A HISTORY OF
INNOVATION
WAGENFABRIK
IN ULM
Karl Kässbohrer, the Wagnermeister, founded his Wagenfabrik in C 121 Lautenberg, Ulm – in the beginning of the motorization era. The first Kässbohrer motor vehicle had already been produced by 1907.
THE VERY FIRST
TRAILER
In the aftermath of Karl Kässbohrer’s early death in 1922, his sons, Karl Jr. and Otto Kässbohrer has took over the management. They started to produce the first 2x4 axle trailers.
FOCUS ON
BUS, TRAILER & UPPER BODY PRODUCTION
Karl and Otto Kässbohrer decided to concentrate on bus, trailer and upper body production, following the purchase of the frame-and-body-construction company “Ulmer Karosseriefabrik Neuer & Thieme”. They received their first big export deal to Turkey in 1929.
PIONEERS IN
VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION
Starting to build the first tank semitrailers in the early 30’s, Karl Kässbohrer applied for two patents in 1931 that changed the course of vehicle construction. One of Karl Kässbohrer’s patents was about semi-trailer coupling, which was so reliable and low-maintenance that it paved the way to 3-axle semi-trailers. Kässbohrer coupling changed the course of whole transportation industry.
WERK ULM
EXPANDED
Along with the production of the first low-bed with 12 ton capacity, Kässbohrer Ulm factory in Peter-Schmid-Straβe underwent a considerable expansion in order to meet the growing demand. Between 1934 and 1939, the staff number increased from 300 to 1,000.
PRODUCT RANGE
EXTENDED
Product range extended for special challenges such as transportation of liquid chemicals or heavy abnormal goods. First low-bed with 40 ton capacity manufactured for a construction company in Saarbrücken.
POWER OF
ENGINEERING
MENDING
BROKEN PIECES
After the “Stunde Null” in May 1945, production started to pick up in 1947 with limited numbers. In 1948, Kässbohrer was back in the Automobile Show in Hannover with full product range, including curtainsiders and isolated box trailers. Also a new tipper model with compressor was presented at the show.
HYDRAULIC TIPPING SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
In October 1953, the first silo semi-trailer with hydraulic tipping system was introduced to the sector. The positive market reception led to further product development for higher volumes. By 1955, tipping silo had its own dedicated production line in the Kässbohrer factory in Ulm.
REACHING OUT
TO NEIGHBOURS
Kässbohrer started long-term investments to neighbouring countries, such as in France with Kässbohrer France S.A.R.L. and Kässbohrer Austria GmbH in Austria.
Along with geographical expansion, production capacity increased near Ulm by the acquisition of commercial vehicle producer Hummel in Ehrenstein. Consequently, production lines rearranged in consideration of newly available capacity, as well as product segments' specific needs.
NEW GENERATION
READY TO ROLL
At IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in 1983, Kässbohrer exhibited a new generation axles with 23 detailed improvements on the design. The new axles enabled the application of ABS system more efficiently, along with a lighter air suspension design.
CENTURY OLD
SUCCESS STORY
As Kässbohrer celeberated its 100th anniversary, within the next 10 years, the group disintegrated into several divisions according to business units. The century old success story stayed hidden in the shadow until the 2000’s as new investors embrace and preserve Kässbohrer heritage.
COMING BACK
TO LIFE
The Kässbohrer Tank and Silo division was purchased by Europe’s leading trailer manufacturer Tırsan Solutions. Kässbohrer tank and silo production moved to plants in Goch, Germany and Adapazarı, Turkey.
Present day Kässbohrer Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, founded in Goch, carries further the Kässbohrer legacy.
PRODUCTION EXPANSION
IN SPECIAL SEGMENTS
Tank and silo production modernization took place in Adapazarı plant. Consequently, production capacity for tank and silo was expanded. By 2008, standard low-bed production line was reorganized to meet growing global demand.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
RESTRUCTURED
Kässbohrer initiated a substantial investment program in research and development capability to boost progress further. By 2011, the new prototype test and validation centre gathered the fruit of its effort for customized solutions, rapid prototyping and swift delivery.
ENGINUITY
SINCE 1893
NEW FRONTIERS
ON THE HORIZON
Kässbohrer became the first European semi-trailer manufacturer with its own production facility in Tula, Russia.
Adapazarı plant production capacity reached 20.000 units as a result of production automation.
PARTNERSHIP
BEYOND BORDERS
By 2015, Kässbohrer has become the fastest growing trailer manufacturer in Europe. With a customer base in over 55 countries, the hallmark of Kässbohrer’s success was and remains its close cooperation with sales and service partners for customer satisfaction.
KARL WOULD BE
PROUD OF US!
Staying true to Karl Kässbohrer ethos, Kässbohrer won the Trailer Innovation 2017 Competition in safety category.
RETURN
HOME
23 years after the company had ceased operations in Germany south western state Baden Württemberg and after 124 years, on 5th of July 2017 with the opening of its new production plant, Kässbohrer returned to its hometown Ulm.
Kässbohrer won the highest increase in image ranking award 2017, organised by VerkehrsRundschau in partnership with Kleffmann Group, an independent research institute. 500 sector leading managers chose Kässbohrer for 8 categories including product quality, customer oriented business model, innovative solutions and environmental products.
TOWARDS THE
NEXT 125 YEARS
TOWARDS THE
NEXT 125 YEARS
Since 1893, Kässbohrer is at the forefront innovation. Adhering to our heritage we innovate with the latest Technologies. For now and in the future we will develop the products and services to take your business to the next level.
TRAILER
INNOVATION
Kässbohrer has received one 1st place and two 2nd place awards in Trailer Innovation 2021. Kässbohrer proudly is the winner in the category “Component” with its Multifunctional rear underrun protection device RUPD-5K1, which has taken the second place in the category “Body” with first and only 45 ft. Coil Swap Body K.SWAU CC and has taken the second place in the category “Smart Trailer with K-ADAS, Kässbohrer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
STRONGER WITH
LOCAL ORGANISATION
After K-Italy and K-France, K-Spain and K-Poland strenghten Kässbohrer to meet the unmet needs of its customers.
TOGETHER TO THE
NEXT 125 YEARS
At IAA Transportation 2022 Kässbohrer emphasizes its sustained success achieved together with its customers, meeting their needs together with the competent localized organization, ever-expanding after-sales network as well as finance solutions with leading leasing companies. Kässbohrer, with the widest range of vehicle innovations, won 2nd place of the pretigious Trailer Innovation 2023 awards in the category ‘Safety’ with its Integration Protection Device.
TOGETHER TO THE
NEXT 125 YEARS
Highlighting ‘together to the next 125 years’, underlining the importance of a wide ecosystem of innovation to advance the trailer industry towards sustainability, Kässbohrer continues its sustained success achieved together with its customers, meeting their needs together with the focused localized organization, competent R&D, ever-expanding after-sales network as well as finance solutions with leading leasing companies, throughout the year Kässbohrer proudly celebrates its 130th year anniversary.
