SAF-HOLLAND is one of the leading suppliers of exemplary solutions for the global commercial vehicle industry. We contribute to the success of our customers’ businesses with our innovative components and systems.
The story of SAF begins in 1881 in a German village blacksmiths’ with the invention of a new plough. The family business soon starts building the first steel axles for agricultural vehicles and under the name Otto Sauer Achsenfabik (SAF) develops itself into one of the leading manufacturers of trailer axles and suspension systems in Europe.
Development, construction and production of the so-called “Zill Alternating Plough"
First steel axles for agricultural vehicles
Industrial manufacturing of axles for heavy goods vehicles
First air suspension system for trailers
First super-compact axle
At the beginning of the company history of Holland is a safety coupling between horse and plough: In 1910 the Safety Release Clevis Company is founded in South Dakota, USA. With the move to Holland, Michigan, the company emerges as one of the largest suppliers to the commercial vehicles industry under the name The Holland Hitch Company.
A safety release hitch between plough and horse turns out to be an ingenious invention – and leads to the founding of the “Safety Release Clevis Company”
New orientation of activities towards the truck industry and start of production of fifth wheels, landing gear and pintle hooks
Acquisition of “Binkley Company”, producer of support devices
Acquisition of “Neway Anchorlok”, producer of air suspensions for trucks, semi-trailers and motor homes
Acquisition of “Simplex”, producer of fifth wheels in the low-cost market
In 2006, the German Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH and the North American original equipment manufacturer for commercial vehicles, Holland Group Inc. merge to form SAF-HOLLAND, one of the leading suppliers for the global commercial vehicles industry.
SAF-HOLLAND products impress both the vehicle manufacturer and their customers: fleets and trucking companies worldwide. They prove their outstanding product features in everyday transport business through quality, efficiency and service.
The company intends to secure and continually expand on this success in the long-term. For this reason, SAF-HOLLAND pools its resources, uses its specialist know-how and optimizes the active cooperation of its entire workforce.
Merger of the SAF Group (Germany) and the Holland Group (USA)
Initial Public Offering of SAF-HOLLAND (Prime Standard)
Acquisition of Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH (second largest manufacturer of fifth wheels in Europe and the kingpin business of US supplier, Austin-Westran
Private equity company Pamplona Capital Partners I, LP sells its remaining share (34.5%)
Inclusion of SAF-HOLLAND in the SDAX
Acquisition of specialists for bus suspension, Corpco Beijing Technology and Development Co., Ltd.
Sale of the Aerway product line to Salford Inc.
Acquisition of Brazilian suspension specialist KLL Equipamentos para Transporte Ltda.
Acquisition of the Italian manufacturer of coupling systems for trucks, trailers, semi-trailers and agricultural vehicles V.ORLANDI S.p.A
Acquisition of the trailer axle and suspension system manufacturer York Transport Equipment (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
Acquisition of Trailer Tire Pressure Management Specialist PressureGuard™
Acquisition of the Finnish Stara Group
SAF-HOLLAND S.A. is operating under the name of SAF-HOLLAND SE after its conversion into a European Company (Societas Europaea, SE) and completed the transfer of the registered office to Bessenbach, Germany.
SAF-HOLLAND acquires the British IMS Limited
SAF-HOLLAND acquires Haldex AB, a leading manufacturer of brake and air suspension systems
SAF-HOLLAND acquires exclusive distribution partner IMS Group B.V.
SAF-HOLLAND acquires Tecma SRL, special axle systems and suspensions manufacturer
SAF-HOLLAND acquires Assali Stefen, Italian manufacturer of axle and suspension systems