Langendorf – Vehicle Manufacturing Since 1890

1889

Foundation of a Blacksmith’s Workshop

Founding of a blacksmith's workshop with horseshoeing and wagon construction by the great-grandfather of Heinz Bernd Langendorf, who is still active in the company.

Expansion of Operations

Expansion of operations and the start of manufacturing horse-drawn carriages with wooden wheels and iron fittings, as well as vehicles for agricultural use.

1892

1899

Second Generation

The second generation, Bernhard Langendorf, learned the blacksmith’s trade from his father.

Takeover of the Blacksmith’s Workshop by Bernhard Langendorf

In addition to traditional blacksmithing work, Bernhard Langendorf continued to focus on carriage building.

1914

1924


Birth of Heinrich Langendorf

As a representative of the third generation, he followed in his father’s footsteps. He learned the blacksmith’s trade and obtained his master craftsman qualification after the end of the war.
Takeover of the Family Business by Heinrich Langendorf

The company was renamed Fahrzeugbau Bernhard Langendorf und Sohn. The post-war reconstruction period in West Germany and the resulting economic boom led to a tremendous demand for vehicles. Existing production capacities soon proved insufficient, prompting Heinrich Langendorf to construct a 30 x 30 metre production hall and expand the office facilities.


1950

1952

Start of production of pneumatic agricultural trailers

With the help of his father, three journeymen and an apprentice, he began producing agricultural trailers with pneumatic tyres . The first 16-tonne tipping trailers specially designed for public road transport at speeds of up to 80 km/h are completed. The company has now grown to 24 employees.

Development of a Low-Loader Trailer

Heinrich Langendorf developed a low-loader trailer whose rear pendulum axles swung out automatically. He had this invention of the so-called swing-out low-loader patented at home and abroad. These patents gave Heinrich Langendorf the breakthrough to become a respected vehicle manufacturer.

1956

1960

Construction of the First Production Halls and Office Buildings

The first production halls and office buildings were constructed at Bahnhofstraße 115, the site of the company's current headquarters. By the early 1960s, Langendorf already employed 60 people and increasingly established itself as a specialist manufacturer of tipping vehicles, low-loader trailers and special-purpose vehicles.

Vergrößerung der Produktionshallen und des Konstruktionsbüros

The production halls and engineering office were expanded. During this period, Langendorf developed the “Spezi”, a specialised semi-trailer equipped with a loading crane and grab. The production facilities were further enhanced by the construction of a modern paint shop on a newly acquired company site.

1970

1974

Start of Production of the Inloader for Flat Glass Transport

The start of production of the inloader for flat glass transport marked one of Langendorf’s major technological milestones. With this vehicle, Langendorf remains a world market leader to this day.

Concrete Inloader

The first purebred concrete Innenlader leaves the factory

1979

1980 bis 1990

Major Expansions and New Facilities

This period was marked by major expansions and new construction projects, increasing the company’s site area to 47,000 m².

Generational Transition at Langendorf

Management of the company was transferred to Heinz Bernd Langendorf.

Ende 1990er Jahre

2001

Foundation of Langendorf Trading GmbH

Langendorf Trading GmbH was founded to focus exclusively on the used vehicle business and vehicle rental services.

Foundation of Langendorf Service GmbH

Strategic realignment of Langendorf. Langendorf Service GmbH was established to provide service and maintenance for Langendorf vehicles as well as vehicles of all other manufacturers at its Waltrop and Potsdam locations.

2002

2005

Establishment of a Production Facility in Mediaș, Romania

Inauguration of the new building of Langendorf Service GmbH

Inauguration of the new building of Langendorf Service GmbH. 3,000 m² of hall space, 24 hall doors, 30 repair stations are now available.

2009

2012

Langendorf is one of the top vehicle manufacturers in Germany

Langendorf is one of the top vehicle manufacturers in Germany, is more prominent than ever in the field of tipper vehicles and is the market and technology leader in the field of internal loaders. Langendorf supplies almost all European markets and is also active on all continents, especially with its proven Innenlader technology.

Opening of Self-Administered Insolvency Proceedings

Anfang 2013

Oktober 2013

Acquisition of Langendorf by Dr Klaus Strautmann

Langendorf was acquired by Dr Klaus Strautmann. The transaction secured 180 jobs, was supported by a state guarantee from North Rhine-Westphalia to secure financing, and included investments in new production halls to improve manufacturing efficiency.

Back on Track

The results of the first half of the year showed that the company had returned to profitability. The workforce grew to 235 employees. The restructuring measures and investments in both employees and the company demonstrate that Langendorf will continue to operate successfully and profitably in markets around the world.

Mitte 2014

Mai 2017

Langendorf Becomes Part of the Wielton Group

Langendorf became part of the internationally successful Wielton Group. The publicly listed company is headquartered in Wieluń, Poland. Under the continued leadership of Dr Klaus P. Strautmann, the workforce in Germany continued to grow.

Internal conversion and automation measures are carried out in production.

Workforce continues to grow to over 300 employees in the Langendorf Group.

2018

2019

Relocation of Langendorf Service Potsdam GmbH

Relocation of Langendorf Service Potsdam GmbH to a larger and more modern production facility in Thyrow.

Fully Automated Axle Welding System

A modern, fully automated axle welding system was commissioned at the Waltrop facility to further improve efficiency and quality.

2020

2021

Construction of a New Production Facility in Wieluń, Poland

A new production facility was built in Wieluń, Poland, taking over the manufacture of the low-loader range and complementing the product portfolio from Waltrop. Langendorf also took over the production of specialised chassis for the Wielton Group, particularly for its sister company Lawrence David. In addition, a newly developed steerable two-axle double-deck trailer for urban delivery operations entered series production.

Further Development of the Flexliner

Extension of the double-deck Innenlader for the transport of dry freight. In addition to the 3-axle Flexliner, which is intended for hub-to-hub logistics, Langendorf now also offers a positively steered 2-axle trailer for city logistics. For this, Langendorf received first place in the "Trailer Innovation" award in the concept category during the IAA 2022.

2022