From its genesis in 1947, when three mechanical engineering technicians combined their specialised talents, SAE (now SAE-SMB) has been a pioneer in the production of high-quality truck axles and suspensions, for loads ranging from 5.5-tonne to 20 tonnes, combining tradition and innovation to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry.
In renowned engineering fashion, SAE-SMB has combined its commitment to providing solution-driven results with cutting-edge research and innovations, to forge a future-resilient business that boasts a global reach and resilient, collaborative partnerships.
While it looks to the future across Europe, Asia and South America, SAE-SMB has not forgotten its combined past – the roots upon which this enterprise was built.
SAE, or Société Ardennaise d’Essieux, grew rapidly in a post-war world due to its founders’ knowledge and determination. As a result, SAE became a leader in the production of industrial axles in the French and European markets, renowned for its product quality and reliability. It was particularly known for its specialised axles and “turnkey” mechanical and pneumatic systems, gaining the attention of manufacturers of special trailers, low loaders, tankers, dump and forestry trailers.
SMB was a child of the booming 1970s and grew to be the exclusive supplier of axles and suspensions for all trailers under the General Trailers group (Fruehauf, Benalu, Trailor and Titan).
Pragmatism shone through when SAE’s founders realised the value of forging industry partnerships to grow the business and meet growing demand for their products. This led to the 2007 merger of the two competing companies, resulting in the new-look entity gaining a firm foothold in the highly competitive European markets. In a few short years, the ADR Group, the world’s leading agricultural axles, purchased SAE-SMB in 2013, which saw an injection of more than €8 million.
The spirit of growth was firmly part of the SAE-SMB psyche, with the prospects of untapped, new markets beckoned. With its subsidiaries in India, Middle East, China and Brazil, SAE-SMB is able to produce and sell its products worldwide.
The spirit of allied-industry partnership continues at pace for SAE-SMB, with its recent foray into air suspension systems with Dutch manufacturer VDL Weweler, itself starting operations in 1924.
VDL Weweler are experts in the development and production of air suspension systems, axle-lifts systems and parabolic springs. At the 2024 IAA Transport Expo the companies introduced the MBS OMEGA, a new modular solution and the latest revolutionary range of air suspensions for the future, in combination with SAE-SMB’s AIRMAX axles. This partnership now sees SAE-SMB’s clients being provided with a complete solution – its 9-tonne axle seamlessly equipped with the MBS suspension.
The combination of SAE-SMB’s AIRMAX axles and VDL Weweler’s MBS OMEGA air suspension results in what is seen as one of the lightest combination of axles and pneumatic suspension for general purpose trailers. The combined effect is a reduction of at least 100 kilograms in trailer weight compared to traditional solutions.
This weight reduction of the trailers enables transporters to increase the carrying capacity of their fleets without any investment, reducing the cost of fuel and CO2 emission per transported tonne of goods by at least two per cent. The body of the rigid axles, produced from one unique piece of forged seamless tube, allows a high carrying capacity with minimum weight.
Lightweight and simple, the VDL Weweler MBS OMEGA air suspension adapts the attitude of the vehicle to the load and the route. It guarantees stability in cornering, maximum grip and effective braking, and its modularity makes it compatible with all trailers.
The partnership of these products results in lightweight, rigid and resistant SAE-SMB AIRMAX axles with high tensile steel structure, oversized bearings and a lubrication system. The combination therefore ensures optimum working conditions in all environmental conditions with simple maintenance.
The ultimate result of this partnership is that the SAE-SMB AIRMAX axles and VDL Weweler MBS OMEGA air suspension, being lightweight, high-quality and easy to operate, are one of the lightest combination for general purpose trailers, reducing the CO2 emission by at least two per cent, compared to similar solutions on the market. In addition, trailer manoeuvrability is improved by the steering axle, and the easy maintenance of both axles and suspension, coupled with long-range warranty of components, reduces maintenance costs.
In addition to forging lasting industry partnerships, SAE-SMB has undertaken an ambitious program of investment in research and development, resulting in innovative and high-quality products. The company is now looking forward to showcasing its innovations and products at the Solutrans exhibition, to be held at Lyon, France from 18-22 November 2025.
Some of its notable success stories with respect to axles have resulted in SAE SMB axles meeting the ECE-R13 requirements, with its axle capabilities being recognised both in most of the industrialised countries around the world.
Other, specific SAE-SMB innovations include:
Axles with drum brakes
SAE SMB is offering a large range of drum brake axles, from 5.5 to 20 tonnes capacity allowing to cover different transport applications. Easily adaptable to every construction requirement, performing high braking also in small wheels and in adverse environmental conditions.
Axles with disc brakes
SAE SMB is declining its disc brake axles for wheels from 17,5” to 22,5”. With its ventilated disc adapted to 22,5’’ wheels, SAE SMB guarantees maximum efficiency, performance in standard and intensive applications, offering a safe and easy maintenance.
Self-steering axles
Tyre wear is reduced on trailers and semi-trailers fitted with self-steering axles, the handling of the truck and its fuel economy is improved. With the self-steering axles, remould tyres can be used with improved safety.
After almost eight decades of leading its industry, SAE-SMB, as part of the ADR Group, is focused on shaping its future through its partnerships, research, innovations sustainable solutions and its steadfast commitment to excellence in a rapidly changing market.
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