Our Company

ABOUT US

Always On the Move

Right From the start BPW have been a major driving force in the world of heavy commercial vehicles, with creative, innovative concepts and solutions which we implement with expertise and an outstanding price/performance ratio. Our customer-orientated approach is evident from the success of our products and services and also from the long term success of our Group, our customers and partners.

Starting with axles made from steel for coaches & wagons

The company Bergische Patentachsenfabrik GmbH was founded in Wiehl on 15 July 1898, producing axles from steel for coaches and wagons. At the time, these axles needed lubrication a daily basis but a new generation soon patented and produced which boasted an oil based permanent lubricating technique, reducing maintenance and downtime!

Today the company, still in the hands of the original Kotz family, is called "BPW Bergische Achsen KG". BPW has embodied progress and change in the transport industry: with pioneering new technical developments, system solutions, production methods, quality standards and services. Our motto: "we think transport"

Innovation and development for more than 120 years, BPW is one of the leading innovation drivers in goods transport and logistics. BPW is successful around the world and has been a reliable partner for its customers for generations. The company is constantly changing and developing - a dynamic company in an industry that is always on the move.

BPW Axles (Pty) Ltd, has been operating in South Africa for 78 years, initially known as ERN Quality Products (Pty) Ltd, and since 1962 in BPW hands making it the oldest daughter in the group. The company proudly assembles the latest BPW running gear range and components, selected to suit all light/heavy duty applications for Southern Africa.

Our History

BPW in South Africa originates from a company called Automobile Brake Services (Pty) Ltd which was established on 7 September 1945.

bpw-ERN-building Our Company The name was changed in September 1949, to ERN Quality Products (Pty) Ltd, named after the owner, Mr. E. R. Nesbitt. Mr. Nesbitt, being of German descent, was also a member of the German Chamber of commerce in Johannesburg, where he met Dr. Haase (the President in 1955/57 and again in 1959/60. Dr Haase was also the local agent for BPW products. The friendship of Dr Haase and Mr Nesbit strengthened and prompted them to an approach BPW Bergische Achsen KG in 1962 to investigate possible technical cooperation. A delegation, led by Mr. C. P. Kotz (the son of the owner who was at the time in his twenties and is now retired after a career of 50 years at BPW) visited South Africa to investigate the proposal.

bpw-old-rim Our Company The successful acquisition of 100% of ERN Quality Products in September of 1962 by BPW, made it the first daughter company of BPW outside Germany!! Today there are more than 50 “daughters and granddaughters” in over 25 countries! The name ERN Quality Products however, remained unchanged, as did the product range (mostly locally designed and manufactured solid axles and leaf spring suspension). The necessity to change the name in 1990 to BPW Axles (Pty) Ltd saw the introduction of the German designed hollow axle beams and Air suspension range. Product innovation followed at regular intervals going forward, yielding the ECO hub and Brake 95, ECO Plus axle range, Disc braked axles, and Airlight II Air suspension range.

Today BPW Axles can share in the vision of the parent company to be real System Partners to the trailer building industry, and Mobility Partners to the Fleet owner. We are able to supply not only the Running Gear, but a comprehensive range of Ancillary Products that can be sourced throughout the group, and can support Fleet Owners with our Superior Backup Service and unique ECO Plus guarantee.

Our Local History

Timeline

Introduce the new BPW ECO Disc TS2 – “The hard braker”.

Local Disc Brake Assembly. Launch of ECO Plus 3 & BPW Landing Legs. Purchased JMR. BPW goes solar.

Introduce 9 ton ECO Plus 2 Axle range.

Discontinue in-house manufacture of solid axles, and start assembly of hollow beam axles.

BPW Bergische Achsen KG, from Germany acquires 100% of ERN Quality Products (Pty) Ltd.

The company’s name changed to ERN Quality Products (Pty) Ltd.

60 Years as BPW (Pty) Ltd. Since 1962 in BPW hands making us the oldest daughter in the group.

BPW’s AirSave arrives in South Africa to join our product range.

Introduce 10 ton ECO Plus 1 Axles for all dual wheel applications.

Introduce 9 ton ECO Plus 1 Axle range and Airlight II Air Suspension.

Introduce BPW Air Suspension to the local market.

The BPW Logo registered as Trade mark in South Africa.

The company Automotive Brake Services (Pty) Ltd was founded.

Click to View Our Global History

When you look at BPW, you will think everything is about axles, where in fact it is about customers! Our customers are in many instances our source of innovation! BPW focuses strongly on the transporter/fleet owner, as they buy their vehicles from the trailer builders (to which we sell the running gear) and then experience the low cost of ownership that the BPW product range offers.