History
A brief history of Smitma
60’S
The sixties mark a period of growth. A lot of effort is put into the improvement of Dutch infrastructure, and many building projects start. It’s a time full of opportunities. As thought Wim Smits, who started an earthmoving business together with his wife Maria. And although literal mountains are moved, the passion for trading and repairing heavy machinery wins over actually working with the machines. A barn in Lierop offers room for the repair work and the trading activities.
70’S
Business is growing steadily. The location in Lierop is getting too small, which makes moving necessary. In Someren a new location is occupied, which offers a spacious workshop, washing facilities and plenty of parking space. In the following years a new office and storage building are added.
80’S
It’s 1982 when oldest son John Smits makes his appearance in the company. Despite his studies, he starts helping in the workshop to get the required experience. After several years in the workshop, he moves to the office. Here, aided by his knowledge of foreign languages, he starts the international trading activities. By the end of the eighties this resulted in an own transport business in Poland (Intersmit) and the start of several car material stores in Leipzig, Germany and Poland. (Eurotech)
90’S
Youngest son Mark Smits slo makes his entry in the family business. Until that moment he was a successful professional motocross racer. Mark focused on the expansion of the Polish transport business, which grows to 30 vehicles. Business is booming, which is made evident by the start of SVS in 1993 together with partner Ton van Veghel. SVS specialises in the development and production of buckets and attachments. In the second half of the nineties, John and Mark take over the business completely from their parents. The car material stores and transport company are sold, to be able to focus completely on expanding Smitma as a trading company in heavy machinery.
00’S
Putting the focus on the trading activities pays off. A new move is necessary. A yard with office in Venlo is chosen, close to Germany and Belgium. Together with partner Ton de Groot a new business is started: Smitma Parts. Smitma Parts specialises on the trade in buckets, rippers, undercarriage components, tyres and engines.
2009
After a short illness, founder Wim Smits passes away at the age of 71. He earned his Nickname ‘Mr. motocross’ thanks to the inimitable way in which he lifted motorsport to a higher level in The Netherlands. The highlight was the organisation of the first motocross world championship in The Netherlands in 1996, in his ‘backyard’ the Herselse forest in Lierop. Wim Smits is still missed every day…
10’S
In the last decade, we’ve focused all our attention on serving our clients optimally. We’ve improved the quality of our machines. The extension of the workshop, the more modern equipment and the construction of a painting area ensure that not only the interior, but also the exterior of the machine is in perfect condition. In addition, internal processes are improved by the development of a professional ERP system. Smitma parts also continues its business under the name of Smitma.
20’S
The last years, we have worked on the online exposure of Smitma. Those in need of premium quality heavy equipment for a sharp price, are at the right place at Smitma. From our office in Venlo we serve clients from all over the world: from Nigeria to Finland, from Spain to Peru and from Canada to Afghanistan. Our teams have grown tremendously, and together we are capable of offering the best machines to all of our clients.
