After the Second World War, Henschel offered shunting locomotives for industrial companies that were similar to the Wehrmacht locomotives such as the WR 200 B 14 and the WR 360 C 14 except for a few details. From 1954 locomotives of the so-called second post-war generation emerged, which attracted attention with their modern-looking exterior with many curves. As with competing products, the cab was moved slightly to the middle and raised compared to the hoods in order to improve visibility in both directions.

The smallest variant was the DH 240 with only two axles, whose designation suggests an engine output of 240 hp. That power came from a small eight-cylinder, 22-litre, turbocharged engine from Motorenwerke Mannheim, mated to a Voith torque converter driving a jackshaft. The wheel sets were then driven via coupling rods. 

A total of 14 pieces were originally delivered to several industrial and mining companies. After many years of service with their original operators, some locomotives were sold abroad.