Our legacy
AW Niemeyer was founded in 1745 and can look back on a long company history. For several generations, awn was a family business until 1862, when entrepreneur Amandus Wilhelm Niemeyer purchased the former hardware store and gave the company his name. By this time, the core business already consisted of equipment for sailboats and steamships, based in Hamburg. The former hardware store developed into an internationally renowned boat outfitter. Today, awn is an integral part of the water sports industry.
How it all began
In 1745, Johann Daniel Wuppermann from Wuppertal founded a hardware store in Hamburg. His customers were craftsmen, shipbuilders, and sailmakers. He also ran a blacksmith shop just outside the city gates. In an era of large fleets of cargo ships handling goods in the Hanseatic city and the countless barges they carried on the city's canals, the business grew steadily.
In 1779, Wuppermann's son-in-law joined the company as a partner, which was then renamed Wuppermann & Schmilinsky.
How AWNiemeyer got his name
The family business remained successful for several generations until the onset of industrialization in the first half of the 19th century necessitated a focus on supplying shipyards. During this period, awn also acquired its current name through a change of ownership: In 1862, merchant Amandus Wilhelm Niemeyer took over the company and renamed it AW Niemeyer.
Falling and Rising Again: The War Years
The First World War dealt a severe blow to awn's success story, but the company quickly recovered. Awn succeeded in securing orders for important ships of the era, including sophisticated luxury yachts and large passenger steamers.
By 1945, large parts of Hamburg lay in ruins, including the Rödingsmarkt and the buildings of AW Niemeyer. The headquarters were rebuilt, and AWN set a new course for success. From then on, it supplied the growing fleets of cargo ships, including the first large oil tankers.
The boom years: Water sports become popular
In the following decades, awn expanded through acquisitions of companies such as the fittings specialist HSB and the Bösch machine factory. In 1973, entrepreneur Peter Flammang acquired awn. He recognized the potential of the water sports industry and published the first Niemeyer mail-order catalog with the simple yet ingenious title "The Equipment Supplier." In addition to equipment, awn also offered technical services such as rigging and engine service. In the following years, the catalog became increasingly popular with countless water sports enthusiasts in Germany. The phrase "What Niemeyer doesn't have, doesn't exist!" made the rounds in various harbors. The company became a guide for sailors and motorboaters, as it represented the entire product range for the entire water sports sector.
The modern era
In 1992, a new logistics center was opened in Hamburg's Holstenkamp district. In 1999, a spatial change followed: After more than 250 years at Rödingsmarkt, AW Niemeyer had to relocate due to lack of space. Peter Flammang built the new company headquarters in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld. In 2001, the flagship store opened there to meet modern customer demands. At the same time, the branch network began expanding to reach customers nationwide.
awn today: On to new shores
AW Niemeyer looks back on an impressive history dating back to 1745 and has been an integral part of the water sports industry for generations. Despite economic challenges, the company has repositioned itself and is now focusing entirely on online sales. This allows awn to continue sharing its passion for high-quality boat and yacht equipment with you – modern, flexible, and accessible at all times. The switch to purely online trading allows us to maintain our product range more efficiently and tailor our service even better to your needs. Proven quality and many years of expertise remain unchanged. awn relies on innovation and customer focus to remain a reliable partner for water sports enthusiasts in the future. Experience the entire product range and expert advice from the comfort of your own home. Together we are sailing into a new era – with our usual expertise and a fresh focus. Welcome to awn online!
