MWM® 3 min read

The story of MWM® – A journey through innovation and progress

Founded by none other than Carl Benz, MWM® has undergone an impressive development since its establishment. Continue reading to learn more!
24. Oct 2023
Daniel Waldauf
The story of MWM®

The history of MWM® (Motoren-Werke Mannheim) is shaped by innovation and technological progress. Founded by german engineer Carl Benz, MWM® has experienced big development since its establishment in 1879.

Major milestones in the history of MWM® – in a nutshell

Founding the “Mechanische Werkstätte” in 1871, Carl Benz laid the groundwork for his Benz & Cie., from which MWM would be separated in 1922. The company focused on the development of stationary engines, both for industrial and agricultural settings.

In the course of WWII, large parts of the manufacturing facilities were destroyed, forcing the production to move to different locations.

The brand was held by different companies, such as KHD or Deutz AG, which founded Deutz Power Systems as an independent subsidiary in 2005. In the course of the decades, there has been a transition at MWM® from diesel engines towards gas-driven units, such as biogas and natural gas engines.

Between 2011 and 2013, MWM® has become part of Caterpillar.1

Establishment by Carl Benz

In 1879, Carl Benz, who is internationally renowned for his work on the two-stroke engine and the invention of the world’s first mass-produced motor car, established the foundation of MWM®. He founded the MWM brand under the name “Motorenwerke Mannheim” in Germany, separating it from Benz & Cie Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, Aktiengesellschaft. At that time, the main focus of the Motoren-Werke Mannheim AG was on manufacturing stationary engines – predominantly gas engines.

The sale to DEUTZ AG in 1999

In 1999, the gas engine manufacturer MWM® was acquired by DEUTZ AG, one of the leading manufacturers of engines and drive systems. This acquisition bolstered MWM®‘s position in the global market and provided new avenues for the advancement of engine technology.

The acquisition by Caterpillar Inc.

In 2011, the renowned Caterpillar Inc., a globally kmown manufacturer of construction machinery and engines, acquired MWM®. This acquisition enabled MWM® to leverage Caterpillar’s global presence and extensive resources. Under the umbrella of Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, the MWM® brand continued its tradition of innovation and performance.

Production of various engines from 1879 to 2023

Over the years, MWM® has considerably diversified its product range. The company has manufactured a wide range of engines, including diesel engines, marine engines, and biogas engines. These engines have been utilized in a variety of applications, ranging from maritime and industrial sectors to power generation with farming biogas and natural gas.

The high quality and performance of the MWM® engines and gensets have made them highly sought after worldwide. Today, they form a cornerstone in renewable energy production.

The future of MWM GmbH

The future of MWM® is shaped by innovation and focus on sustainability in energy generation. The company is continuously working on the development of environmentally friendly and efficient engine technologies in order to meet the demands of a changing world. MWM® has set the goal of developing sustainable solutions for energy supply and propulsion systems that satisfy the increasing demand for environmentally friendly technologies.

PowerUP Cylinder Head Caterpillar

PowerUP and MWM®

MWM® is one of the top suppliers for different types of high-performance gas engines. At PowerUP, we provide high-quality, partly specially developed, gas engine spare parts to make your engine even more efficient, sustainable, and durable. Additionally, our services, such as gas engine repair or gas engine upgrade, can reduce downtime and increase your productivity and profitability.

Our products for the TCG 2016, TCG 2020, TCG 3016 and TCG 3020 series are continually optimized and enhanced. We have accumulated many years of experience in the field of gas engines and are eager to assist you with our expertise. Please feel free to contact one of our sales representatives without hesitation. We are excited to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MWM® motors be used for cogeneration plants?

What does CHP mean?

Which services does PowerUP offer for MWM® gas engines?

  1. MWM: MWM History. https://www.mwm.net/en/mwm-history/. ↩︎

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