BÖWE

History

BÖWE was founded in 1945 in Augsburg by Max Böhler and Ferdinand Weber. Initial activity involved making various items for everyday post-war needs. Work with cleaning businesses led to the idea of specialized machine manufacturing. In 1952, the first perchloroethylene cleaning machine was demonstrated. In later years, ironing equipment and solvent recovery systems were added to the product range.

In 1978, fourth-generation machines with a closed drying circuit were introduced. That same year, a US subsidiary was established. In 1986, the acquisition of the PASSAT group expanded the laundry direction. In 1994, the first hydrocarbon machine, the K540, was introduced. In 1999, a machine running on carbon dioxide was showcased. These milestones reflect product development across different cleaning media.

In 2010 Ziermann Holding acquired the company and operations moved to the Black Forest region. In 2014 the BÖWE Academy testing and training facility opened. In 2016 production began in the Black Forest, Germany. The current lineup includes PremiumLine, iLine and industrial machines. Washing, drying and garment finishing equipment are also offered. The demonstration facilities in Sasbach serve to compare the results of different solvents.

Known for

• PremiumLine and iLine dry-cleaning machines.
• Separate models for hydrocarbon and perchloroethylene.
• Comparative testing capabilities with different solvents.

Milestones

• 1945Böhler and Weber founded the company in Augsburg.
• 1952The first perchloroethylene machine was presented at the Paris exhibition.
• 1986The PASSAT group was acquired, expanding the laundry business.
• 2010Ziermann Holding acquired the company; operations moved to the Black Forest region.
• 2014BÖWE Academy training and testing facility opened.
• 2016Black Forest production and the iLine series were introduced.

Product lines

• Dry-cleaning machines
• Washing machines and tumble dryers
• Ironing and finishing equipment

Categories in the catalog