SABA – more than 75 years, and still going strong!

SABA was established as a small, traditional-craft company in Wateringen on 25 October 1933. At that time, SABA manufactured polish and adhesives for shoemakers. Mr Otto Baruch, who was born on 11 November 1908 in Gelsenkirchen in Germany, was the founder of SABA. Together with Messrs Bongartz and Salm, he set up the SABA factory for chemical products in Wateringen (the name SABA was formed from the first two letters of the names Salm and Baruch). In 1935, SABA relocated to the former Hotel Boland building in Dinxperlo.

First steps in sealants

After the Second World War, SABA began to specialise more and more in adhesives and sealants. New raw materials appeared on the market in the 1960s which made it possible to replace putty with new and durable products that were also easier to apply. It was then that SABA started to produce sealants, initially for the glass market and later for the entire professional construction market. The range was extended still further in the 1980s with technical sealants for vehicles and chemical-resistant sealants. Nowadays, the SABA range consists of sealants for building & construction, civil & environment engineering, transport and marine.

A worldwide first in adhesives

The demand for environmentally-friendly products provided a strong incentive to the development of SABA adhesives. SABA was the first company in the world that was able to manufacture a water-based adhesive that stuck straight away. This unique adhesive was used primarily in the foam processing industry. Demand for water-based adhesives became so great that SABA was forced to look for a partner in order to be able to supply worldwide. Meanwhile, the period of growth just went on and on. At present, SABA offers a complete product range of PVC adhesives and adhesives for the foam-converting, mattress and furniture industries.

Growth through exports

SABA has deliberately decided to concentrate on a few specific markets, in which we excel owing to the added value we bring to our clients. This is achieved by supplying high-quality goods and by helping clients in processing them. Our starting point is that our clients can produce less expensively yet still make better-quality end products.

Now and in the future

SABA sells its products all over the world, with exports accounting for around 80% of the company’s turnover. In recent years, our organisation has been more market-oriented, and two Business Units have been created. The Business Unit Industry focuses on adhesives, and the Business Unit Building & Construction on sealants. SABA is ambitious and our organisation is still growing. Thanks to its highly flexible and innovative capacity, SABA will continue to strive to achieve strong technological and personal bonds.