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

1920 - 1975
1976 - 2013
2014 - 2021
2022 - today
1920

Foundation of Niedergesäß & Co. OHG by Alexander Niedergesäß and Fritz Axthelm in Berlin

1928

Patent grant Niedax sleeve expansion dowels

1955

New start in Linz am Rhein and start of cable tray production

1971

Starting signal for cable tray production

1975

Commissioning of our own hot-dip galvanizing plant

1973

Central production facility of the Niedax Group

1998

Purchase of the electroplating plant in Bonn

2000

Takeover of the Hermann Kleinhuis company

2004

Takeover of Rico GmbH & Co. KG and takeover of Fintech GmbH

2005

New management: Bruno Reufels (CEO), Alexander Horn and Rolf Luthardt

2010

France: Acquisition of EBO Systems & Niedax France

2013

Thailand: Market entry in Asia through the acquisition of ACS Thailand

2013

Expansion of presence in the Dutch market through acquisition of Gouda Holland

2014

Hungary: Expansion of a production facility

2016

Italy: Joint venture with FEMIC-CZ and subsidiary For M.A., joint acquisition of Steel Line CMS

2017

Niedax India: New construction of a production plant

2018

Acquisition of Boecker Stahl-Service GmbH in Schwerte-Westhofen

2019

Ireland: Acquisition of the Excel Electric Group

2019

New Niedax Holding with Bruno Reufels (CEO) and Alexander Horn

2019

Niedax Switzerland: New construction of the production plant in Raron

2020

Anniversary: 100 years of Niedax

2020

Expansion of activities on the Arabian market with the founding of Niedax Composites in Dubai

2020

Start of the digital transformation with the founding of Niedax Digital in Bonn

2020

Entry into the African market with Niedax Nigeria Ltd. and Niedax South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

2021

Expansion of activities on the American market through the acquisition of MonoSystems

2021

Expansion of global activities through joint venture with majority stake in the R&M Electrical Group

2022

Takeover of Band-Service-Hagen GmbH

2022

Acquisition of Canadian Electrical Raceways in Canada

2023

Acquisition of Philip Grahame International Ltd. in the United Kingdom

2023

Acquisition of Mechanical & Electrical Fixings Ltd. in the United Kingdom

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.