The history of the company
The founding years
1937: How it all began
On January 16, 1937, the foundation stone was laid for today's globally operating SSI SCHAEFER group of companies - with the entry "Fritz-Schäfer - factory production of all kinds of sheet metal goods" in the Burbach official business register.
1939: The success bears the first fruits
The company is already so successful that the first large production hall has to be built. Twenty people were employed there as early as 1940.
The big breakthrough
1953: The milestone
The revolutionary Lager-Fix-Box is developed, a stackable box with a viewing opening at the front.
1961/62: Internationalization begins
The first foreign company is founded in Switzerland, followed shortly afterwards by the second in England.
Diversification and modernization
1965: New markets open up
Fritz Schäfer now also produces shelving and pallet racks.
1972: Always one innovation ahead
The Euro-Fix box for conveyor technology is launched. Further innovations in the following years are:
• Shelves according to the plug-in system
• stack and nest containers
• high-bay warehouses High bay warehouses
Growth and globalization
2000–2001: Family growth
This introduction of SSI SCHAEFER Noell (Germany) and SSI SCHAEFER Peem (Austria) diversify the range of services with automation solutions.
2002: A strong brand is born
The three companies are united under the SSI SCHAEFER umbrella brand.
2008: Systematic operation
The software expert Salomon Automation becomes part of SSI SCHAEFER.
2010: Further expansion
The Danish company Handler A/S, experts in storage lifts, is taken over.
2015: Always on the move
SSI SCHAEFER takes over the Belgian manufacturer of driverless transport systems, Motum.
2017: Founding of SSI SCHAEFER IT SOLUTIONS GMBH
Consolidation and expansion of IT skills to set the course for the digital future.
2017: Change of name
The competencies of the automation subsidiaries are bundled in SSI SCHAEFER AUTOMATION GMBH - as a general contractor, we offer our customers everything from a single source.
2018: Growth in driverless transport systems
SSI SCHAEFER acquires shares in DS AUTOMOTION, Austria, one of the world's leading manufacturers of highly dynamic driverless transport systems (AGVs)
2020: Support for UN climate goals
SSI SCHAEFER joins the "50 Sustainability and Climate Leaders" initiative.
2021: Further strengthening in software
SSI SCHAEFER becomes the majority shareholder of SWAN and strengthens SAP competencies.
2022: Innovation and sustainability initiatives
SSI SCHAEFER and Fraunhofer IML found Enterprise Lab together
SSI SCHAEFER opens a new central office for the Benelux market
SSI SCHAEFER publishes its first sustainability report
2023: Strengthening in the field of robotics and continuation of sustainability efforts
DS AUTOMOTION GmbH, a leading provider of mobile robotics (AGV - Automated Guided Vehicle and AMR - Autonomous Mobile Robots) becomes a full member of the SSI SCHAEFER Group.
SSI SCHAEFER publishes climate strategy with concrete targets for CO2 reduction.
