History & Milestones

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Hydrema Fantomet
Kjeld Werner Jensen

The Evolution of Hydrema: Pineering Excellence in Earthmoving Since 1959

In the heart of Aalborg, Denmark, 1959, a vision for innovative earthmoving equipment was born. Hydrema, an amalgamation of 'Hydrauliske Entreprenør Maskiner' (Hydraulic Contractor Machines), was founded by the ingenious engineer, Kjeld Werner Jensen. What began in a modest workshop has now flourished into a global leader in the earthmoving industry, renowned for its high-quality, mid-size machinery.

Hydrema's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. From the pioneering "Fantomet," our first machine that revolutionized hydraulic machinery, to the state-of-the-art equipment we produce today, our history is rich with milestones. Each step in our evolution reflects a deep commitment to quality, versatility, and meeting the unique demands of the earthmoving sector.

In the 1960s, the expansion to Støvring marked our first stride towards growth, laying the groundwork for a series of groundbreaking developments. The introduction of the iconic 800 series in the 1980s, a fusion of a wheel loader and backhoe loader, set new industry standards. This was just the beginning of our journey in redefining the earthmoving landscape.

As we expanded globally, establishing subsidiaries in key markets, Hydrema solidified its reputation as a brand synonymous with reliability and innovation. Our foray into the defense sector in the late 1980s, culminating in the production of specialized mine-clearing vehicles, further showcased our adaptability and engineering excellence.

Guided by the visionary leadership of Jan Werner Jensen, Hydrema has not only sustained its legacy but also embraced new challenges and opportunities. Today, as we continue to innovate and expand, our commitment to delivering exceptional earthmoving solutions remains unwavering. Hydrema’s story is not just about machines; it's about the people, passion, and perseverance that drive us forward.

Join us as we journey through the decades, celebrating our triumphs and innovations that have shaped the world of earthmoving equipment.

60 years of Hydrema

Hydrema Fantomet

The Genesis (1959)

Foundation and Vision: Hydrema was born out of a vision to revolutionize the earthmoving industry. Founded in 1959 by Kjeld Werner Jensen, an engineer with a deep understanding of hydraulics, the company set out to create machines that combined functionality with innovation. The first creation, "Fantomet," was more than just a machine; it was the embodiment of a dream to make a mark in the earthmoving sector.

Early Challenges and Triumphs: The journey wasn't without challenges. In the small workshop in Aalborg, resources were limited, but determination and ingenuity were abundant. Jensen's approach to design and manufacturing was guided by a principle of delivering high-quality hydraulic machinery at reasonable prices. This philosophy resonated with customers and set the foundation for Hydrema's future success.

Gl. Kirkevej 1965

Early Expansion & Growth (1960s)

Outgrowing Aalborg and Moving to Støvring: The initial success of Hydrema quickly led to a need for larger facilities. The move to Støvring was a significant step, symbolizing the company's growth and ambition. The new factory was not just a physical expansion but a leap towards greater possibilities and innovation.

Diversifying Product Range: In Støvring, Hydrema began to diversify its product range. The development of backhoe loaders marked a new chapter in the company's history. These machines were more than just equipment; they were a testament to Hydrema's commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the construction industry.

Hydrema 805

Pioneering Innovations (1970s-1980s)

Establishing International Footprint: The establishment of subsidiaries in Sweden and Norway in the 1970s was a strategic move that showcased Hydrema's intention to be a global player. These subsidiaries were not just sales centers; they were hubs of innovation and customer service, extending Hydrema’s reach and reputation.

The 800 Series Revolution: The 1980s were a transformative era for Hydrema with the launch of the 800 series. This series was a culmination of years of research and development, bringing together the best features of a wheel loader and a traditional backhoe loader. It was a bold statement in the earthmoving industry, setting new standards for efficiency and versatility.

Hydrema Weimar Aerial

Strategic Expansion (1990s)

In 1996, Hydrema took a significant leap forward with the acquisition of Weimar Werk Baumaschinen, a strategic move that profoundly reshaped our business landscape. This was not just an expansion of our workforce and product range; it was a decisive step towards aligning with the specific needs of the European construction market. By incorporating Weimar's diverse range of machinery, we greatly enhanced our product portfolio, offering customers a wider array of high-quality, innovative earthmoving solutions.

