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The anniversary emphasises a long-standing tradition and a consequential culture of innovation that continues to set new standards in bicycle lighting technology.
busch+müller, located in Meinerzhagen (North Rhine-Westphalia), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lighting systems and rear-view mirrors for bicycles, e-bikes, MTBs and motorbikes. The company was founded in 1925 by August Busch and Willy Müller and has been family-owned for three generations, currently by the Müller family. Around 300 employees work on a 14,000 square metre shop floor, developing technological innovations that make a noticeable difference to daily life on two wheels.
It all started with so-called “cat’s eyes” that became the origin of good bicycle lighting. In 1957 the company began manufacturing rear view mirrors for motorbikes and cars. Hundreds of thousands of mirrors for Opel car models Kadett and Rekord were made. Since 1969, close to 100% of all BMW motorcycle mirrors originate in Meinerzhagen – and now, rear and brake lights as well as turn-signal indicators are manufactured here also.
From original to standard
busch+müller is renowned for market-defining ideas that often set new benchmarks. Today, many of the company’s innovations are considered bicycle lighting standards: beginning with the first stand-light rear light containing integrated electronic circuitry, up to dynamic curve light systems.
Both a digital headlight featuring integrated, fully automatic curve light and the TURNTEC T4 turn-signalling system are examples of how groundbreaking ideas evolve into market-relevant originals – from the company’s own hands, with exemplary in-house production depth and a clear focus on functionality, safety and suitability for everyday use.
“Everyday we ask ourselves anew how we can contribute to bicycles being visibly better on the move”, Dr. Rainer and Guido Müller, second and third generation managing directors, agree. “In doing so, we consider both fair weather riders, taking off on weekend outings with their families, together with commuters who cycle day and night, in all weathers. A good lighting system not only contributes brightness to road traffic but also guidance, visibility and trust.”
Systematic quality
Over 60 patents, accolades like the Eurobike Gold Award, the Eurobike Green Award, the iF Product Design Award, the German Design Award, favourable appraisals by Stiftung Warentest, the VSF seal of approval and many more distinctions underscore both the company’s technological and creative role as market leader. busch+müller is an OEM partner for numerous brand manufacturers and offers customised solutions for lighting and mirrors, from first prototype to serial production.
The entire production is based in Meinerzhagen, including tool shop, electronics development, plastic injection moulding, electroplating as well as assembly and testing. This extraordinary depth of production ensures consistently high quality and rapid feedback communication in development, coordination and service. At the sister company BEW, roughly 20 kilometres distant, all circuit boards are made.
“Our products keep their promises”, says Daniel Schmidt, member of the service team. “Should any issue come up, getting in touch with us is easy – direct, personal and outcome-oriented.”
Sustainability as a principle
busch+müller’s company-wide concept “friendly” focusses all activities concerning environmentally friendly processes, fair conditions and resource-conserving product developments. Electricity originates from an on-site photovoltaic system and, furthermore, from 100% hydroelectric power. Excess production heat is used for heating the building, transport routes are minimised by in-house production and by commissioning regional suppliers. Products such as E-WERK or IQ-XS friendly with its bio-degradable casing are considered pioneering solutions for sustainable mobility components.
“To us, sustainability is no mere “nice to have”, but a guiding principle of everything we do”, Frank Weyland, busch+müller’s technical manager, stresses. “Manufacturing in Germany is an expression of this basic attitude and foundation for the trust shown to us by retailers and end consumers alike.”
Regional responsibility
As a company deeply rooted in South Westphalia, busch+müller is firmly committed to regionality – not only when it comes to the company’s own production but also when selecting suppliers. Wherever possible, raw materials, semi-finished goods and packaging are sourced from regional partners. This creates not only short routes but also long-term relationships built on mutual trust and reliability.
Empowering junior employees
For busch+müller, sustainability also means taking responsibility for the next generation. The company continuously trains young people in numerous technical and commercial professions and hires trainees permanently as soon as they complete their studies. Apprenticeship positions are planned, accompanied and developed purposefully and with orientation towards the future – an investment in knowledge, competence and regional strength.
Social commitment
busch+müller regularly commits itself to cultural and ecclesiastical projects in the region – among those initiatives in environmental, educational and social areas as well as local sports and cultural activities. For quite a few years now, the company has supported social aid projects with Deutsche Fernsehlotterie and actively advocates for inclusion and improvement of living conditions of children, teenagers and persons with disabilities.
Technically ahead – personally close
busch+müller stands for long-lasting product quality, responsible development and cooperative closeness to specialised retailers. Each product is individually tested and many batches are manufactured traceably. Retailers benefit from projectable availabilities, low return quotas and personal service – carried by an owner-managed, medium-sized enterprise with a clear position.
MILESTONES ON THE JOURNEY OF BUSCH+MÜLLER
1925 Founded by August Busch (metalworker) and Willy Müller (16-year old commercial apprentice)
1929 “Cat’s eyes” (reflectors) are mandatory for bicycles
1937 Manufacturing of rear lights (reflectors with an incandescent lamp) which become mandatory in Germany
Other products of this era: Bakelite crockery (butter cans etc.), washing machines, motorcycle helmets
1949 Supplying Opel with reflectors
1957 Start of production of rear-view mirrors
1961-64 Relocation of the factory within Meinerzhagen, moving from Volmestraße to Auf dem Bamberg
1966 August Busch dies
1966-80 All rear-view mirrors of Opel car models Kadett and Rekord originate from busch+müller
1967 Dr. Rainer Müller joins the company
1969 Start of production of BMW motorcycle rear-view mirrors
1980 70 Employees and 35 home workers
1980 The Busch family leaves the Busch & Müller OHG
1989 TOPLIGHT — the first carrier-mounted rear light approved for road use
1992 The world’s first standlight rear light SECUTEC
1992 Start of production of bicycle headlights commences: LUMOTEC is made and sold millionfold
1995 Willy Müller passes away
1998 Guido Müller joins the company
2017 Takeover of the company Byczek Elektronik in Wiehl: Manufacturing of circuit boards
2017 BMW motorcycle turn-signal indicators and, later, headlights go into serial production
2024 Start of production of bicycle turn-signal indicators TURNTEC T4
2025 300 employees, 14,000 square metres shop floor
