PJM - PJM EN

PJM establishes a subsidiary in Switzerland: PJM Swiss brings together the group’s full range of expertise

We say “Servus” and “Grüezi” to our new location in Switzerland! This representative office means that experienced rail experts are now available on-site. Managing Director Martin Benkler and Senior Rail Specialist Lorenz Kochan are both highly experienced in the national and international rail industry. Together, they have 38 years' experience in the rail industry and are the ideal contacts for the PJM Group’s extensive portfolio.

The PJM companies offer a comprehensive package covering every stage of rail vehicle development and certification, from initial requirements gathering and certification management to vehicle component calculation and design, and vehicle testing by an ISO/IEC-accredited laboratory. The package also includes certification and conformity assessment body certification.

"The specialist divisions of the PJM Group offer comprehensive services according to customer requirements. This means our customers have access to end-to-end implementation from a single source for the entire complex process leading up to vehicle authorisation, as well as for individual sub-areas,' explains Martin Benkler, PJM Swiss's Managing Director. 'In economically challenging times, lean project management, coordination with just one point of contact, and reliable order processing are more important than ever. Thanks to the PJM Group’s broad range of services, many years of experience, and proven expertise across all disciplines, we are a reliable partner for vehicle manufacturers in Switzerland.’

PJM Swiss is headquartered in Thalwil.

PJM Swiss at a glance

PJM Swiss is PJM’s newest location, based in Switzerland. Based in Thalwil, the new company offers a comprehensive range of rail vehicle services, covering everything from design and engineering to accredited testing, final certification and approval.

Press release

PJM inspires tinking kids at the FRida & freD Children’s Museum

PJ Messtechnik is part of the new exhibition "tinking kids and young masterminds" at the Graz children's museum FRida & freD. As part of the "powered by Die Industrie" project, the exhibition makes science and technology a hands-on experience for children.

Various stations invite young visitors to discover and experiment. Using sensors from PJ Messtechnik, children learn how forces such as pressure, weight, or movement are converted into digital signals – the exact same technology used in highly complex test runs with trains.

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General - 04/10/2026

PJM on the European Stage: Review of Dresden and Warsaw

Over the past few weeks, PJM showcased its expertise in simulation, measurement technology, and digitalisation at two high-profile industry events.

Rolling Stock Conference in Dresden, March 4 – 6
Our experts Matthias Zelinka and Peter Ablasser presented innovative approaches to optimising pantograph-catenary interaction. By leveraging the synergy between EN-compliant simulations and precise measurements, PJM demonstrated how the efficiency and safety of approval tests for modern rolling stock can be significantly enhanced.

European Rolling Stock Summit in Warsaw, March 16 – 17
CEO Günter Petschnig participated in the opening panel discussion on the status of digitalisation in rail freight. The key message: Market-ready technologies for faster, more cost-efficient, and highly available rail freight transport are ready for deployment – now is the time for large-scale implementation.

General - 04/07/2026

Strategic Exchange on the Future of Rail

In Graz, Martin Joch (CEO of PJ Messtechnik) recently met with Andreas Matthä (CEO of ÖBB) and Andreas Schaller (CEO of Boom Software).

The discussions focused on automation and digitalisation as key levers for addressing the shortage of skilled workers and ensuring more efficient, safer rail freight transport.

Another central topic was the INFRATRACK Solutions project: since autumn 2025, the site of the Mellach power plant has been successfully used as a modern test environment for rolling stock. This "Green Project" highlights the innovative strength of Styria as a business location and the sustainable use of existing infrastructure for the mobility of tomorrow.

Photo from left to right: Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik), Andreas Matthä (CEO ÖBB), Andreas Schaller (BOOM Software)

Martin_Joch_Andreas_Matthä_Andreas_Schaller

General - 04/01/2026

PJM in "Eisenbahn-Ingenieur" Magazine: The Future of Vehicle Development

In the current issue of the trade journal Eisenbahn-Ingenieur (EI), February 2026, a technical article examines the increasing complexity in the development and maintenance of rolling stock. Authors Marius Müller (Specialist in Calculation, Fatigue Strength, and Welding Technology) and Wolfgang Konrad (Head of Calculation) from PJ Messtechnik demonstrate how to use interdisciplinary approaches to bring vehicles to the tracks safely and efficiently for a service life of 30 years or more.

Article Highlights:

Interdisciplinary Integration: The traditional authorization process according to the fourth railway package is significantly accelerated through the close integration of railway approvals management, calculation, simulation, design, and measurement technology. PJM operates as an accredited testing laboratory according to EN ISO/IEC 17025.

Focus on Welding Technology: A key success factor is the integration of welding design as early as the conceptual phase. PJM provides welding consultancy according to EN 15085-2, approval, and engineering from a single source, which massively reduces project effort for manufacturers.

Modern Verification Methods: In addition to the classic nominal stress approach, PJM increasingly relies on the notch stress concept. This allows for better utilization of structural reserves and ensures the reliable realization of the intended 30-year service life.

Practical Example – Bogie: PJM recently proved the efficiency of this approach during the development of a bogie frame, completed in early 2025. Through the cooperation of all departments, the goals of weight reduction and full robotic weldability were achieved within an ambitious two-year timeline.

Holistic Support: PJM supports customers throughout the entire life cycle—from the initial concept and authorization to maintenance and repair.

Certified Quality: Alongside accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 and welding certification according to EN 15085-2 for calculation and design, PJM’s membership in NAFEMS underscores the high standards for the validity and quality of its simulation processes.

The Experts' Conclusion: The tasks for engineering firms are becoming increasingly extensive. Only through motivated teams covering all areas—from simulation to final approval—can the complex requirements for modern rolling stock be met today.

