2000-2008-2022 – Bielefeld Oldermanns Hof 6
Our Story
The story of our company is a classic tale of family business success: it all began quietly in 1956. The founder, Heinrich Torwegge, started by manufacturing the first wheels and castors in his garage, using their sale to support his family. Today, we proudly look back on more than six decades of existence, growth, and industry expertise.
1956 – Bielefeld, Im Strohsiek 29
On September 3, 1956, Heinrich Torwegge and his wife decided to venture into self-employment by establishing a castors and wheels trade from their home. The basement was outfitted with shelves, a workbench, a vice, and various wrenches to serve as the initial setup. During the day, Heinrich Torwegge worked as a sales representative, while at night, he assembled wheels and castors.
1957-1959 – Bielefeld, Gehrenberg
The Torwegge family opened their first small shop in the city center of Bielefeld. The work primarily involved assembling castors, with the rubber being pressed onto the rims using a vice and then bolted into place.
1960-1963 – Bielefeld Ravensberger Straße at the corner of Ulmenwall
With the move to this building, Torwegge had a display window for the first time, allowing the company to showcase not only a wide range of wheels and castors but also its transport equipment.
1963-1970 – Brunnenstraße at the corner August-Schröder-Straße
To expand the business, Heinrich Torwegge rented a ground-floor apartment at this location, using the bathtub to store pneumatic wheels. During this time, Ingrid Langenscheidt married her husband Horst, who brought his technical expertise as a mechanic and metalworker into the Torwegge family. Horst Langenscheidt produced castor and roller tracks in his metal workshop in Quelle, paving the way for these products to later become part of the TORWEGGE product range.
1969-1976 – Bielefeld Ulmenwall at the corner Rohrteichstraße
At this location, Heinrich Torwegge finally rented an entire shop, marking a significant step forward for the business. From 1971 to 1973, the Torwegge family also operated a hall in Brake, where roller tracks were manufactured for the furniture industry. Horst Langenscheidt was employed there and oversaw production.
1976-1985 – Eckendorfer Straße
With the move to Eckendorfer Straße, TORWEGGE acquired a large warehouse with multiple office spaces. Initially supported by three field sales representatives, the company expanded its reach to the regions north and south of the Teutoburg Forest as well as the Sauerland. Horst Langenscheidt also grew the sales of conveyor technology products, while the wheels and castors business continued to thrive.
After ten years of raising children, Ingrid Langenscheidt decided to rejoin the business and became part of the TORWEGGE team again in 1977.
1985-2000 – Schelpmilser Weg: The first company-owned building
In 1985, Heinrich Torwegge constructed the company’s first building, featuring approximately 1,000 square meters of warehouse space and 250 square meters of office space. The business and revenue grew rapidly, leading to expansions in 1988 with an additional 800 square meters of warehouse space and in 1991 with 250 square meters of office space.
After the passing of Horst Langenscheidt in 1996, Ingrid Langenscheidt's youngest son, Volker Langenscheidt, joined the company. He took over the task of creating technical drawings for the production of roller tracks.
By 1998, the building at Schelpmilser Weg had become too small, prompting TORWEGGE to begin the search for a new company headquarters.
1994-Present - Opening of the Glauchau location
TORWEGGE initially expanded into the newly accessible eastern regions with the help of a sales representative. In 1994, the company established its current location in Glauchau.
After Horst Langenscheidt's passing in 1996, Ingrid Langenscheidt alternated her work between the Bielefeld and Glauchau locations. The Glauchau branch has developed positively over the years and remains a key strategic hub for the Eastern European market.
2000-2008-2022 – Bielefeld Oldermanns Hof 6
- In 2000, TORWEGGE built its current headquarters in Bielefeld at a cost of €4 million. The sales of conveyor components grew significantly, leading to a large portion of these products being manufactured in-house.
- In 2007, an expansion was added to accommodate the growing conveyor technology sector. Under the leadership of Volker Langenscheidt, the Blue Hall Production began manufacturing components such as carrying rollers, roller rails, conveyor tracks, and more for TORWEGGE.
- In 2022, the Blue Hall Production was rebranded as Torwegge Förderelemente GmbH & Co. KG.
2009-2020 – Establishment of Additional International Branches
2009 TORWEGGE Wielen B.V. was founded in Sprang-Capelle, Netherlands.
2012 TORWEGGE Slovensko s.r.o. was established in Bratislava, Slovakia.
2013 Torwegge CZ, s.r.o. was founded in Blansko, Czech Republic.
2020
2020: TORWEGGE POLSKA Sp. z o.o. was launched in Poznan, Poland.
2019 – Establishment of the Heinrich TORWEGGE Foundation
In 2019, the TORWEGGE Foundation was established. It ensures the continuity of the company and secures numerous jobs for the future.
July 16, 2021 – Passing of Our Esteemed Shareholder Ingrid Langenscheidt
With her strong personality and exceptional entrepreneurial skills, Mrs. Langenscheidt further developed and strengthened the TORWEGGE company and its legacy. With boundless energy and decisive leadership, she drove the growth and success of TORWEGGE forward. Her joy and tireless dedication to the company and its employees will be deeply missed.
As a forward-thinking entrepreneur, she ensured the continuity of the corporate group. We, as management and employees, are committed to carrying on the company in her spirit.
With deep gratitude, we will always honor her memory.