Touratech: History - From Manufactory to Market leader

Touratech has always been a step ahead of its time with pioneering innovations. While in the early years it was Swabian inventiveness and a creative „garage atmosphere“ that gave rise to new products, today Touratech has state-of-the-art development and production facilities that meet the strictest automotive standards. What has remained is the passion for motorcycle touring as a central source of inspiration.

Touratech has been setting the standard in motorbike equipment for 35 years. Repeatedly copied, the decisive innovations in this segment have been coming from the tranquil little town of Niedereschach in the foothills of the Black Forest for more than three decades. What once began as a manufactory is now a state-of-the-art development and production site. More than 550 employees now work every day to produce the best equipment for unforgettable motorbike experiences.

The fascination with Touratech has developed into a global phenomenon over the last 35 years. Distributors around the world live the Touratech lifestyle with their community. Travel events and training courses at Touratech level now inspire adventure riders in all regions of the globe.
And numerous motorbike manufacturers in the premium segment also rely on the legendary Touratech quality for selected products in their original accessories programme. Starting with ZEGA aluminium cases for the 640 Adventure, brands such as BMW, Ducati and KTM now purchase luggage systems and protectors from Touratech. And in this area too, Touratech demonstrates impressive innovative strength in addition to the highest level of manufacturing expertise.

Touratech developed the completely new Vario case system for BMW Motorrad - including interior lighting, remote control and unique infinitely variable volume adjustment.

• 1990: Foundation of the Touratech motorcycle equipment company
• 1993: Development of the ZE­GA-case aluminium case
• 1995: First catalogue
• 1996: New construction of a hall with 300 square metres of floor space
• 1998: Purchase of a production and exhibition building on the current company premises
• 1999: Foundation of Touratech AG
• 2002: Touratech starts with its own team at the Dakar Rally, the first Travel Event takes place
• 2004: Certification ac­cording to DIN ISO 9001:2000
• 2005: Fifth place for the works team at the 24-hour Endurance Day
• 2006: Development and production of the aluminium pannier system for the R 1200 GS Adventure for BMW
• 2007: Further expansion, store now has 800 square metres
• 2009: Market launch of the ZEGA Pro aluminium pannier
• 2010: Presentation of the Compañero motorcycle suit
• 2011: Introduction of the Touratech Suspen­sion line
• 2013: More than 10,000 visitors at the Touratech Travel Event in Niedereschach
• 2014: Presentation of the Compañero Boreal mo­torcycle suit made from three-layer laminate
• 2015: Touratech launches its first own helmet on the market with the AVENTURO Carbon
• 2016: Completion of the new logistics centre
• 2018: Touratech becomes part of the Happich Group
• 2020: Integration of the Happich central warehouse 
• 2022: Construction of the IT-based assembly line for the BMW Vario case
• 2023: Construction of the new machinery for the BMW Adventure case line
• 2024: Structure of the assembly line for the BMW Adventure case line/ Introduction of
  3-shift-system
• 2025: Anniversary 35 years Touratech

1990 TO 1998 | CREATIVE EARLY DAYS

In 1990, electronics engineer Herbert Schwarz initially developed the IMO 200T motorcycle computer for his own use. Schwarz recognizes the potential of the then new device and registers the company Touratech Motorradausrüstung. Together with a Tripmaster, a tent lamp and the ZEGA-case aluminium case, the IMO forms the basis of the portfolio.
The products are in high demand, so Touratech enters the mail order business. Production capacities are rapidly expanded, and the factory space has to be extended several times with new buildings.

1999 TO 2015 | INNOVATION AND GROWTH

The year 1999 marks the foundation of Touratech AG. Steady growth and continuous expansion of production and sales characterize the following years. Touratech establishes itself as an OEM partner for leading motorcycle manufacturers, developing and manufacturing aluminium cases for the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, for example. The company‘s own portfolio is also supplemented by numerous new developments such as the ZEGA Pro aluminium case.
Parallel to the further development of the program, Touratech is also successfully involved in motorsport. Highlights include participation in the Dakar Rally with a works team, the 24-hour Endurance Day race and successful participation in the Erzberg Prologue. 
One milestone is the successful establishment of the Touratech Suspension division. In addition to hardware, Touratech adds self-developed rider equipment to its range, starting with the Compañero textile suit.

2016 TO DATE | PROFESSIONALISATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION

At the end of October 2016, Touratech inaugurates the logistics center at Dauchinger Straße 80. With around 8,000 square meters of floor space, the complex houses the Touratech store, the master workshop and offices for purchasing, sales, marketing, after sales and product management in addition to the modern high-bay warehouse with connected order picking.
Touratech has been part of the Happich Group since 2018, and just two years later the Happich central warehouse will be integrated into the state-of-the-art Touratech logistics system.

By professionalizing processes and continuously investing in the most advanced manufacturing technologies, Touratech is transforming into a modern industrial company that works with premium customers such as BMW, Ducati and KTM as an OEM partner on an equal footing. Synergies with other companies in the Happich Group enable development and production to the highest standards in the automotive industry. An important milestone in 2022 will be the establishment of the IT-based assembly line for the BMW Vario case. In 2023, the construction of the state-of-the-art machinery for the assembly line for the BMW Adventure case will begin, which will go into operation in 2024. In order to cope with the order volume, Touratech introduces three-shift operation in close consultation with the works council.

Despite all the professionalization, Touratech has retained the brand‘s very own spirit. Most of the employees are still enthusiastic motorcyclists who bring their experience to the company.
As part of the Happich Group, with highly motivated employees and a commitment to the Niedereschach site, Touratech will be well equipped for the future when it celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2025.