The history of SW-MOTECH
From garage to global brand
From garage to global brand
How a love of travel led to the creation of a company
In the mid-1990s, Jörg Diehl and Jürgen Swora's love of travel took them to Africa time and time again. For a tour of Libya, they built a rear tank themselves – the basis for an idea that would become a brand.
In 1999, they founded SW-MOTECH together with technician Kai Jockel – initially in a barn in Bracht, Hesse. Shortly thereafter, a close cooperation with Achim Kessler (BAGS-CONNECTION) developed, which later resulted in a merger of the two companies.
Today, SW-MOTECH is one of the world's leading manufacturers of motorcycle accessories, with more than 4,500 products. Our history is characterized by practicality, creativity, and the conviction that the best ideas are born on the road.
Jürgen Swora designs a rear tank for the Africa Twin (built in 1993) for a tour of Libya with Jörg Diehl.
SW-MOTECH is founded in an old barn in Bracht by Jörg Diehl, Kai Jockel, and Jürgen Swora. The company starts out manufacturing metal motorcycle accessories.
Sales launch of the world's first removable luggage rack with quick-lock fastening. The idea came from the fastenings used on engine covers in trucks. The product portfolio grows from 3 to 25 in-house manufactured products.
BAGS-CONNECTION is founded in Frankenberg, specializing in soft motorcycle luggage. Owner: Achim Kessler.
Relocation and expansion of the company headquarters in Rauschenberg. The office in the old post office in Rauschenberg has become too small, and the company moves to Ernteweg.
The patented QUICK-LOCK tank ring revolutionizes the tank bag market.
SW-MOTECH begins production of its first aluminum case. Carrier systems with Quick-Lock holders are offered to match the cases.
The fourth expansion of the company premises: a three-story building with 1230 m² is constructed to house administrative offices, an additional warehouse, assembly, and case production.
SW-MOTECH presents the water- and dust-proof TRAX ADV aluminum case, setting the standard for solid aluminum cases for years to come. The company establishes its first foreign branch near Bordeaux, France.
Introduction of the Legend Gear soft luggage in a retro look and the SLC side carrier.
The fifth expansion of the company premises A logistics center with a warehouse (4,200 m²) and office building (900 m²) is built. The steadily growing demand for high-quality motorcycle accessories required a further expansion of capacity.
Establishment of the seat manufacturing facility in Rauschenberg: customization of motorcycle seats according to customer specifications.
20 years of SW-MOTECH with a big anniversary celebration and 20,000 visitors. The company establishes its Spanish branch in Madrid, Spain.
Establishment of the branch in the USA in Portland, Oregon
Establishment of the Italian branch in Boves near Cuneo
SW-MOTECH celebrates its 25th anniversary and the 15th edition of its open house. Almost 40,000 visitors come to Rauschenberg in June to celebrate a big motorcycle festival.
With the V-LOC, SW-MOTECH launches a new type of magnetically guided mounting system for side bags.