This acquisition also marked a pivotal moment in Hydrema’s commitment to quality and versatility. Integrating Weimar's manufacturing expertise and technological prowess, we bolstered our ability to produce machines that met the highest standards of efficiency and durability. The merger went beyond mere product integration; it was a cultural and operational amalgamation that created a synergistic relationship, combining Weimar's rich manufacturing history with Hydrema’s innovative approach and customer-centric values.

The strategic acquisition of Weimar Werk Baumaschinen was a key factor in our growth and success in the European market, symbolizing our ambition to lead in the construction machinery industry with innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs.

Hydrema 910MCV

Military Industrial Engagement (1980s-1990s)

Hydrema's foray into the defense sector during the 1980s and 1990s showcased our versatile engineering prowess and commitment to innovation. Our significant engagement began with a substantial order from the British defense in the late 1980s, a major milestone that not only expanded our business but also demonstrated our capability to meet the stringent demands of military applications. This venture was followed by the development of specialized mine-clearing vehicles in the 1990s, marking our deepening involvement in the defense sector.

These endeavors in the military industry were more than just new business avenues; they exemplified Hydrema's adaptability and dedication to engineering excellence. The creation of mine-clearing vehicles, in particular, reflected our innovative approach to solving complex challenges, reinforcing our reputation for producing machinery that excels in both performance and reliability. This period of military industrial engagement significantly contributed to shaping Hydrema's identity as a company that pushes the boundaries of traditional earthmoving equipment and responds effectively to diverse operational needs.

Hydrema 922C Mountain

Continued Growth & Innovation (2000s-2010s)

Navigating Market Dynamics: The turn of the millennium saw Hydrema in a phase of vigorous growth, adapting to the rapidly evolving global market. This era was characterized by a series of strategic decisions that propelled consistent sales growth, even amidst fluctuating economic conditions. Our ability to anticipate market trends and respond with agility was key to our success during this period.

Innovative Product Launches: The introduction of the 900MPV and the 3-axle dumper were landmarks in Hydrema’s product development journey. These machines were not mere additions to our portfolio; they represented a leap in innovation and versatility. The 900MPV, with its advanced features and robust design, addressed a broad spectrum of operational needs, while the 920-series 3-axle dumper set new standards in capacity and efficiency.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The 2008 financial crisis posed significant challenges to the construction industry worldwide. Hydrema's resilience during this time was not just about surviving the crisis but emerging stronger. Our response to the crisis was marked by a focused strategy on innovation, customer-centric product development, and exploring new market segments.

JWJ

A New Era of Leadership (2000-Present)

Jan Werner Jensen's Visionary Leadership: The 21st century ushered in a new era for Hydrema under the leadership of Jan Werner Jensen. Taking the helm from the company’s founder, his leadership style combined respect for Hydrema’s heritage with a progressive approach to business and technology. Jensen's vision was clear – to solidify Hydrema’s position as a global leader in earthmoving equipment.

Driving the Company Forward: Jan Werner Jensen has been instrumental in navigating Hydrema through a landscape of new market opportunities and challenges. Under his guidance, the company has not only expanded its global footprint but also intensified its focus on technological innovation and operational efficiency. His approach to leadership is characterized by a keen understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to sustainable growth.

Maintaining a Legacy of Excellence: Jan Werner Jensen’s leadership has ensured that Hydrema's tradition of producing high-quality, innovative machinery continues. His emphasis on customer satisfaction, employee welfare, and sustainable practices has further enhanced the company's reputation and market position.

Hydrema Støvring 2022 Aerial

Embracing the Future

Beyond Manufacturing: As Denmark's premier manufacturer of large construction machinery, Hydrema today is more than just a production company. We are at the forefront of innovation in the earthmoving industry, continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in machinery design and functionality.

Expansion and Evolution: Our facilities have undergone significant expansion, reflecting our commitment to meeting the growing demands of the market. This expansion is coupled with continuous evolution in our product lines, ensuring that we stay ahead of industry trends and customer expectations.

A Commitment to Innovation and Quality: The future for Hydrema is bright, illuminated by our unwavering dedication to innovation, quality, and customer-centric engineering. We are not just keeping pace with the industry; we are setting the pace, with a clear focus on developing solutions that meet the challenges of tomorrow's earthmoving needs.

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