The Orten Fahrzeugbau company was founded in 1925 by Robert Orten in Wehlen/Bernkastel-Kues as a smithy. It developed from the smithy to wagon manufacturing and further to vehicle construction under Robert J. Orten.
Company History
In the late 1970s, specialization in beverage bodies took place — after the takeover by his son Robert E. Orten. The latter set a new focus and specialized in bodies for beverage logistics.
As he reportedly wanted to offer everything from a single source, he founded the subsidiary Christophorus Nutzfahrzeuge. This has been specialized for more than 30 years in the buying and selling of used beverage distribution vehicles and is still active.
In 2015, the Orten Group was expanded by the
start-up 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 Landshut Castle in Bernkastel-Kues.
On the one hand, the celebration should focus on a retrospective of the company's history and the appreciation of the people who have shaped Orten; on the other hand, a look into the international future.
"When one looks back over 100 years, one realizes how much the world has changed — and how much our operation has helped shape that change: from the smithy to the
innovative vehicle manufacturer. 100 years are not an endpoint, 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 company leadership to his successor Tarkeswhar Rao. Since October 1, 2025, he has been leading the company's fortunes 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 technology and help shape the mobility of tomorrow," explained the new managing director Tarkeswhar Rao.
Robert Orten commended the workforce in his address: "Without the commitment of our employees there would be no 100 years of Orten."
Due to the takeover by the Trentar Mobility Group, the company reportedly expects new international perspectives, but the headquarters will remain in Bernkastel-Kues. There are currently more than 100 employees at the sites Bernkastel-Kues, Wittlich-Wengerohr and Rothnaußlitz near Bautzen employed.
"We will continue the family tradition, place great value on local employment and want to develop the company from Bernkastel into a successful global company. That is our vision," stressed Subodh Menon, founder and CEO of Trentar Mobility.
