For more than 130 years, the Kessler family has built businesses grounded in craftsmanship, ingenuity and service. What began with beautifully made products grew into a reputation for pioneering design and trusted partnerships in the beauty and luxury sectors.
As the industry evolved, so did we, expanding our capabilities, adopting new technologies and developing specialist logistics to meet the needs of global brands.
Today, BDM is a modern, high-tech 3PL with deep sector expertise and a family-run ethos at its core. Precision, continuity and genuine care continue to guide every partnership we build.
1893
Kessler Group was established by Bernhard Kessler, a designer-craftsman, who opened his workshop in Vienna. It was at the centre of the Viennese tradition of fine craftsmanship in wood. The business flourished and became a specialist in carved umbrella handles and walking sticks.
1920s
The company moved to London in the early 1920s under Bernhard’s son, Leopold, who continued the tradition of fine design and craftmanship of umbrella handles and walking sticks.
1930s
As demand for umbrellas declined, Leopold adapted to the times by moving into the design and production of wooden showcases and displays.
Production was interrupted by the Second World War, when the company diverted its efforts into supporting Britain’s war effort.
1950–1960s
The post-war period was a time of rapid expansion for Kesslers, who re-established their connections with previous customers and new ones. The growing business moved to larger premises in Dalston with a substantially modernised factory.
By the mid 1960s, Kesslers became a leading UK manufacturer of display and manufacturing material. Beauty clients included Biba, Yardley and Mary Quant.
1982
An important milestone in the history of the Kessler Group was the launch of BDM Logistics.
Clarins, then a small French brand and client of Kesslers Display, asked to store its goods on a temporary basis. Soon after, they asked Kesslers to distribute stock to Harrods. From small beginnings, the foundation of BDM was established.
1990s
The business prospered and demanded more space, with BDM moving to a purpose-built facility at Carpenters Road. In 1995 a new state-of-the-art IT system including the first EDI links in the UK Beauty industry was introduced.
By 1996, Kesslers was also ready to move into new purpose-built headquarters and plant in Rick Roberts Way.
2000s
BDM officially opened its spacious, efficient and well-organised 185,000 sq ft facility at Armada Way, close to London City Airport – to allow Carpenters Road to become the Olympic Park swimming pool for the London 2012 Olympics.
2010s
Strong international growth resulted in a large roster of clients across Europe and the US. Kessler Group was the proud recipient of numerous international awards for outstanding design and merchandising.
2025
BDM has entered an exciting new growth phase when it opened a new 146,000 sq ft site at Beeston, Nottingham. This doubled BDM’s capacity
2026 and beyond.
BDM will continue to expand and has plans to add a further 50,000 sq ft of mezzanine space
1893
Kessler Group was established by Bernhard Kessler, a designer-craftsman, who opened his workshop in Vienna. It was at the centre of the Viennese tradition of fine craftsmanship in wood. The business flourished and became a specialist in carved umbrella handles and walking sticks.
1920s
The company moved to London in the early 1920s under Bernhard’s son, Leopold, who continued the tradition of fine design and craftmanship of umbrella handles and walking sticks.
1930s
As demand for umbrellas declined, Leopold adapted to the times by moving into the design and production of wooden showcases and displays.
Production was interrupted by the Second World War, when the company diverted its efforts into supporting Britain’s war effort.
1950–1960s
The post-war period was a time of rapid expansion for Kesslers, who re-established their connections with previous customers and new ones. The growing business moved to larger premises in Dalston with a substantially modernised factory.
By the mid 1960s, Kesslers became a leading UK manufacturer of display and manufacturing material. Beauty clients included Biba, Yardley and Mary Quant.
1982
An important milestone in the history of the Kessler Group was the launch of BDM Logistics.
Clarins, then a small French brand and client of Kesslers Display, asked to store its goods on a temporary basis. Soon after, they asked Kesslers to distribute stock to Harrods. From small beginnings, the foundation of BDM was established.
1990s
The business prospered and demanded more space, with BDM moving to a purpose-built facility at Carpenters Road. In 1995 a new state-of-the-art IT system including the first EDI links in the UK Beauty industry was introduced.
By 1996, Kesslers was also ready to move into new purpose-built headquarters and plant in Rick Roberts Way.
2000s
BDM officially opened its spacious, efficient and well-organised 185,000 sq ft facility at Armada Way, close to London City Airport – to allow Carpenters Road to become the Olympic Park swimming pool for the London 2012 Olympics.
2010s
Strong international growth resulted in a large roster of clients across Europe and the US. Kessler Group was the proud recipient of numerous international awards for outstanding design and merchandising.
2025
BDM has entered an exciting new growth phase when it opened a new 146,000 sq ft site at Beeston, Nottingham. This doubled BDM’s capacity
2026 and beyond.
BDM will continue to expand and has plans to add a further 50,000 sq ft of mezzanine space.