSK95 engine), KLWX 8520 (AC modernization for existing locomotives with CAF traction systems), and the MTU Below 4K HP series comprising KLW 1050, KLW 1560, KLW 2400, and KLW 3200 (low to medium horsepower switchers and industrial locomotives utilizing MTU engines with SCR catalyst systems). The company also offers Cummins-powered locomotives below 4K HP such as the KLWX 1530. KLW provides both new locomotive manufacturing and modernization/upgrading services for existing fleets, with a focus on sustainable, emissions-reducing solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KLW 4400 AC-T4

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to typical locomotives in similar operations (hybrid locomotive)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and secondary.

• CN (Canadian National Railway)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2025KLW collaborated with CN to develop a new medium horsepower hybrid electric locomotive pilot project. The 3,200 HP hybrid unit features a 2.4MWh-700HP battery-diesel engine system. This is a strategic co-development partnership targeting fuel efficiency and emissions reduction in railroad operations.
• Gulf & Ohio Railways, Inc. (G&O)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998Gulf & Ohio Railways originally established KLW in 1998 as a maintenance company for the G&O family of railroads. This founding partnership established KLW's roots in the railroad industry.
• CumminscoreTechnology or IntegrationCummins is a key technology partner providing engines for KLW locomotives. KLW uses Cummins QSK95 engines (for 4400 HP models) and Cummins 1500HP modules. The partnership enables KLW to offer EPA Tier 4 certified powerplants with SCR after-treatment systems.
• MTU (Rolls-Royce Power Systems)coreTechnology or IntegrationMTU provides engines for KLW's below 4K HP locomotive lineup including 1050, 1560, 2400, and 3200 HP models. MTU 12V Series 2000 C66R engines are utilized with KLW's SCR catalyst system for Tier 4 compliance.
• CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)coreTechnology or IntegrationCAF provides AC Traction systems for KLW's modernization offerings (KLWX 8520). The partnership enables KLW to offer IGBT inverter technology with individual axle control and two-stage low-voltage AC traction motors.
• TMV (Traction Motor Vehicle)coreTechnology or IntegrationTMV provides control systems for KLW locomotives, enabling advanced locomotive operation and integration with various power systems and traction technologies.
• TSA (Traction Systems Australia)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationTSA provides AC traction systems as part of KLW's commitment to providing world-class AC traction solutions in partnership with CAF.
• New York Air BrakesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationNew York Air Brake provides efficient oil-free air compressors for KLW locomotives, contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of the locomotive systems.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Brookville Equipment Corporation: Brookville manufactures specialized locomotives, including emissions-reducing hybrid and battery-electric units for industrial, mining, and rail applications. Comparable to KLW in low-horsepower switcher/industrial locomotive manufacturing with a sustainability focus.
• MotivePower Industries: MotivePower manufactures new locomotives and provides rebuild/repower services for switcher and road locomotives. Directly comparable to KLW in repower, remanufacture, and custom locomotive builds for North American freight and transit operators.
• Rail Power Inc. RailPower (now part of Cascadia Group) developed hybrid genset switcher locomotives focused on yard emissions reduction. Comparable to KLW's low-HP switcher and hybrid/battery APU offerings, with similar Tier 4 / emissions-reduction positioning.
• National Railway Equipment Co. (NRE): NRE remanufactures and rebuilds locomotives (NRE Genesis, NRE 3GS21C genset) and provides locomotive lease/management services. Comparable to KLW in repower, remanufacture, and switcher/road locomotive modernization services.

Broad incumbents

• Stadler Rail: Stadler Rail manufactures locomotives and multiple units including hybrid and battery-electric platforms for North American rail operators. Comparable to KLW in low-emissions locomotive design but operates globally across passenger and freight segments.
• Wabtec Corporation: Wabtec (formed from GE Transportation merger) is a global rail equipment leader producing locomotives, components, and digital rail solutions. Comparable to KLW in locomotive systems and AC traction modernization, but operates globally and across multiple rail segments.
• Alstom SA: Alstom is a global rail equipment manufacturer producing locomotives and integrated systems. Comparable to KLW in rolling stock manufacturing but operates at global scale with primary focus on passenger and European markets; overlapping freight/locomotive expertise.
• Progress Rail (Caterpillar): Progress Rail, a Caterpillar subsidiary, is the largest North American locomotive OEM and aftermarket service provider via its EMD brand. Directly comparable to KLW in locomotive manufacturing, repowering, and modernization, but operates at far greater scale across freight rail.
• Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility manufactures locomotives (e.g., Charger, ACS-64) and rolling stock globally, with a growing North American footprint. Comparable to KLW in modern locomotive systems but focused on passenger and electrified/hybrid platforms.

Regional players

• CRRC Corporation: CRRC is the world's largest rail equipment manufacturer, including locomotives. Comparable to KLW as a locomotive OEM but primarily serves Chinese and select international markets, with limited direct U.S. presence.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knoxville-locomotive-works

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 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 Knoxville Locomotive Works