The beginnings
Founding a company in Berlin
From a small company to a global player - Niedax's success spans over a century. Engineers Alexander Niedergesäß and Fritz Axthelm write the first chapter in 1920 in Berlin: they found Niedergesäß & Co OHG. The two specialized in installation technology and were already pioneers in the electrical industry at the time. They later move production to Herzberg/Elster. A fusion of their surnames finally forms the registered trademark "Niedax". The patent for the "sleeve expansion plug" follows in 1928 - a milestone.
Our history
From craft to industry: Niedax over the course of time
Foundation of Niedergesäß & Co. OHG by Alexander Niedergesäß and Fritz Axthelm in Berlin
Patent grant Niedax sleeve expansion dowels
New start in Linz am Rhein and start of cable tray production
Starting signal for cable tray production
Commissioning of our own hot-dip galvanizing plant
Central production facility of the Niedax Group
Purchase of the electroplating plant in Bonn
Takeover of the Hermann Kleinhuis company
Takeover of Rico GmbH & Co. KG and takeover of Fintech GmbH
New management: Bruno Reufels (CEO), Alexander Horn and Rolf Luthardt
France: Acquisition of EBO Systems & Niedax France
Thailand: Market entry in Asia through the acquisition of ACS Thailand
Expansion of presence in the Dutch market through acquisition of Gouda Holland
Hungary: Expansion of a production facility
Italy: Joint venture with FEMIC-CZ and subsidiary For M.A., joint acquisition of Steel Line CMS
Niedax India: New construction of a production plant
Acquisition of Boecker Stahl-Service GmbH in Schwerte-Westhofen
Ireland: Acquisition of the Excel Electric Group
New Niedax Holding with Bruno Reufels (CEO) and Alexander Horn
Niedax Switzerland: New construction of the production plant in Raron
Anniversary: 100 years of Niedax
Expansion of activities on the Arabian market with the founding of Niedax Composites in Dubai
Start of the digital transformation with the founding of Niedax Digital in Bonn
Entry into the African market with Niedax Nigeria Ltd. and Niedax South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
Expansion of activities on the American market through the acquisition of MonoSystems
Expansion of global activities through joint venture with majority stake in the R&M Electrical Group
Takeover of Band-Service-Hagen GmbH
Acquisition of Canadian Electrical Raceways in Canada
Acquisition of Philip Grahame International Ltd. in the United Kingdom
Acquisition of Mechanical & Electrical Fixings Ltd. in the United Kingdom
Acquisition of Spina Group from Italy
Founding of the Abnex joint venture with ABB
Post-war period
Destruction and reconstruction
But things are not always uphill for Niedax. The economic crisis and later the Second World War leave their mark. In January 1944, the headquarters in Berlin were completely destroyed and a short time later the production facility was expropriated. New successes are not recorded until the reconstruction: Business booms thanks to the increased demand for electrical installations. In 1948, a branch office is established in Linz am Rhein, and in 1955 the site operates as an independent company under the name "Niedax GmbH". Further patent applications such as the U-bolt clamp with the Hammerfoot® complete the product range.
The 60s
Independence from suppliers
Even after the death of Niedergesäß and Axthelm, Niedax is able to maintain its successful course. By the mid-1960s, Niedax already had 18 branches. In addition, the company puts its own roll forming line into operation. This strategic decision makes the company independent of suppliers and allows maximum flexibility in the product range.
The 70s
Investing in the future
The 1970s are characterized by further forward-looking decisions: In St. Katharinen, a 28,000 square meter site is acquired for production. Later, the company also builds its own hot-dip galvanizing plant there. At the same time, a change in cable laying technology can be observed: The focus was no longer on individual clamps, but on cable trays and ducts. Niedax then developed the first range of steel cable trays.
The 90s
Expansion, acquisition and international success
From the mid-1990s, Niedax goes international: Bruno Reufels and Egon Winggen take over the business. At that time, around 300 employees work in St. Katharinen and offer a product range of over 6000 articles. The two establish branches abroad and ensure the constant growth of the Niedax Group with targeted acquisitions worldwide. Winggen retires in 2005. Alexander Horn, the grandson of founder Fritz Axthelm, takes his place. Together with Rolf Luthardt, there are now three men at the helm of the company.
Niedax today
A family business in transition
The list of successful acquisitions and expansions is long. In 2020, Niedax even entered the African market for the first time - and is now active in over 30 countries in total. The Group also celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2020. For this long-lasting success, Niedax skillfully combines tradition with innovation. The group of companies is still 100% family-owned to this day. Nevertheless, a breath of fresh air is important, which is why the management has recently been joined by representatives of younger generations: Adrian Lowiner, Cornelius Steele, Philipp Stiehl and Marina Reufels ensure a strategic positioning for the future.
