Kögel Trailer GmbH & Co.KG is one of the largest manufacturers of commercial vehicles, amongst other things for trailers and semi-trailers. It had its headquarters in Gersthofen and was founded in 1934 by Franz Xaver Kögel.
History
1934-1940: beginnings
On 1 May 1934 Franz Xaver Kögel took over the wagon making business of his apprenticeship employer in Neu-Ulm. Franz Xaver Kögel learned his trade in this small business and had just taken his masters examination. Motorized transport of goods had just taken off with the autobahns in 1934, thus F. X. Kögel, with his wagon making business located within easy reach of the forge for chassis and trailer manufacture owned by August Welte was able to begin a forward-looking collaboration. Kögel provided the floors for the chassis and the side walls, and both companies needed to expand their businesses.
1950-1960: development
The fusion of both tradesmen's businesses in 1956 in Donautal made Kögel one of the first businesses to settle in the new industrial area. The transition from a tradesmen's business to an industrial concern was completed when production started in the new generously dimensioned manufacturing workshops in the Donautal industrial area. Industrial production of trailers and bodies had begun and continuous growth was achieved. However, special projects were also handled in addition to this manufacture, e.g. a 9-seater cab for the 70 kW Kaelbletractor.