In 1919 »Progreß-Werk Oberkirch AG« was founded in the old mill at Stadelhofen in Baden and started producing metal goods with 25 employees. The company quickly became a global market leader for bicycle air pumps. Later, PWO produced the prize-winning motor scooter Strolch and supplied field kitchens that catered for many thousands of people. Since the 1990s, PWO – thanks to its experience with forming high-strength steels and aluminum, as well with resource-saving lightweight construction to the highest quality standards – has focused successfully on the automobile industry. Today, with five production sites and four assembly plants in five countries on three continents and around 3,400 employees, the company is a globally active key player in the automotive industry.