General - 03/16/2026

High-profile visit to PJM: Exchange with Josef Doppelbauer

We recently had the honor of welcoming Josef Doppelbauer—one of the most influential figures in the European railway world—to our offices in Graz.

As the long-standing Executive Director of the European Railway Agency (ERA, 2015–2024), he has been instrumental in driving forward the Fourth Railway Package and the harmonization of the European rail area. The exchange was correspondingly exciting: topics ranged from innovations and safety in freight transport to the testing and approval of rail vehicles and the current situation of European rail transport.

A particular highlight was the visit to the connecting railway in Mellach, where INFRATRACK is currently implementing Austria's unique test and innovation center for railway technologies on a former industrial track.

Photo 01 from left to right: Alexander Schimanofsky (CEO RCC), Christoph Lorenzutti (COO PJ Monitoring), Josef Doppelbauer (former Executive Director ERA) and Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik)

Photo 02 from left to right: Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik), Andreas Schaller (CEO BOOM Software), and Josef Doppelbauer (former Executive Director ERA)

General - 03/03/2026

PJ Messtechnik strengthens engineering expertise through NAFEMS Membership and new welding certification

The Engineering division of PJ Messtechnik is setting new standards: With the successful completion of the EN 15085-2 certification and admission into the international association NAFEMS, the company reinforces its competence in the design and calculation of railway vehicle components.

As an accredited testing center to ISO/IEC 17025, PJ Messtechnik GmbH performs worldwide tests for the rail vehicle authorization in the areas of fatigue strength, vehicle dynamics, brake tests, acoustics, aerodynamics, and pantographs. Furthermore, the company is a specialist in railway engineering and was the first to apply topology optimization – originally a space technology – to freight wagons. The most recent achievements – joining NAFEMS and obtaining the EN 15085-2 certification – underscore this deep-seated expertise.

NAFEMS and welding certification highlight high quality standards

Structural calculation is a core pillar of PJ Messtechnik’s engineering services. Through its NAFEMS membership, the company's expertise in technical analysis and simulation is now visible on an international scale. NAFEMS connects over 1,500 organizations worldwide dedicated to excellence in simulation and innovative analysis technologies. The membership badge signals that PJM pursues the highest quality standards.

PJ Messtechnik also demonstrates its strength in structural manufacturing. The certification in Activity Level D (Design, Calculation, Documentation) and Classification Level CL 1 (highest safety level) according to EN 15085-2 – the standard for welding railway vehicles and components – documents the company's outstanding competence in welding technology. Given the stringent safety requirements and the public importance of railway vehicles, this proof is indispensable for manufacturers and suppliers. The audit and certification were conducted by the Styrian company SteelCERT.

High competence in simulation, design, and manufacturing

“With our engineering team, we are setting benchmarks,” says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH, with pride. “The recently achieved EN 15085-2 certification is a visible signal that we meet the highest requirements in welding technology. Together with the NAFEMS membership, we demonstrate our quality in simulation, design, and manufacturing at an internationally recognized level. This is how we create maximum safety, cost-effectiveness, and innovative power for our customers.”

The combination of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and welding technology allows PJM to take a holistic approach to projects. This results in component solutions that excel in quality and can be implemented economically. With this integrated approach, which closely interlocks theory and practice – design and manufacturing – PJM ensures the high quality and future viability of its products in the rail sector while simultaneously proving its competence as an accredited testing laboratory and engineering partner.

Photo from left to right:
Martin Joch (CEO, PJM), Clemens Holler (Lead Auditor, SteelCERT), Wolfgang Konrad (Head of Calculation, PJM), Marius Müller (Project Management, PJM), Gerald Pudgar (Quality Management, PJM)

NAFEMS-Mitgliedschaft-PJ-Messtechnik-Schweisszertifizierung

General - 01/14/2026

Looking back and moving forward: Together into a great 2026

An eventful 2025 has come to a close – our highlight video takes you on a journey through the most significant milestones and achievements of the past 12 months.

Now it's time to look forward: We are entering the new year with full energy and fresh ideas. We look forward to realizing new visions together with you, strengthening future-oriented collaborations, and continuing our shared success story!

General - 01/07/2026

The new Koralm Tunnel is here! PJM was already in action for test and measurement runs.

December 12 is a big day: the Koralm Tunnel is officially open, bringing Graz and Klagenfurt much closer together! We congratulate everyone involved on this milestone, which will strengthen Austria's position in international freight and passenger transport in the long term.

We have also already been in action in the tunnel: our team carried out important test and measurement runs in advance to collect essential data for technical conformity and approval. The video provides a brief insight into this.

We are delighted to have been part of the success story of this high-performance corridor and look forward to our future assignments on this extraordinary route!

General / News - 12/12/2025

Double future momentum: PJM sets the tone at important industry meetings

The PJM team was represented at two major rail transport events in Aachen and Vienna, hence making a contribution to the most important future topics in the industry: digitalization, efficiency, and coping with rising demand.

IRSA Aachen: Focus on infrastructure and digitalization

The 5th International Railway Symposium Aachen (IRSA) took place from November 19 to 20. The renowned forum, which brought together around 250 international experts, focused on the effects of climate change and the mobility transition on the rail system.

Matthias Zelinka (PJ Messtechnik) enriched the discussion with an exciting presentation on a simulation model for the interaction between pantographs and overhead lines.

VPI Vienna: Freight transport of the future

At the same time, an information event organized by VPI Austria (an Association of Private Freight Wagon Interested Parties) in Vienna also addressed the challenges in rail transport and logistics.

For almost 100 participants from Austria and abroad, there were numerous presentations, one of which was given by Günter Petschnig (CEO PJ Monitoring). He showed how digital train functions enhance rail freight’s safety and cost-effictiveness, attractiveness and sustainability.

General / News - 11/28/2025