The company was based in
Berlin and was originally a branch of the
Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, a munitions manufacturer best known as the designer and maker of the
Luger pistol. After
World War II the Berlin establishment switched to the renovation and building of railway and other public transport equipment, and in 1952 it changed its name to
Deutsche Waggon und Maschinenfabrik.
Waggon Union was bought by
ABB Henschel in 1990. In 1996 ABB Henschel became part of
ABB Daimler Benz Transportation (Adtranz), which was subsequently acquired by
Bombardier of
Canada.