Carl Bechem GmbH

Carl Bechem GmbH (BECHEM) is a German manufacturer of specialty lubricants and metalworking fluids. According to its official website, the company was founded in 1834 by Carl Bechem together with his partner Middelmann as the first German oil factory, and today describes itself as the oldest German industrial lubricants manufacturer and a leading manufacturer of high-quality specialty lubricants and metalworking fluids. Its portfolio covers lubricating greases, cooling lubricants, and precision metalworking solutions, supported by services such as lubricant consultation, triboanalytics, process efficiency, smart maintenance, training, and customized solutions. BECHEM states that an efficient network of distribution partners and numerous national and international production sites ensure global availability of its products.

Carl Bechem was born on December 24, 1806 in Elberfeld (a subdivision of the city of Wuppertal). After finishing his schooling, he completed a commercial apprenticeship in an Elberfeld textile company. In 1828, Carl Bechem moved to Hagen. In 1834, he founded the first German oil factory, Bechem & Middelmann, together with his partner Middelmann, laying the foundation for the company known today as BECHEM. The focus was initially on plant-based and animal-based oils as well as greases. Shortly thereafter, the company operated exclusively under the founder's name Carl Bechem. At the end of the 1820s, the booming industry around Hagen developed into a major consumer of lubricants, and the railroad sector became the first major customer. Other important customers included the wire drawing mills in nearby Altena. In the mid-19th century, the textile industry, mining, the developing mechanical engineering sector, and the iron and steel industry all relied on large quantities of lubricant. From 1861, mineral oil was transported to Europe in barrels, and Carl Bechem began experimenting with mixing existing and new raw materials. A lack of space and a fire in Hagen at the end of the 1860s that engulfed the company buildings made it necessary to relocate to Elberfelder Straße. Today, BECHEM describes itself as the oldest German industrial lubricants manufacturer and a leading manufacturer of high-quality specialty lubricants and metalworking fluids, with an efficient network of distribution partners and numerous national and international production sites ensuring global availability.

Leading manufacturer of high-quality specialty lubricants and metalworking fluids; oldest German industrial lubricants manufacturer.

• BECHEM Avantin 524

  Metalworking fluid product.

• Berosoft 10-2

  PFAS-free lubricating grease for noise reduction.

• Berulub XP-Reihe

  Lubricant product line.

1. 1CARL BECHEM GMBH - Lubricants reimagined. Since 1834.bechem.com
2. 2BECHEM – We were the firstbechem.com
3. 3BECHEM - Our History since 1834bechem.com
4. 4Services from BECHEMbechem.com