Innovation museum
Careers
Innovation is in our DNA. And while many companies will claim it is, we can prove it. Since our founding in 1967, we’ve launched numerous groundbreaking innovations to make the world safer, healthier, and more productive. Below are some highlights. Want to contribute to the next Holmatro innovation? Then check out our vacancies.
1967: Founding of Holmatra Industrial Equipment N.V.
On May 19, 1967, Holmatro starts its activities as N.V. Holmatra Industrial Equipment, exclusively representing Meiji spray painting equipment for the Netherlands and Germany. Holmatra, Holland Machine Trading, is established in a refurbished store in the center of Woerden (NL). It wasn’t until 1970 that the first full-time employee is hired: Chris ‘Kick’ Schütz.
1977: Introduction of hydraulic rescue tools
Holmatra introduces the first rescue tool – the cutters – at the exhibition Europort in 1977. Two years later, the first complete rescue tool program, the 1000 series, is released on the Dutch market during the Netherlands’ International Fire Department Exhibition.
1987: Introduction of 2000 series rescue tools
The 2nd generation rescue tools, the 2000 series, is released.
1988: Made in USA
Due to the enormous growth of Holmatro USA it is decided in 1988 to build a factory in Baltimore. This enables Holmatro USA to independently meet the demand in North and Central America.
1993: Personal Power concept introduced
Introduction of the Holmatro Personal Power concept for improved ergonomics: One man, one pump, one tool.
1997: Opening of office and production facility in Glen Burnie
Holmatro USA continues its rapid expansion. In September 1997, the company moves to its current location in Glen Burnie, Maryland, where a new production facility was constructed to increase the sales, based on a “Made in USA” strategy.
2003: Introduction of industrial cutters range & VET book
In the spring of 2003, Holmatro introduces a new line of industrial cutters for recycling and demolition purposes. The color of the cutters covers changes quickly from green to the characteristic Holmatro orange.
Holmatro also publishes a training program as a book titled Vehicle Extrication Techniques, later referred to as the VET book.
2005: Introduction of 4000 series rescue tools with CORE Technology
In June of 2005, Holmatro sets the firefighting world abuzz with its groundbreaking new technologies and new 4000 series (4th generation) rescue tools at ‘Interschutz’ in Hannover, Germany. Game changing was Holmatro’s CORE Technology, in which the high-pressure hose is located within the return hose and both together form one hose, with only one coupler at the end instead of two. This technology would mean an enormous improvement in the areas of speed, safety and usability. The 4000-series rescue tools were standardly fitted with CORE Technology and provided with all kind of innovative features: LED lights in the carrying handle, a flat and improved central bolt named ‘i-Bolt’, and a ‘Speed Valve’ for quicker opening of spreaders and rams.
2020: introduction of the Pentheon Series rescue tools
Unparalleled speed, ultimate control and battery management made easy: Holmatro launches a new series of high-tech cordless rescue tools, designed to outperform all other tools on the market, regardless of whether these are battery-powered or connected to an external pump by means of a hose.
