BPW History

FROM WORKSHOP TO INNOVATION LEADER

The company history: from the beginning

BPW has a long company history and has always researched, developed and produced everything that moves, secures, illuminates, makes intelligent and digitally networks transport. Worldwide.

As a partner of vehicle operators and vehicle manufacturers with 120 years of experience, we think of transport and logistics as a whole - and beyond. Our goal is to make transport and logistics processes sustainably more efficient and safer.

And to open up completely new possibilities with electric drive solutions for city logistics and the digital networking of truck, trailer and freight. Then, today and tomorrow!

Welcome to BPW: Transform Transport! Discover our company history!

 


TIMELINE - THE BPW Contemporary History

2023

125th anniversary

BPW sets an example: not only through products and services. But also as a fair business partner and employer - and through its commitment to people and the environment. This year BPW is celebrating its 125th anniversary: celebrate with us and immerse yourself in our past, present and future.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2022

BPW at IAA 2022

The market is characterised by a focus on economic efficiency and CO2 savings.  That is why BPW presented the new eSolutions, among other things. The "ePower" generator axle was presented, which generates energy in the trailer during driving and braking, which can be used for various applications. In addition to the eSolutions, the BAX and the cargofleet 3 portal were presented.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2021

BAX. THE FIRST ELECTRIC TRUCK

A new electric truck brand from Germany celebrates its premiere: The first vehicle of the BAX brand was presented. The 7.5 tonne truck with the electric axle drive from BPW was developed together with Paul Nutzfahrzeuge as well as with forwarders and superstructure specialists.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2019

The first modular running gear of its kind.

Introduction and series start of the revolutionary BPW ECO Air running gear with modular architecture and the second generation of the ECO Disc trailer disc brake.

BPW starts the series conversion of Mercedes Benz Vario to electric vehicles.

2018

IATF Certification

At the IAA, BPW is presenting the second generation of ECO Disc and the modular ECO Air running gear.

BPW is certified according to the IATF 16949 automotive standard.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2017

2. Mio ECO Disc

BPW has received a number of awards, including the Energy Award from the Handelsblatt newspaper and Top National Employer from the news magazine Focus.

BPW switches over to 100 percent green electricity and publishes its first sustainability report.

The two millionth ECO Disc is produced, making it the most popular trailer disc brake on the market.

2016

In change

The BPW Group is expanding its spare parts trading business: PE Automotive, NTV Nutzfahrzeugteile Oesterhaus and Herz Nutzfahrzeugteile become members of the BPW Aftermarket Group.

The BPW Innovation Lab is founded in Siegburg.

At the IAA, BPW presents the electrically driven axle eTransport for the first time, BPW wins the Trailer Innovation Prize, the Telematics Award goes to idem telematics.

2015

Third generation ECO Plus

The third generation of ECO Plus bearings goes into series production.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2014

Truck-und Trailer Telematics

BPW acquires the truck telematics provider Funkwerk eurotelematik GmbH. 
Through the merger with idem GmbH to form idem telematics GmbH, the BPW Group becomes the first provider of integrated telematics solutions for trucks and trailers. 

BPW positions itself as system partner for truck and bus manufacturers. 

 "we think transport": With this motto, the BPW Group formulates its claim to create future-proof solutions for the transport industry with new technologies and user-friendly telematics for trucks and trailers.

2013

Mobility partnership

The Europe-wide service partnership with Europe Net enables BPW to expand its range of services.

As a mobility partner for vehicle operators and system partner for vehicle manufacturers, the BPW Group is strategically realigning itself.

2012

Majority shareholding and introduction of series production

BPW acquires a majority stake in idem GmbH, a market leader for telematics systems. 

The new air suspension system ECO Air COMPACT with GRP air tank goes into series production.  

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2009

Series launch of ECO Disc

The company's own trailer-friendly ECO Disc disc brake is introduced in series production.

BPW also presents the ECO Tronic EBS at the IAA. The first product in the ECO Tronic family performs electronic control functions for the brake.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2007

Introduction ECO Plus 2

The optimised axle generation ECO Plus 2 is introduced worldwide. The ECO Plus system, introduced in the first generation in 1999, is the world's best-selling axle system.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
2006

Quality Management

BPW's quality management is certified according to the technical specification ISO/TS 16949. ISO/TS 16949 was developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF). It is based on ISO 9001 and is considered the leading automotive standard.

1998

100 years BPW

BPW celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The world's first cathodic dip coating plant for truck trailer axles that meets automotive standards is put into operation. 

A new assembly centre enables the flexible production of disc and drum brake axles.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1995

Joint Venture Meizhou, China

BPW establishes a joint venture for production in Meizhou, China.

The Wiehl site is the first in North Rhine-Westphalia to be certified for the successful implementation of the European environmental quality management system EMAS.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1994

Change of company name

BPW changes its name while retaining its legal form to BPW Bergische Achsen Kommanditgesellschaft.

1993

Purchase of F. Hesterberg & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG

BPW acquires F. Hesterberg & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG with headquarters in Ennepetal.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1991

Joint Venture Hungary

BPW establishes a joint venture in Hungary. In addition, the company is certified according to ISO 9001 and has been regularly validated since then. Due to its exemplary quality management system, BPW also receives the Lloyds certificate.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1989

ECO System

Simply good: BPW is revolutionising bearing technology with the new ECO System. It will be presented for the first time at the IAA in Frankfurt.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1984

Anniversary

BPW produces the 1,000,000th axle in its assembly hall built in 1972 after just twelve years.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1982

Purchase of HBN-Teknik

BPW acquires HBN-Teknik based in Denmark, a specialist in plastics technology for vehicle construction.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1978

New shipping hall

A new shipping hall is put into operation to improve the storage and shipping facilities.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1973

Improvements to BPW air suspension axles

A further improved version of BPW air suspension axles is characterised by its particularly versatile use and low unladen weight, and its design principle serves as a model.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1970

Endurance test on the polar circle

With the new BPW measuring truck, the air suspension is being subjected to an endurance test at the northern polar circle. It shows no signs of wear or material fatigue.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1968

Purchase of Transport-Teknik

BPW acquires the Danish-based company Transport-Teknik, which manufactures complete lighting and cable systems under the ERMAX brand. 

BPW is awarded the gold medal in the national competition "Industry in the Landscape" for the exemplary integration of a production plant into the landscape. 

1965

Factory Hunsheim

A new factory in Hunsheim starts production.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1959

First presentation: air suspension axle

BPW is presenting its air suspension axle for truck trailers to the public for the first time at the IAA.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1954

Factory Brüchermühle

A further factory is put into operation in Brüchermühle.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1948

Change of the company logo

The company logo is changed.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1945

Production permit

BPW receives a limited production permit from the Allies in July.

1937

Change of company name

BPW is converted into a limited partnership. The new company name is: Bergische Achsenfabrik Fr. Kotz & Söhne The company already has 1,000 employees.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1932

First sales office

BPW opens its first sales offices.

1929

Company logo

BPW is given a new logo, which is still used today in a modernised form.

1925

Technological pioneer

BPW is a technological pioneer with the development and market launch of the roller bearing axle.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen
1898

Foundation

On 15 July the Bergische Patentachsenfabrik GmbH is founded in Wiehl.

History - BPW Bergische Achsen