From 1845 to today

World history has unfolded at a breathtaking pace. From the turmoil of the 19th century to the global upheavals of the 20th century and the complex challenges of the 21st century, the history of BITO reflects a fascinating journey through eras that we have actively shaped.

A bit of History.
1845

Leopold Bittmann and his wife started their company "Leop. Bittmann" in Idar-Oberstein. They manufacture decorative items and fittings for the leather industry.

1959

Fritz August Bittmann joins the company, and with him, the company enters the field ofmaterial storage and handling. The first steel bin is produced in March.

1962

BITO starts to produce injection moulded plastic bins and containers. Plastics are gradually replacing wood and sheet steel.

1976

BITO starts to revolutionise intralogistics by introducing the first-ever carton live storage system to the market, thereby entering the world of order picking technology.

1980

BITO launches the first boltless shelving system that is strong enough for building two-tier configurations.

1981

BITO develops a pallet racking system for heavy-duty applications.

1988

Starting with the new SK bin series, production is switched to polypropylene. The SK is also given an attractive look in the colours dove blue and coral green.

1990

BITO designs the new storage and handling bin series RK which perfectly fits standard shelf widths.

1991

BITO keeps growing and moves to Meisenheim.

1994

BITO develops the volume-reducing multi-purpose container series MB. When empty, the containers can be nested to save space.

1998

The KLT material flow container for small parts is launched and quickly wins customers.

1999

The company decides to add "Mobile shelving and racking" to their product portfolio. The first system was sold as early as 1999.

2000

In June 2000, the plant for plastic bins and containers relocates to Lauterecken.

2001

BITO is the first company in the industry to launch an online shop

2006

BITO concludes a joint venture contract with the Indian family business Nilkamal Plastics.

2008

BITO inaugurates the new Hall 7.

2011

BITO launches the SL heavy-duty container with a load capacity of 500 kg and wins the Red Dot Award shortly afterwards.

2015

The total production area at the Meisenheim headquarters is expanded by 6,400 m².

2015

The most successful market launch of a BITO container to date: 

XLmotion containers are in tune with the times: Noise levels have since been reduced in numerous automated warehouses.

2016

WorldStar Winner 2016 , Reddot 2016,  Handling Award, Produkt des Jahres Pro_K

The new BITO folding box EQ wins multiple awards.

2017

BITO CAMPUS in Meisenheim, a start-up centre for young, tech-savvy founders opens its doors.

2018

Positive trend – All signs are pointing to further growth. Among other events, the new production hall in Lauterecken is inaugurated.

2018

Our new stack and nest container U-Turn is launched 

A light-weight space miracle with 20% more volume than comparable stack and nest containers.

2019

60 years of commitment: Fritz August Bittmann – A visionary with courage and an innovative spirit

2019

BITO rack-supported multi-tier storage facilities, also known as pick towers, regain popularity.  

Many large-scale projects in e-commerce warehouses are to follow.

2020

BITO-Lagertechnik is celebrating its 175th anniversary Fostering a spirit of innovation since 1845

2020

Pharmaceutical industry marketing coincides with the corona pandemic.

2021

E-Food Initiative

With their newly developed delivery boxes, BITO establishes itself as a supplier of fulfilment centers. 

2024

The ECOMotion container series is launched in the US and in Europe

The ECOMotion is the low-noise champion for quiet container handling on conveyors. It comes with the „easy2divide“ subdivision system.