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.
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.
