Our history

The history of SFS began in 1928 in what was then the Stadler hardware store in Altstätten. Presswerk Heerbrugg AG, founded in 1960, laid the cornerstone for the international development of industrial activities.

2013–today: IPO, reinforcement of medical technology and new claim

2014
Listing of SFS Group on the SIX Swiss Stock Exchange. Acquisition of majority shareholding in Indo Schöttle (IN), with production locations in Pune and Belgaum

2016
Strengthening of position in medical technology with acquisitions of Stamm AG (CH) and Tegra Medical (USA)

2018
"Inventing success together". The new claim is nothing more than a new summary of the DNA of SFS that has existed since its foundation. In this context the SFS intec and SFS unimarket brands are merging and are now SFS. The concentrated communication as well as the corporate identity further support the focus on our performance promise.

2007–2012: Expansion in Asia and North America

2007
Acquisition of a 50% share in Dekim Metal (TR), later renamed SFS intec

2008
Acquisition of GESIPA® GmbH, a leading blind rivet technology provider, with locations in DE, UK and the USA
Acquisition of a 50% share in Sunil SFS intecAutomotive (CN)

2012
Acquisition of UnisteelTechnology Ltd.,with headquarters in Singapore and further production locations (MY and CN), production of miniature parts
Acquisition of majority shareholding in SFS intec (TR) as well as acquisition of a 45% share in Indo Schöttle (IN)

1991–2006: Expanding the technology portfolio

1996
Acquisition of Ego Kunststoffwerk in Altstätten (CH) and entry into the plastic injection moulding technology

2001
Acquisition of HB Plastics GmbH with plants in Austria and Hungary as well as Construction Fasteners with locations in the USA and Canada

2002
Bundling of industrial activities and trading activities under the SFS intec and SFS unimarket brands

2005
Entry into deep drawing technology with the acquisition of Lüdi AG (CH); acquisition of K-Plast AB (SE)

1977–1990: Expansion of international sales structure

1978
First registration of the brand

1979
First worldwide innovation by SFS: Development and production of a drill screw made from stainless steel

1983
Acquisition of Sela Ltd. and Linread Ltd. (UK), screw production

1986
Development of a network of HandwerkStadt locations in Switzerland

1987
Acquisition of Sassba (IT) and entry into the production and sale of door and window hinges

1961–1976: Development and expansion of production

1966
Entry into multi-level technology, production of an engine screw

1970
Realisation of infrastructure projects at the Rosenbergsau location (production and offices)

1971
First sales organisation outside of Switzerland, acquisition of Fritz Haas GmbH (DE)

1976
First production location outside of Switzerland; acquisition of Visserie Technique (FR) and entry into the production of drill screws

1928–1960: Development of hardware store and start of production

1928
Foundation of the Stadler hardware store in Altstätten (CH) by Benjamin Stadler, further development by son Josef Stadler; entry of Hans Huber in 1943 as the first apprentice

1949
Opening of a branch in Heerbrugg (CH), managed by Hans Huber

1960
Start of production activities with the realisation of the first double pressure parts, system screws for double glazing windows