BBS wheels to restart production as new owner takes over

240 BBS employees were laid off after BBS declared bankruptcy last year.

BBS is known to make some of the finest alloy wheels, and its designs are a favourite with enthusiasts. However, the company stopped making wheels after filing for bankruptcy in Germany in 2024.

But things are looking bright now because the famous suspension maker KW Automotive is BBS’s new owner. With this acquisition, the production of wheels could begin again soon.

KW acquired all of BBS’s assets, including its two German factories, the tooling, and any existing inventory.  However, the purchase price of this deal is not being disclosed.

Production should restart at the plant in Schiltach, Germany, soon. The factory has a largely automated and digital production line allowing for quick, flexible output. KW is also looking at the possibility of developing things further there. Plans are also on to restart production at the BBS factory in Herbolzheim, Germany. This plant focuses on aftermarket wheels. The first steps would be to resume logistics processes and recommission the paint shop.

The company is betting big on the 'BBS Unlimited' product line for the future. These wheels all use a flow-forming production process and have a bolt circle of 5x117.5 millimetres. The business offers hub adapters and centering rings that allow fitting these pieces to nearly any vehicle with a five-bolt pattern, which covers a significant number of available models in the market. These product offerings are available in a wide range of designs, widths, and finishes.

240 BBS employees were laid off after BBS declared bankruptcy last year. The wheel maker had been struggling long before the most recent bankruptcy. The latest proceedings have been the fifth insolvency for the company. The company had previously announced that it had become insolvent back in 2007, 2010, 2020, and 2023.

Source: Topspeed