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History
Strong roots –
promising future
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.
1881
Development, construction and production of the so-called “Zill Alternating Plough"
1938
First steel axles for agricultural vehicles
1950
Industrial manufacturing of axles for heavy goods vehicles
1964
First air suspension system for trailers
1991
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.
1910
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”
1940
New orientation of activities towards the truck industry and start of production of fifth wheels, landing gear and pintle hooks
1991
Acquisition of “Binkley Company”, producer of support devices
1999
Acquisition of “Neway Anchorlok”, producer of air suspensions for trucks, semi-trailers and motor homes
2004
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.
2006
Merger of the SAF Group (Germany) and the Holland Group (USA)
2007
Initial Public Offering of SAF-HOLLAND (Prime Standard)
2008
Acquisition of Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH (second largest manufacturer of fifth wheels in Europe and the kingpin business of US supplier, Austin-Westran
2010
Private equity company Pamplona Capital Partners I, LP sells its remaining share (34.5%)
2010
Inclusion of SAF-HOLLAND in the SDAX
2013
Acquisition of specialists for bus suspension, Corpco Beijing Technology and Development Co., Ltd.
2015
Sale of the Aerway product line to Salford Inc.
2016
Acquisition of Brazilian suspension specialist KLL Equipamentos para Transporte Ltda.
2018
Acquisition of the Italian manufacturer of coupling systems for trucks, trailers, semi-trailers and agricultural vehicles V.ORLANDI S.p.A
2018
Acquisition of the trailer axle and suspension system manufacturer York Transport Equipment (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
2019
Acquisition of Trailer Tire Pressure Management Specialist PressureGuard™
2019
Acquisition of the Finnish Stara Group
2020
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.
2022
SAF-HOLLAND acquires the British IMS Limited
2023
SAF-HOLLAND acquires Haldex AB, a leading manufacturer of brake and air suspension systems
2024
SAF-HOLLAND acquires exclusive distribution partner IMS Group B.V.
2024
SAF-HOLLAND acquires Tecma SRL, special axle systems and suspensions manufacturer
2024
SAF-HOLLAND acquires Assali Stefen, Italian manufacturer of axle and suspension systems