About Us – A Story That Lubricates the Future

CICO® products are the result of over 40 years of continuous development and innovation in the field of high-performance special synthetic lubricants. From the very beginning, they have been based on Swiss technology and precision, developed through research and development (R&D) in a country that has long set global standards in quality, engineering, and innovation.

Foundations of the CICO® Brand

Behind the CICO® brand stands Dr. A. Herczeg – a chemist and innovator who developed a unique formula for a synthetic lubricant known for its exceptional durability and performance.

From the start, his goal was to create products that are not only effective, but also ecological, long-lasting, and safe – designed for operation under the most demanding conditions.

This philosophy, inspired by Swiss quality and engineering mindset, remains at the core of the CICO® brand – today and into the future.

The Beginning – Trust of Deutsche Bahn

The early 1980s marked the beginning of CICO®’s success. The first customer was Deutsche Bahn, which faced reduced braking efficiency and safety in locomotives.

To address this challenge, CICO® SM 1200 B was developed – a specialized lubricant for brake system components that solved the issue and is still used by Deutsche Bahn today.

Trust in CICO® SM 1200 B has remained unwavering for over 40 years – a proven foundation for braking safety in rail operations.

Quiet on the Curves – Zurich, 1987

In 1987, the CICO® developed CICO® SM 1200 MB for Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich (VBZ) – the world’s first product to successfully eliminate tram noise when navigating track curves.

In addition to improving the acoustic comfort of Zurich’s residents, the product significantly reduced wear on rails and wheel flanges – delivering both economic and technical benefits.

Importantly, it had no negative impact on braking safety.

Breakthrough: The First with Solid Components – CICO® TL 1500 B

In 1991, CICO® TL 1500 B was introduced – the world’s first synthetic lubricant for wheel flanges with a high content of solid particles.

This breakthrough formulation effectively reduces wear on wheel flanges and rail flanks, eliminates microcracks and metal spalling, and prevents further deterioration.

It was thanks to this innovation that CICO® became synonymous with durability in the rail transport sector.

Longevity as the New Standard – CICO® TL 22 B

A major milestone followed with the launch of CICO® TL 22 B – a synthetic lubricant for wheel flanges, designed for use in central lubrication systems.

This product significantly extends the service life of wheelsets – with mileages of up to 1.500.000 km confirmed by customer references, it revolutionized fleet maintenance and cost optimization.

A Revolution in Lubrication – CICO® RS 20 B

In the early 21st century, CICO® RS 20 B was developed – the first and likely only lubricant in the world that can be used simultaneously for lubricating both the railhead and wheel flanges.

The product effectively eliminates curve noise, reduces wear on metallic running components, and improves durability and operational comfort – without compromising braking safety.

Initially introduced by WVV (Würzburger Straßenbahn GmbH), it is now used by rail operators worldwide.

From Rail to Industry and Sport

Today, CICO® products are used not only in rail transport, but also:

in heavy industry and energy sectors,
in the defense industry,
in precision industrial and workshop applications,
and in motorsports, cycling, and mechanical sports – wherever durability, reliability, and resistance to extreme conditions are essential.

The Future Is Happening Now

Thanks to ongoing investment in R&D, close collaboration with operators and manufacturers, and a relentless pursuit of perfection, we continue to develop new generations of CICO® products to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

In early 2025 we introduced our innovative new product CICO® BF 45 B – a special lubricant for buffers and screw couplings in railways, designed to meet modern technical and operational requirements.

We create solutions that truly make a difference – with precision you can trust.