SAF-HOLLAND looks back on 145 years of company history
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From the village smithy to an international system supplier
SAF-HOLLAND looks back on 145 years of company history
Key facts:
- 145 years of company history: SAF’s roots date back to the invention of the “Zill reversible plough” in a Bavarian village smithy in 1881.
- From portfolio to system solution: Following the acquisitions of recent years, SAF-HOLLAND is integrating its expertise in axles, suspension, brakes and coupling systems more closely.
- Clear targets to 2030: With “drive2030”, SAF-HOLLAND aims to grow organically to Group sales of more than EUR 2.5 billion; including further acquisitions, this is expected to exceed EUR 3 billion. The adjusted EBIT margin is expected to be between 10 and 12 per cent in 2030.
SAF-HOLLAND looks back on 145 years of company history in 2026. The Group’s roots date back to 1881. Yet the focus of the anniversary is primarily on the future: following the expansion of the product portfolio in recent years, the emphasis is now on integrating the existing areas of expertise more closely. With its “drive2030” corporate strategy, SAF-HOLLAND is further strengthening its position as a system supplier.
Turning acquisitions into system solutions
The acquisitions of recent years have provided significant momentum for this development. In 2023, SAF-HOLLAND acquired Haldex, a leading manufacturer of brake systems and air suspension solutions. In 2024, this was followed by Tecma, a specialist in axle systems and suspensions, and the Italian axle and suspension system manufacturer Assali Stefen. SAF-HOLLAND had previously expanded its international portfolio through acquisitions including V.ORLANDI, York and KLL.
“145 years of company history reflect the continuous development of SAF-HOLLAND. With the acquisitions of recent years, we have deliberately expanded our product portfolio and our expertise,” explains Alexander Geis, CEO of SAF-HOLLAND. “The focus now is on integrating these strengths even more closely and further positioning SAF-HOLLAND internationally as a system supplier.”
The strategic focus is therefore shifting from further expanding the product portfolio to integrating it more closely. Axle and suspension expertise, brake and control technology and coupling systems are increasingly being combined in coordinated system solutions. For vehicle manufacturers and fleets, this means coordinated solutions and a single point of contact for different requirements relating to commercial vehicles.
The “drive2030” strategy builds on this: SAF-HOLLAND is making targeted use of its broad portfolio of axle, brake, coupling and suspension solutions to serve customers as a one-stop shop with additional products and integrated system solutions, while tapping cross-selling potential within the Group. At the same time, the aftermarket business is to be strengthened through digital solutions and the further expansion of the service network. The company also sees growth potential beyond its traditional trailer and truck business, for example in agricultural, mining and construction machinery as well as industrial trucks.
From the reversible plough to a commercial vehicle specialist
The development began in 1881 in a Bavarian village smithy with the design and manufacture of the “Zill reversible plough”. In 1938, the company produced its first steel axles for agricultural vehicles; in 1950, it began the industrial production of axles for heavy-duty vehicles; and in 1964, its first air suspension system for trailers followed. From a family business, Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik – SAF – developed into a leading European manufacturer of trailer axles and suspension systems.
In parallel, HOLLAND’s history began in South Dakota in 1910 with a safety release hitch between a plough and a team of horses. From 1940, the company focused its activities on the truck industry. In 2006, the German SAF Group and the North American Holland Group merged to form SAF-HOLLAND.
International growth as a system supplier
Today, SAF-HOLLAND holds strong market positions among the top three in the most important regions worldwide. Its international focus is a key component of “drive2030”. One of the strategy’s five pillars is “Regional strength”: customer requirements and market conditions are to be addressed as close as possible to each market. The other pillars are “Customer focus”, “Technology as core enabler”, “Leverage portfolio and drive growth” and “Operational excellence”.
Proximity to regional markets also plays an important role in product development. SAF-HOLLAND takes account of differing requirements in EMEA, North and South America, China and India, among others, and has development and engineering expertise in these regions. Local market knowledge is therefore intended to feed directly into the adaptation of existing solutions and the development of new ones.
Clear growth targets to 2030
By 2030, SAF-HOLLAND is targeting organic Group sales of more than EUR 2.5 billion. Acquisitions are expected to contribute at least an additional EUR 500 million, taking total Group sales to more than EUR 3 billion in 2030. The company is also targeting an adjusted EBIT margin of 10 to 12 per cent. Growth is expected to come in particular from a stronger positioning as a system supplier, cross-selling, new areas of application, technology and innovation initiatives and a strengthened aftermarket.
“SAF-HOLLAND’s history shows that long-term success always requires a willingness to change,” explains Frank Lorenz-Dietz, CFO of SAF-HOLLAND. “Our international presence and our expanded product portfolio provide a strong foundation for further growth. With drive2030, we have defined clear financial targets through to the end of the decade.”
Press contact: W/PRO Communication Tim Kempen phone: +49 931 35515-41 tk@wpro-communication.de www.wpro-communication.de
