Rockwell Railroad Unit Buys Electronic Air Brake Maker

Rockwell International Corp. said its railroad electronics unit has bought Technical Service & Marketing Inc., a manufacturer of electronic air brake systems for rail cars. Terms were not disclosed.

The 11-year-old company will retain its current management and remain headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Rockwell said.

Technical Service invented an electronic air brake system as an alternative to conventional air brakes in rail cars. Technical’s brake system, which is used on Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s railroad, is being tested for use on Union Pacific Corp.’s railroad.

Technical Service had 1995 revenue of more than $5 million, said Teel Salaun, spokeswoman for Collins Commercial Avionics, a Rockwell business unit.