DRÄXLMAIER celebrates anniversary with BMW

ilsbiburg, 7th March 2016. –  When BMW looks back on its eventful history on March 7th, it will also be a reason for DRÄXLMAIER  to celebrate. The Premium supplier from Vilsbiburg in Lower Bavaria has been closely linked with BMW for exactly 50 years.  DRÄXLMAIER has backed the Premium brand with its know-how and has provided support for vehicle projects, from the very first idea right up to series supply.
 "Together with BMW, DRÄXMAIER has developed ground-breaking innovations that the organization in Vilsbiburg still stands for today", says Thomas Steckermeier, who is responsible for Sales to BMW at DRÄXLMAIER. "This cooperation began in 1966 and has continually strengthened since then. Business relations have been marked by 50 years of Premium spirit, absolute reliability and a common understanding of quality, which has led to mutual growth by DRÄXLMAIER and BMW."
 The partnership began in 1966 with a company takeover. At that time, BMW acquired the Glas company in Dingolfing, which made the Goggomobil. DRÄXLMAIER supplied interior elements and wiring harnesses for the vehicle. The equipment for the BMW 1600GT was the first order that DRÄXLMAIER received from BMW.

Cooperation marked by Innovation
  In 50 years of cooperation, DRÄXLMAIER continually launched trend-setting innovations on the market, which were used in BMW models. The customized wiring harness (KSK) revolutionized the market in 1990. Developed by DRÄXLMAIER, this product was first used in production of the   BMW 3-series limousine. The Functionally Integrated System (FIS) – a new type of door module that combines interior and electrical systems know-how – is also a competence of DRÄXLMAIER that  premiered in 2001 in a BMW 7-series. DRÄXLMAIER also supplied the exclusive overall interior for the legendary BMW Z8 which was made from 2000 to 2003. In 2013,  a new era of alternative propulsion was ushered in with the BMW i3, representing the first comprehensive order for an electric vehicle to be awarded to DRÄXLMAIER by BMW. For this vehicle, the supplier developed a high-voltage switchbox, which is also used in the Active Hybrid models of the BMW 5-series and the BMW 7-series. And with the innovative natural fiber-based door paneling "Visible Nature", DRÄXLMAIER effectively set the stage for the visual character of an environmentally friendly e-car. For that, DRÄXLMAIER received the Supplier Innovation Award from BMW in 2013 in the category "New Technology Experience".  In 2015, DRÄXLMAIER set new standards in the interior area for the BMW 7-series, which is the flagship of the BMW Group. The ambient lighting accents developed by DRÄXLMAIER produce precisely designed lighting that creates an exclusive atmosphere.

Fit for the Future
The strength of DRÄXLMAIER as a Premium supplier ultimately lies in securing lasting ideas and concepts. In 2015, the organization filed applications for more than 150 patents. More than half of all the patents that DRÄXLMAIER possesses are less than 5 years old. "Our worldwide presence on almost every continent and the tight network with BMW have enabled us to adapt to the increasingly faster-moving requirements of the global market", said Thomas Steckermeier. "DRÄXLMAIER will remain a strong partner to BMW, even in the future."