Schaeffler Smart Maintenance Tools, formerly Bega Special Tools, was founded in 1978 in Vaassen. Under our own brand BETEX®, we develop and manufacture maintenance tools for the safe, cost-effective assembly and disassembly of bearings and drive components — supplied worldwide through a network of distributors.
What started with a single tool has grown into one of the largest standard ranges of induction heaters in the world, complemented by hydraulic tools, alignment systems and lubrication solutions. Since 2021 we have been part of Schaeffler, and since November 2024 we operate under the name Schaeffler Smart Maintenance Tools BV.
Born from a single problem
Bega International BV was founded in 1978 by Bernard Garritsen, with TRACTA — a puller for the disassembly of ball bearings. From that single solution grew a complete range of high-quality maintenance tools, with the bearing as the starting point: the heart of every rotating machine.
The company philosophy was clear from the start: plan maintenance, and work safely and damage-free with good tools. In 1978, that was a groundbreaking approach. Today, it is the standard we still work by — one we translate into concrete products that reduce downtime and increase safety on the shop floor.
Part of Schaeffler, while staying true to who we are
In August 2021, Bega International BV was acquired by Schaeffler. Henk van Essen stayed on as Managing Director, continuing the business from that familiar position. As "Smart Maintenance Tools", we are part of the Schaeffler Lifetime Solutions division.
That step gave us access to what an independent company of our size could never build alone: a worldwide network and the quality standards of one of the world's largest bearing manufacturers. At the same time, everything that sets us apart stayed the same: the same team, the same specialisation, the same direct lines with customers. In November 2024, this also became visible in our name: Bega International BV became Schaeffler Smart Maintenance Tools BV.
Who we are today
With a close-knit team of around 40 employees in Vaassen, we combine the agility of a small, specialised company with the strength of Schaeffler — active worldwide with more than 120,000 employees in 55 countries. Our tools are used every day in production and maintenance departments at MRO and OEM companies, with (custom) solutions for industries including wind, rail, mining and steel.
From 1978 to today
- 1978 — Founded by Bernard Garritsen
- 1988 — Son Frank Garritsen takes over the company
- 2012 — Henk van Essen becomes co-shareholder
- 2018 — Frank Garritsen retires
- 2019 — Henk van Essen acquires 100% of the shares
- 2021 — Schaeffler acquires Bega International BV
- 2022 — Becomes part of Schaeffler Lifetime Solutions as "Smart Maintenance Tools"
- 2024 — Company name changes to Schaeffler Smart Maintenance Tools BV
- 2026 — Volker Erberich becomes the new Managing Director