100 years BPW.

Environmental awareness, dedicated staff and advanced technology have a long-standing tradition at BPW. The first axle was developed and produced more than 100 years ago. Since then, new developments and product improvements have been a regular occurrence at BPW.

view into a workshop with lathes in 1920	view into a metal workshop in 1920
Managing Directors and workforce in 1900

BPW over the years.

1898
	BPW is founded as Bergische Patentachsenfabrik GmbH in Wiehl. Its first products are lubricated axles for agricultural vehicles and patented axles for coaches. While the axle stubs of the lubricated axles had to be regreased regularly, the patented axles already had permanent oil lubrication.
1903 - 1909
	BPW develops a new patented axle. The name "NOKO axle" is derived from the first two letters of the surnames of the company partners.
20th years
	In the early 1920s BPW starts manufacturing plain bearing axles for truck trailers.
1924
	Together with SKF, BPW develops axles using tapered roller bearings. These axles revolutionise trailer production and permit agricultural vehicles to change over from wooden-spoked wheels to rubber-tyred iron wheels.
1929
	BPW is registered as the company logo.
1937
	BPW becomes a limited commercial partnership.
1948
	The company logo is re-designed.
1958
	BPW changes over from solid to hollow beam axles.
1968
	BPW is awarded the gold medal in the National Competition for Industry and Agriculture for the exemplary integration of its factory into the landscape.
1973
	BPW begins production of light-weight air suspensions.
1985
	BPW switches to asbestos-free brake linings.
1991
	In order to be able to offer its customers total reliability, BPW develops a quality management system which can be applied to all production areas. It is certified to ISO 9001 in 1991 and has been regularly validated ever since.
1994
	BPW changes its name to BPW Bergische Achsen Kommanditgesellschaft whilst retaining its legal form. It updates its company logo.
1995
	Having a responsibility to the region and its people, BPW has been implementing measures to protect the environment for many years. It has defined environmental protection as a corporate objective having equal standing alongside high technical standards, quality, innovation and good value for money. BPW has been participating in the Eco-Audit System of the EU since 1995.
1998
	In 1998 BPW celebrates its 100th jubilee as a global producer of axles for car trailers, caravans, agricultural trailers and truck trailers.
2000
	For the first time, BPW presents a concept for the electrically-operated disc brake with fixed caliper - the ECO-Disc^Tronic - at the IAA.
2001
	The DIN EN ISO 14001 certification replaces the EMAS at BPW.