Profile
Range & services
Together, the bilstein group brands offer more than 60,000 different spare parts for professional vehicle repairs..
The group of companies see themselves as generalist, offering the right products for all vehicle requirements.
In addition to an extraordinary range of products in terms of breadth and depth, we support dealers and workshops with a variety of services.
This includes special tools and additional technical information, such as installation aids that are included with certain products to avoid assembly errors.
From professionals for professionals
Take advantage of our wide range of training courses and let our expert service staff bring you up to date with the latest state of the art developments in technology and repairs.
With these training courses, the bilstein group passes on part of its technical competence to those who work with febi, SWAG and Blue Print products on a daily basis.
Current training programme
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Chassis technology
Training content:
- Axle geometry
- Development of modern vehicle axles
- NVH - Noise Vibration Harshness
- Elastokinematics
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Timing belt
Training content:
- Development of timing belts
- Timing belt in oil
- Clamping units
- Camshaft timer
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Vehicle-auxiliaries and drive system
Training content:
- Types of V-ribbed belts
- Torsional vibration dampers
- Clamping units
- Types of overrunning alternator
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Timing chains
Training content:
- Types of timing chains
- Sliding rails
- Chain tensioners
- Camshaft timer
- Sprockets
- Oils
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Water pump/cooling system
Training content:
- Development of water pumps
- Components of the cooling system
- Coolant/liquids
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The following topics are generally discussed in all training courses:
- Platform strategy of the manufacturers
- Testing, construction and function of all adjacent components
- Technical modifications
- Damage symptoms
Quality
We know what it all depends on
As a manufacturer, compliance with the highest quality standards is a matter of course for us.
Safety-relevant components in particular are subject to the strictest specifications in checking the material quality and fitting accuracy.
In order to meet demand across the entire product range, various centrally controlled departments for quality management work closely together.
Quality procedures are based on extensive, repeatedly carried out product tests - both before inclusion in the range and after.
Tests down to the smallest detail
In the state of the art testing laboratories of the bilstein group, various spare parts are examined in detail.
The process for determining quality includes destructive and non-destructive tests. For the inspection of electronic parts, we use, among other things, an X-ray machine where production defects inside a housing can be precisely detected.
The dimensions (accuracy of fit) and the material are among the most crucial tests required. To improve our product lines, we report optimisation potential back to the suppliers - making an active contribution to the development of our partner producers.
Logistics
In order to guarantee the worldwide availability of products and services, the bilstein group continuously invests in the expansion of its logistics capacities.
We currently have 10 warehouse locations in 8 countries - with a total storage area of more than 150,000 square metres.
The largest logistics centres are located in Ennepetal and Markham Vale (UK). These two building complexes already comprise more than 95,000 square metres of storage space. Other logistics centres are located in China, France, Italy, Portugal, Serbia, Spain and Singapore.
The construction of further warehouses is already being planned. In the coming years, a site with a total area of 45,000 square metres will be built in Gelsenkirchen, in the heart of the Ruhr area.
The bilstein group continues to meet the requirements of future growth.
History
The historical roots of the bilstein group go back more than 170 years. Find out how a small hammer mill became a globally successful group of companies.
1844
Foundation of the company "Ferdinand Bilstein"
1844 to 1880
Europe-wide trade with manufactured goods made of steel, iron and brass. The steel forge primarily produces tools and equipment for the iron industry, including drills, files, chains and hinges.
1880
Foundation of the company "Ferdinand Bilstein junior". With the decision to implement in-house production, a strategic realignment of the company takes place. The expansion of the factory goes hand in hand with the purchase of the first steam engine.
The core competence during this time is the production of turned nuts and bolts.
1897
Purchase of the first automatic screw machines, which considerably accelerates the production process.
1921
With the rise of the automotive industry, the strategic reorientation towards the supplier business takes place. The patented "febi spring bolt", which will be presented at the German motor show in Berlin, serves as a reference product.
1923
Registration of the trademark "Febi" (today "febi) at the Reichspatentamt.
1936
The production focus changes towards automotive spare parts and spring bolts. In addition, the first repair kits for kingpins are developed and sold.
1939
The company is classified as "war-important" due to the production of high-quality precision parts. Production has to be restructured according to National Socialist specifications.
1946
Shortly after the end of the war, the Allies granted a "permit to reopen", and the reconstruction of the largely destroyed production begins.
1951
In addition to the production of precision parts for automobiles and motorcycles, the production range of supplier parts for car and truck manufacturers, including spring bolt sets, axle bolts and wheel bolts, is expanded.
1952
The establishment of our own training workshop allows the targeted training of required specialists. These are becoming increasingly rare in times of huge economic growth and development. By the end of the 1950s, the febi brand had established itself as an original equipment manufacturer.
1954
Foundation of "Süd-West-Autoteile GmbH" in Dietzenbach and introduction of the "SWAG" product brand. In 2000, Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG took over this company.
1981
Constant enrichment of the product range with merchandise. Start of internationalisation: The first foreign subsidiary, "febi UK Ltd", is founded in England in 1990. Another 20 will follow by 2017.
1983
"febi Präzisionstechnik" enters CNC technology. By using modern control technology, even workpieces with complex shapes can be produced automatically. In addition, a separate programming department is set up and computer-aided quality assurance is introduced.
1988
Foundation of the company "Automotive Distributors Ltd" in England. The "Blue Print" product brand is launched in 1994. The company will be taken over by Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG in 2011.
1994
febi Präzisionstechnik is a supplier for the automotive industry and its own spare parts segment. In addition, precision parts are manufactured for selected industrial customers. Continuous expansion of production capacities and manufacturing competencies. These include turning, milling, drilling, hardening, grinding and assembly. Introduction of the current febi logo.
