Bergische Patentachsenfabrik GmbH

ERN Quality Products

BPW Axles (Pty) Ltd

It all started with patented axles made from steel for coaches and wagons

The company "Bergische Patentachsenfabrik GmbH" commenced business with 12 employees on 1 October 1898, producing axles from steel for coaches and wagons. At the time, these axles needed greasing on a daily basis but a new generation was soon patented and produced which boasted a lubricating technique reducing this requirement to once every six weeks.

Today the company is called "BPW Bergische Achsen KG", is over 110 years old and is Europe's leading manufacturer of intelligent axles and suspension systems for trailers and semi-trailers. The company's headquaters is in Wiehl, eat of Cologne (Germany). More than 5,000 people work for the BPW Group worldwide.

For the fifth consecutive year BPW won the "Best Brands" image prize also in 2011 in the category "trailer axles".

Although the heart of BPW's operation is in Wiehl/Germany, the company has become a global player with more than 60% of all production being exported to markets outside Germany.

Today there are 45 "daughter" companies (production facilities and/or trading companies) in 25 countries worldwide. The South African subsidiary, BPW Axles (Pty) Ltd, has been operating in South Africa for over 50 years, manufacturing the latest BPW running gear range and components for all light/heavy duty applications for Southern Africa.