Equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, is exploiting synergies within its group of companies to expand and reinforce its global market position.
The SAF-Holland Group comprises V.Orlandi, York, KLL and Axscend.
“The Group is constantly expanding its expertise, whether regionally or in specific areas of business,” said SAF-Holland CEO, Detlef Borghardt. “We are therefore well placed for the future and are concentrating on implementing our 2020 growth strategy.”
In 2018, SAF-Holland acquired V.Orlandi – an Italian manufacturer of coupling systems for trucks, trailers, and commercial agricultural vehicles – to expand its specialist business in coupling systems and components. The acquisition has strengthened the commercial vehicle supplier's position as number two for fifth wheels on the European market and expanded its business to include couplings and drawbar eyes for trailers, as well as adding specialised commercial vehicles, such as for industry, agriculture, forestry and mining.
SAF-Holland said it benefits from V.Orlandi’s strong spare parts and accessories business, which fits perfectly with its own aftermarket activities.
Almost simultaneous to the V.Orlandi acquisition, SAF-Holland expanded in the Asia-Pacific region and India by acquiring York Transport Equipment (Asia). This business is a supplier of trailer axle and suspension systems. In the future, York will provide SAF-Holland with a significant presence in emerging Southeast Asian markets, such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as in Australia.
“This acquisition positions us early on for the foreseeable transition in these countries to technologically more sophisticated solutions,” said Borghardt.
To expand its digital trailer management capabilities, SAF-Holland acquired Axscend – a British telematics and connectivity specialist. SAF-Holland aims to focus on holistic trailer management by bringing technical expertise in software and programming to the Group.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, SAF-Holland’s acquisition of KLL Equipamentos para Transporte (KLL) added mechanical suspension systems to its technology portfolio in 2016. In addition to taking the lead in air suspension systems for buses, the commercial vehicle supplier gained direct access to key customers for its truck products.
“By acquiring KLL, we have invested in development of the largest transport market in South America and are significantly expanding our position in Brazil,” said Borghardt.
On the China front, SAF-Holland acquired bus suspension expert, Corpco Beijing Technology and Development in 2013.
(Image: SAF-Holland headquarters, Bessenbach.)