KW automotive, the owner of the BBS brand and its aftermarket business, has acquired all significant assets of the BBS plants located in Schiltach and Herbolzheim, Germany, for an undisclosed amount.
This move comes as a part of the insolvency proceedings of BBS Autotechnik.
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The assets include a range of production tools and systems, production equipment, utility models, and existing inventories.
The terms of the acquisition, including the purchase price, remain confidential as per the agreement between the parties involved.
KW said the acquisition will revitalise the BBS brand and aftermarket business.
After the opening of insolvency proceedings on 1 October 2024, BBS Autotechnik’s provisional insolvency administrator Dr Dirk Pehl of Schultze & Braun dismissed most of the 240 employees at BBS’s Schiltach and Herbolzheim sites.
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By GlobalDataThis marks the fifth insolvency for the rim manufacturer since 2010.
BBS Autotechnik had taken over business operations from its fourth insolvency proceedings at the beginning of 2024.
KW automotive managing partner Klaus Wohlfarth said: “After the tough cuts of recent months, we are now creating the conditions for a fresh start.”
At the Schiltach site, the new assets will enable KW automotive to expand its manufacturing capabilities and improve its production concept.
The assets will enable the restart of a largely automated and digital production line, which has been in place since late 2023. The aim is to manufacture BBS wheels with speed and flexibility to meet market demand.
The Herbolzheim plant is preparing to recommence operations with a lean structure and modernised logistics.
The future of BBS is closely tied to the BBS Unlimited product range, developed in collaboration with KW automotive.
This range features a wheel system that offers “unparalleled” handling and flexibility, with a variety of colours, sizes, and designs available.
Compatible with nearly any five-hole vehicle model, the flow-formed BBS Unlimited wheels can be integrated with hub caps, collision protection rings, and valve caps in various colors.
Wohlfarth added: “The complexity of a wheel should not prevent us from offering every BBS fan and potential customer multiple options for suitable alloy wheels, which can also be fully customised in terms of design. This customer-centric approach, unique in our industry, will undoubtedly be a key to our future success.”
KW automotive is a suspension manufacturer that owns several brands, including Belltech, KW suspensions, Reiger Suspension, ST suspensions, ap Sportfahrwerke, and SimRacing brands TrackTime and Ascher Racing.
The group operates through various companies and subsidiaries across key markets such as Belgium, China, Japan, the UK, Switzerland, Spain, Taiwan, and the US.