2012
Introduction of the "bilstein group" umbrella brand as a unifying element for the febi, SWAG and Blue Print product brands.
2017
febi Präzisionstechnik becomes "bilstein group Engineering". With the introduction of the divisional brand, the production activities within the bilstein group are grouped together. The newly built production hall with a production area of 10,000 m2 is opened.
2017
Introduction of the bilstein group partsfinder, initially with the passenger car ranges of febi, SWAG and Blue Print.
Change is our tradition
The historical roots of the bilstein group extend all the way back to 1844.
Back then tradesman Ferdinand Bilstein laid the foundations for a company that operates worldwide today. This progress has only been possible because the bilstein group has repeatedly reinvented itself and developed new markets.
Find out here how a small hammer mill turned into a globally successful corporate group.
Rooted in Ennepetal – on site worldwide
Home – for us, that is where we grew up. Ferdinand Bilstein has been domiciled in Ennepetal, North Rhine-Westphalia since 1844. Our headquarters is a symbol of our regional heritage and the beating heart of the company.
The original building, where the story of Ferdinand Bilstein began 175 years ago, still exists today (although without the factory extension of yesteryear).
Nevertheless, we have been pressing ahead with internationalisation of the company for many decades, so that we can offer our customers the highest degree of market proximity and first-hand services.
Our first subsidiary was founded in Great Britain in 1990. Another 20 have since been added all around the globe. Be it in Ennepetal, Singapore or Moscow: Ferdinand Bilstein is on your doorstep worldwide.
7th generation of family management– with dual leadership
Despite the bilstein group’s rapid growth, we have remained faithful to our origins: The business is still family-owned today. Meanwhile the seventh proprietor generation has taken responsibility for the economic success of the corporate group.
1844
Company founded by Ferdinand Daniel Bilstein (1813-1890)
1891
Following the death of Ferdinand Daniel Bilstein (1890), his son Robert Ferdinand also dies one year later. The son's widow, Marie Bilstein (1848 – 1924), takes over the running of the business.
1900
Hans Carl Ferdinand Bilstein (1878-1947), the oldest son of Marie Bilstein, joins the company
1914
Paul Julius Bilstein (1886-1950) enters company management
1936
Ferdinand Hermann Bilstein (1913-1967) comes on board
1951
Ferdinand Hermann Bilstein is joined by brother-in-law Arnold Siekermann (1917-1987) in running the company
1971
Rolf Bilstein (born 1943) comes on board
1982
Dieter Siekermann (born 1945) joins the management team
2008
Karsten Schüssler-Bilstein (born 1971) becomes a Group Managing Director
2010
Jan Siekermann (born 1979) completes the dual leadership of the company.
Locations
As one of the leading players in the automotive aftermarket, the bilstein group is represented around the globe. We have 21 international subsidiaries in the most important markets and work with local sales partners in more than 70 countries.
Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG
Ennepetal | Germany // Headquarters
SWAG Autoteile GmbH
Wuppertal | Germany
Ferdinand Bilstein France SARL
Aubergenville | France
Ferdinand Bilstein Italia SRL
Settimo Torinese , Varedo | Italy
Ferdinand Bilstein Portugal SA
Venda do Pinheiro | Portugal
UAB Ferdinand Bilstein Representative Office Ukraine
Kiev | Ukraine
Ferdinand Bilstein Croatia doo
Velika Gorica | Croatia
Ferdinand Bilstein Bulgaria EOOD
Sofia | Bulgaria
Ferdinand Bilstein TR Otomotiv Yedek Parça Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi
Ataşehir | Turkey
Ferdinand Bilstein Middle East FZE
Dubai | United Arab Emirates
febi Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
Shanghai | China
Ferdinand Bilstein do Brasil Comércio de Autopecas Ltda.
Curitiba | Brazil
Ferdinand Bilstein UK Ltd.
Marden | Markham Vale | United Kingdom
febi Benelux NV
Buggenhout | Belgium
Ferdinand Bilstein España SLU
Zaragoza | Spain
Ferdinand Bilstein Polska Sp.z.o.o.
Warsaw | Poland
UAB Ferdinand Bilstein
Vilnius | Lithuania
Ferdinand Bilstein South East Europe d.o.o.
Belgrade | Serbia
Ferdinand Bilstein Romania SRL
Bucharest | Romania
Ferdinand Bilstein RUS OOO
Moscow | Russia
Ferdinand Bilstein Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
Ferdinand Bilstein South Africa (PTY) Ltd.
Randburg | South Africa
febi North America, Inc.
Palo Alto | United States
Philosophy
Together we are strong
All business activities within the bilstein group are based on clearly formulated guidelines. This plants "we" as the focus point, and creates the basis for a family environment and exceptional working conditions.
Our most important goal is customer satisfaction: because customer success is also the success of the bilstein group. Partnerships designed for long-term cooperation are based on mutual benefit and are characterised by open, respectful business relationships and reliable services.
Part of our responsibility also covers nature. The bilstein group strives to conserve and preserve the environment as far as possible through the economical use of resources and modern production processes.
Think globally, act regionally
The bilstein group's regional roots are an integral part of its corporate orientation.
We make our contributions by fulfilling public requirements and are committed to social projects and training initiatives.
Since the company was founded in 1844, we have remained loyal to our main location in Ennepetal. A considerable part of the investment volume is allocated to the expansion and conversion of the headquarters.
In this way, we are not only shaping our own future, but are also returning part of our ongoing success back to society and to the region.
