Innovation and Progress – The Driving Force Behind Our Technological Excellence

Research and development are key factors in the long-term success and innovative strength of the GMT Group. Based on this philosophy, we have been investing continuously and strategically for decades in forward-looking technologies, modern development processes and interdisciplinary teams of experts. As a result, GMT is now recognized as a technology leader in vibration technology and consistently sets new standards for high-performance, safe and user-friendly applications.

Our commitment to innovation is reflected in a wide range of novel solutions, processes and products that are in use worldwide. Our patented developments include, among others, special tension-compression rods for suspending and securing aircraft components, the hydraulically damped axle guide bearing HYDRALL® and the heavy-duty wheelset shaft protector MERP HD for railway vehicles. These solutions exemplify our ability to translate complex requirements into robust, durable and field-proven technologies. In addition, we drive innovation in numerous other application areas, for example through complex, specially developed primary spring systems with integrated guide bushings, various designs of wheel noise absorbers, high-performance air spring systems and transverse springs for enhanced ride comfort. Each of these developments is the result of in-depth, state-of-the-art simulations, intensive testing and close collaboration with our customers.

At GMT, however, innovation means more than just developing individual products or systems. It is an essential part of our corporate culture—characterized by openness to new ideas, continuous improvement, and a clear commitment to implementing future-oriented technological solutions and making them available in a timely manner. In this way, we actively shape progress and create sustainable added value for our customers and partners worldwide.

Before a GMT component proves its performance in real-world applications, it undergoes a comprehensive, high-precision engineering process. As early as the initial development phase, we lay the foundation for safety, performance and durability - with a clear goal: to achieve the optimal design within the specified parameters and the given installation space, all within short development cycles.

Component design is based on detailed computer-aided strength and damage analyses. Areas subject to particularly high stresses and strains are specifically examined and optimized. We determine the necessary alloy-specific material properties through fatigue testing under cyclic loading. This ensures that every component is precisely tailored to its intended application - high-performance, resilient, reliable and durable.

A key factor in our success is our comprehensive expertise in materials. Our chemists develop elastomer compounds tailored to the specific needs of each application. In doing so, GMT draws on a broad portfolio of high-performance rubber grades characterized by excellent dynamic properties, high elongation at break and outstanding mechanical strength.

Years of research have also yielded innovative solutions in the field of fire protection. For selected product groups, we meet the strict requirements of EN 45545 for railway vehicles - both with flame-retardant rubber grades and with specific solutions for components subjected to high dynamic loads in the primary and secondary suspension systems.

Quality becomes measurable in our in-house testing laboratory. Here, we test our products in accordance with standards and precisely according to specifications agreed upon with the customer. Extensive test bench trials ensure functionality, performance characteristics and service life under real operating conditions. On hydraulic test benches, we conduct uniaxial and multiaxial fatigue tests, while specialized creep test benches enable reliable predictions of the settlement behavior of components under sustained loads.

At GMT, innovation never happens in isolation. In addition to close development partnerships with industry, we collaborate closely with institutes and universities in research and development. New products are validated following intensive testing and comprehensive approval processes - including, where necessary, field testing at the customer’s site - both for original equipment and for the spare parts and after sales market.

Even beyond the product lifecycle, we stand by our customers at all times as a reliable partner. Through detailed assessments, remaining service life tests and targeted field data analysis, we enable forecasts of the remaining service life and lay the foundation for evaluating potential adjustments to replacement intervals. In addition, we also offer valuable support in the preparation of RAMS and LCC documentation.

In this way, our engineering team creates significant added value for our customers: maximum safety and performance as well as sustainable cost-effectiveness - developed with expertise, tested with precision and proven in the field.