Efficiency and seamless project management are critical in today’s demanding railway industry. The PJM Group addresses this need by uniting seven specialized entities to provide a comprehensive, single point of contact for complex rail projects. By integrating testing, engineering, authorisation, and certification, the Group delivers the essential foundation for the development and safe operation of rail vehicles. In the rail freight sector, this portfolio is complemented by advanced solutions for digitalization and automation. The result is consolidated expertise and highly efficient processes, all accessible through one centralized partner.
Testing Excellence
As Austria’s first ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratory, PJ Messtechnik offers an extensive spectrum of specialized services. Its capabilities range from acoustics, braking systems, and vehicle dynamics to advanced simulations and pantograph testing that remain unique within the country. The portfolio has been strategically expanded with EMC Rail Services, which conducts specialized electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurements. Furthermore, INFRATRACK Solutions operates a dedicated test facility in Mellach, near Graz, enabling rigorous physical and digital vehicle testing under real-world conditions.
Mechanical Design, Simulation and Validation
The PJM Group’s mechanical engineering division combines in-depth expertise with state-of-the-art development methods. From the initial feasibility study through CAD designs of individual assemblies to complex MBS simulations, the experts at PJ Messtechnik develop and optimize rail vehicles and components. Through the combination of precise simulation and real-world metrological validation, PJM significantly shortens development times and establishes a solid foundation for safe, innovative rail vehicles. PJM is holding a welding certification according to EN 15085-2, a certification by the American AAR WABL Committee for strength verification of railroad wheels as well as NAFEMS membership.
Streamlined Authorisation and Certification
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape is managed by PJ Motion. Acting as an experienced partner for both rail operators and manufacturers, PJ Motion steers the entire vehicle authorization process in strict accordance with the 4th Railway Package. Complementing this is the RCC, an accredited and manufacturer-independent conformity assessment body. By combining NoBo, DeBo, AsBo, and ECM certification services under one roof, the RCC guarantees objective assessments in full compliance with all statutory requirements.
Pioneering Digitalisation in Rail Freight
While engineering and certification services form the Group’s traditional foundation, PJ Monitoring is actively setting new industry benchmarks with its proprietary hardware and software solutions. Its flagship product, the WaggonTracker, has effectively created Europe’s smartest freight train. The system facilitates critical digital functionalities, including automated brake testing, continuous load weight monitoring, and kingpin monitoring, derailment diagnosis and brake system monitoring thereby driving unprecedented efficiency and safety in modern rail freight operations.
PJM Swiss Delivers End-to-End Vehicle Testing and Approval in Switzerland
PJM has marked a major international milestone with the establishment of PJM Swiss in Thalwil, the group’s first foreign subsidiary which was opened in April. The new representative office brings direct, localized support to the Swiss railway sector.
The branch is led by Managing Director Martin Benkler, a national and international rail expert, alongside Senior Rail Specialist Lorenz Kochan. Together, the duo provides 38 years of combined rail industry experience, equipping PJM Swiss to address the country’s distinct technical and regulatory market characteristics.
The Thalwil branch provides access to PJM’s full spectrum of services, spanning engineering design, accredited vehicle testing, and complete type approval.
“The specialist divisions of the PJM Group deliver comprehensive, customer-tailored service packages,” said Benkler. “This gives our clients a seamless, one-stop solution covering the entire lifecycle, from physical engineering right through to final vehicle registration.”
13x Awarded Innovations & Technologies
The innovative strength and in-depth expertise of the PJM Group have been recognised 13 times through national and international awards. Awards such as the State Prize for Digitalisation, the State Prize for Engineering Consulting, the European ERCI Innovation Award and the Austrian Mobility Award highlight PJM’s consistent performance and commitment to quality.
Latest Project News at a Glance
Digitising Heavy Machines
Plasser & Theurer has equipped track maintenance machines with the Automated Brake Test, real-time brake monitoring and axle bearing monitoring. These digital train functions complement Plasser & Theurer’s comprehensive Datamatic and tmOS digitalisation solutions. Together, they enhance the safety, efficiency, and availability of the vehicles.
Rolling Stock Testing in 9 Countries
The team of the ISO/IEC accredited testing laboratory has been in non-stop action since January. Rail vehicle testings have been conducted in Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and in the USA.
Successful Authorisation for PJ Motion
In close collaboration with PJ Motion, RailAdventure has received official vehicle type approval, as well as authorisation to place the vehicle into service, from the European Railway Agency (ERA), for the retrofitting of the ER20 locomotive’s train radio system.
FS Logistix Launched Smart Freight Train on Milan-Catania route
FS Logistix has put its first ‘Smart Train’ into service for operational trials on the Milan–Catania Bicocca line. The project, led by Mercitalia Intermodal in collaboration with Mercitalia Rail, begins with field trials of a wireless communication system that links the sensors on board the carriages to the train driver. The WaggonTracker functions being tested include continuous monitoring of the braking system, checking load stability, automatic verification of the train composition and derailment detection.
Inspection of the MG11 Rail Milling Train‘s Work Equipment
In collaboration with PJ Motion, RCC conducted a periodic inspection of the MG11 rail milling and grinding train of voestalpine Railway Systems in accordance with the Work Equipment Ordinance (AM-VO).
PJ Motion is Significantly Expanding its Presence in Europe
PJ Motion is continuing its course of international growth: Since January, the company has significantly expanded its operations beyond the DACH region. In addition to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, PJ Motion is now also supporting projects in Spain, France, and Belgium, as well as in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. Customers
benefit from comprehensive project support – from preparatory documentation and requirements management to the preparation and coordination of permits for approval test drives.
The PJM Group’s unique offering combines measurement technology, digitalisation and type approval. This pooled expertise ensures that innovations are brought to market more quickly and safely.
Further information on the PJM Group:
https://pjm.co.at/en/pjm-group/
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