The Orten Fahrzeugbau company was founded in 1925 by Robert Orten in Wehlen/Bernkastel-Kues as a smithy. It evolved from the smithy into wagon construction and later into vehicle manufacturing under Robert J. Orten.
Company history
Towards the end of the 1970s, the company specialized in beverage bodies, after the takeover by his son Robert E. Orten. The latter set a new focus and specialized in bodies for beverage logistics.
Because, according to the information, he wanted to offer everything from a single source, he founded the subsidiary Christophorus Nutzfahrzeuge. This subsidiary has been specialized for more than 30 years in the purchase and sale of used beverage commercial vehicles and is still active.
In 2015, the Orten Group was expanded
by the start-up company Orten Electric-Trucks. And in May 2025, the acquisition of Orten by the Indian Trentar Mobility Group took place.
Anniversary celebration
Now Orten Fahrzeugbau GmbH, together with more than 100 guests from politics, business, long-standing customers, partners, employees, family and friends, celebrated the 100-year company anniversary at Burg Landshut in Bernkastel-Kues.
On the one hand, the celebration was to feature a retrospective of the company's history and an appreciation of the people who have shaped Orten; on the other hand, a look into the international future.
“When you look back on 100 years, you see how much the world has changed — and how much our company has helped shape this transformation: from the smithy to the
innovative vehicle manufacturer. 100 years are not a closing point, but a colon: We look back with gratitude and forward with confidence,” said the long-time managing partner Robert Erich Orten, who led the company for 48 years, in his keynote speech.
Looking to the future
As part of the celebration, Robert Orten symbolically handed over the leadership of the company to his successor Tarkeswhar Rao. Since October 1, 2025, he has been leading the fortunes of the company together with the management team, with Robert Orten remaining with the company as a strategic advisor.
As part of the celebration, the focus on sustainable mobility solutions was also emphasized: “We will continue to do what we do best: provide reliable and
forward-looking vehicle and body engineering and help shape the mobility of tomorrow,” said the new managing director Tarkeswhar Rao.
Robert Orten paid tribute to the workforce in his speech: “Without the commitment of our employees, there would be no 100 years of Orten.”
Through the takeover by the Trentar Mobility Group, the company expects, according to the information, new international perspectives; however, the headquarters will remain in Bernkastel-Kues. Currently there are over 100 employees at the locations Bernkastel-Kues, Wittlich-Wengerohr and Rothnaußlitz near Bautzen employed.
“We will continue the family tradition, place great emphasis on local employment, and want to develop the company from Bernkastel into a successful global company. That is our vision,” said Subodh Menon, founder and managing director
