History
SAF-HOLLAND History
Forming a leading global supplier of value-added trailer, tractor and truck components and systems
SAF-HOLLAND S.A. was incorporated on December 21, 2005 for the purpose of acquiring the SAF Group, a transaction completed on March 31, 2006. On December 18, 2006, The Holland Group was acquired and combined with the SAF Group to form SAF-HOLLAND, one of the world’s only global suppliers of trailer and heavy duty powered vehicle systems and components. Prior to these acquisitions, SAF and HOLLAND were each independent leading developers and suppliers of premium heavy-duty vehicle systems and products in their respective core markets – Europe for SAF, and North America for HOLLAND – with both also being active in other key markets.
2007
July 26, 2007: SAFHOLLAND strengthens its capital structure by going public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in its Prime Standard sector, there by opening up an additional channel for funding further growth.
July 1, 2007: The introduction of Business Units marks the completion of the first important organisational step in the integration of the two companies. From this point on, the Group operates in three close-to-market Business Units – Trailer Systems, Powered Vehicle Systems, and Aftermarket.
2006
December 2006: The business combination as SAF-HOLLAND creates a leading global provider of high-quality axle and suspension systems, fifth wheels, kingpins, coupling devices, and landing legs for the commercial vehicle industry.
SAF Company History
2006
Launch of the new INTRA ALL-IN trailer axle system: Subject to certain conditions and bearing in mind the existing warranty conditions, maintenance free of charge is guaranteed for a period of up to 72 months or one million kilometers.
2002
SAF is granted the patent for the INTEGRAL composite casting brake disk. It sets new standards for abrasion resistance of brake disks in trailers.
1998
Introduction of the competence guarantee: one million kilometers or up to six years on the entire unit in accordance with the warranty conditions.
1991
With the market launch of the “Super-Compact Axle,” SAF demonstrates yet again its technical competence and expands its role as a highly productive supplier to well-known vehicle manufacturers.
1950
Start of the industrial production of axles for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
1938
The company manufactures its first steel axles for agricultural vehicles.
1910
Otto Sauer, Zill’s son-in-law, takes over the workshop and enlarges it continuously.
1881
In Keilberg, near Aschaffenburg, Germany, Paul Zill invents a new plow with a rotating plowshare in his village blacksmith’s workshop that lays the foundations for a family business.
HOLLAND Company History
2004
Purchase of fifth wheel product line from Simplex.
1999
Acquisition of Neway Anchorlok International, a leading manufacturer of air suspension units for trucks, trailers, and recreational vehicles.
1991
Acquisition of the Binkley Company, a well-known manufacturer of landing legs.
1950
The company concentrates on coupling devices and fifth wheels for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
1940
US military demand for trucks sends demand for fifth wheels, landing legs, and trailer gear skyrocketing. One of the most important suppliers is the Holland Hitch Company.
1920
With the growth of motorisation opening up new market opportunities, the company moves to Holland, Michigan and renames itself the Holland Hitch Company.
1910
A quick-action safety coupling between the plow and the team of horses ensures more safety in field work and leads to the foundation of the Safety Release Clevis Co. in Corsica, South Dakota, USA.
