History

1947

The Origin of SAE: Mechanical Expertise Serving Industrial Axles
Three technicians, specialized in mechanical constructions, decided to produce axles for industrial vehicles, helped by the support of Thome Industries, specialised in steel melting and forging. The SAE (Société Ardennaise d’Essieux) is borned.

1970

From Industrial Excellence to European Dominance:
SAE and SMB at the Heart of Innovation
While SAE is growing and becoming a leader in axles production, the company SMB is providing one of the most important trailers builders, GENERAL TRAILERS ( FRUEHAUF, BENALU, TRAILOR, TITAN, etc.,), allowing it to become one of the leaders of axles & suspensions manufacturer on the european market.

1990

The 90s: The Acquisition of SAE by Gigant
In the 90’ , the group Thome Industry, is facing a decrease of demand & production, leading it in financial trouble. Impacted by its financial difficulties, Thome Industry had to sell off SAE.
GIGANT, a famous german manufacturer of suspensions acquired SAE in 1993.
This union permitted them to produce & distribute a full solution: axles + suspensions.

2000

The Acquisition of SMB and the Merger to Strengthen Production
In 2004, SAE acquires SMB after the bankrupcy of the group GENERAL TRAILERS.
In 2006, SAE & SMB merge in order to create a major group in the production of axles & suspensions, rendering to a maximum production of 50000 axles in 2008.

2013

A New Chapter: ADR Group Acquires SAE-SMB
ADR Group, market leader in the production of axles and suspensions for the agricultural and industrial machines acquired SAE-SMB industries.

2016

Establishment of a Subsidiary in India
Creation of a ADR Group subsidiary in India, producing and distributing axles, suspensions and spare parts for India & Middle East market.

2017

70 Years of SAE SMB: Expansion and Technological Innovation
SAE SMB celebrate its 70 years of existence. Extension of the covered area from 7000 to 13500 sqm, building of new offices. Investment in a cataphoresis line allowing a new surface treatment (higher resistant)
 

2019

Office in Dubai: SAE SMB Expands into the GCC Countries
Opening of an office in Dubai to offer & promote the SAE-SMB’s brand and bring services for GCC countries.

Today

Growth, Innovation, and Excellence in Serving Our Customers
After the extension and investments in our production lines, the current covered area is  13500 m². Thanks to constant innovation in its production, SAE-SMB has been able to remain the leader for specific demands in France and Europe. The development of new products that are always more efficient and at the cutting edge of technology as well as the complete satisfaction of our customers are the two guiding principles of our philosophy.
A synergy has been established between the staff of SAE-SMB and the staff of the ADR group, particularly in terms of product know-how and industrial know-how. SAE-SMB is ISO 9001 certified. Our ability is to keep on bringing a solution for each load all around the world while ensuring quality and optimized products.