A familiy business
At Böcker tradition meets innovation
Since Albert Böcker, who was a master blacksmith, founded Böcker in 1958, the family-run company has committed itself to developing innovations in the field of lifting technology. It all began with the now-famous inclined lift with knee joint, which allowed roofers to transport tiles from the eaves and apex to the other side of the roof. Since then, we have been constantly working to adapt our products to the needs of our customers even more precisely and constantly set new standards in quality and safety.
In 1989, to the delight of the industry, Böcker entered the crane technology market with the launch of the first mobile truck-mounted crane in lightweight aluminium design, followed by the invention of the first aluminium trailer crane in 1997. 2005 saw the start of production of Böcker rack and pinion technology. Material and personnel lifts round off our extensive range of high-quality lifting technology products.
With meanwhile over 600 employees we strive to make sure we do not lose sight of our traditions and after more than 65 years, still remain loyal to the corporate philosophy of this third-generation family-owned business: Be it as a customer or an employee, people are at the centre of everything we do at Böcker.
To be able to develop our cranes, hoists and lifts on an ongoing basis, we do not only observe the latest technical developments in the market, but also enter into close communication with representatives from a wide variety of trades, including roofers and carpenters. We do this because we can only develop construction cranes and hoists that not only meet the expectations of our customers, but actually surpass them, if we know the specific needs of the trade and industry. With some success apparently, because our customers consider us to be the leader in quality and innovation in the field of lifting technology.
Böcker History
From a blacksmith and locksmith shop to a specialist in lifting technology
1958
The history of Böcker began in 1958 in a barn in Werne. Albert Böcker GmbH, a metalworking and blacksmithing business, manufactured machines for agriculture, but soon after developed the first inclined construction hoist with a knee joint for the convenient transport of roof tiles.
1960
In 1965, the company moved to its current site on Lippestraße and expanded its production area to 3,000 m².
Shortly thereafter, in 1968, Böcker introduced the first hydraulic lift with a double-articulated design for work on the rear of the roof.
In 1969, Böcker delivered the first Blitz hoist on a truck chassis to Switzerland. The aluminum rails have a boom length of up to 30 m.
1970
In 1972, Albert Böcker GmbH & Co. KG was founded; the company now employs 110 people. At the same time, Böcker expanded its production facilities to cover an area of 15,000 m².
In 1974, Böcker expands its product range and produces the first furniture express hoist with a boom length of up to 46 m. The company delivers its 10,000th inclined hoist to England and exports to twelve countries worldwide, including the U.S. and Australia.
1980
In 1980, Böcker unveiled several product innovations at the Dach und Wand trade show. These included vertical scaffolding lifts, ladder lifts, debris chutes, and hydraulically telescopic inclined hoists.
In 1981, Böcker expanded its production area to 21,000 m² and employed more than 150 people at that time.
In 1983, Robert Böcker GmbH was founded. ALP lifts were added to the product portfolio.
A milestone in 1989 was the introduction of Böcker’s first aluminum truck crane. With a gross vehicle weight of just 7.49 t, the AK 25/650 achieves boom lengths of up to 23.5 m and has a lifting capacity of up to 650 kg.
1990
In 1990, Robert Böcker became the second-generation managing director of Albert Böcker GmbH & Co. KG.
In 1997, Böcker launched the world’s first aluminum crane on a trailer, the AHK 27/1000 trailer crane.
This was followed in 1999 by the first aluminum truck crane, the AK 32/2000, with a two-ton payload. This development demonstrates how early on Böcker focused on lightweight construction, long range, and innovative crane technology.
2000
The Rental and Service Center opened in Werne in 2000. In 2001, branches were established in central and southern Germany, and in 2003, the subsidiary Böcker Belgium N.V. was founded.
In 2004, Böcker sold the first Mobil-Lift and introduced it as a new brand for Böcker passenger elevators and lifting platforms.
Following the acquisition of H. Steinweg GmbH & Co. KG in 2005, rack and pinion hoists and masonry technology were added to the portfolio.
In 2006, Böcker Nederland B.V. was founded in Velddriel, and Böcker AG was established. Three years later, Böcker opened its Southwest branch in Waghäusel.
2010
In 2010, Böcker further expanded its international presence by founding Böcker France SAS and Böcker Italia S.r.l.
Through a merger and change of name, Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH is established in 2010. This is followed by the opening of the East and North branches.
In 2014, Alexander Böcker takes over as managing director of Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH as the third generation of the family and becomes a member of the executive board of Böcker AG.
2015
To mark the 25th anniversary of its crane technology, Böcker launched three new crane models in 2015: the AHK 36/2400 trailer crane and the AK 37/4000 and AK 46/6000 truck cranes.
In 2017, Böcker founded Boecker UK Limited near Birmingham.
In 2018, Böcker introduced the AK 52, the most powerful crane to date with an aluminium-steel design.
In 2019, the Werk II Butenlandwehr site in Werne was opened. In the same year, Böcker introduced its digital customer portal, BöckerConnect.
2020
The Böcker Goes Green campaign will launch in the fall of 2020.
In 2022, the official groundbreaking ceremony for the largest construction project in the company’s history will take place. At its headquarters, Böcker is investing in modern infrastructure with streamlined manufacturing and logistics processes.
The new generation of truck cranes will be introduced in 2022 with the AK 42 truck crane. At bauma in late 2022, Böcker will present a fully electric truck crane, the AK 48e, for the first time. Also in 2022, Böcker will introduce 230 V charging and battery technology for the AHK 36e trailer crane, the Junior 24e inclined hoist, and the AK 37e truck crane.
In 2023, Böcker will celebrate its 65th anniversary as part of the 360° Height Days and with a large summer festival.
2024
At Dach+Holz 2024, Böcker will showcase the fully electric AHK 36e trailer crane, featuring a highly efficient drive control system, an electric winch, and energy recovery. Also new are the compact AK 36 truck crane and the Junior 18 inclined hoist.
Böcker’s major #ServiceOffensive kicks off in 2024 with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Burghaslach branch. Two additional German branches are in the planning stages to expand the service network nationwide.
2025
Böcker’s #ServiceOffensive is moving forward. In 2025, Böcker will open its Bughaslach branch and break ground on the new Eschbronn branch.
In the same year, the branch in Schkeuditz near Leipzig will be inaugurated.
2026
At the Dach+Holz trade fair in Cologne in early 2026, Böcker will unveil its next-generation trailer crane—the new AHK 36e X, featuring a hydraulically operated jib, a 1.5-ton electric winch, and a unique working height of 32 meters.
Shortly thereafter, in the spring of 2026, Böcker will open its new Eschronn branch in southwestern Germany, located between Stuttgart and Konstanz.
