As a group of companies, we offer you products and systems from a single source for the area of material handling across all industries. For more than 40 years, SMB International and MBA Instruments have been developing intelligent solutions for complex tasks – ranging from measurement technologies for fill levels and conductivity to loading systems, compact storage systems, filling systems and conveying systems. The reliability for which we are also renowned in the international environment is always reflected in our developments.
Our special feature is the high production depth at our Quickborn site in northern Germany. We have deliberately decided to develop and produce a large part of our components ourselves. This allows us to implement customer wishes quickly, individually and reliably. This independence also allows us to maintain our high quality standards.
![[Translate to English:] MBA Fuellstandmesstechnik](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/f/csm_Kachel_Ueber_uns_klein_Silos_651e930048.jpg)
SMB International GmbH will have a dual management team as of the first of September 2021. Dr Arne Dethlefs will manage the business of the system and plant manufacturer together with the long-standing managing director Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Heckel.
With the international certificate for use in potentially explosive atmospheres according to the standards of the Electromechanical Commission, corresponding national certificates can now be issued more easily.
Integration of a "SHARK" palletizer in the pre-zone of the compact warehouse of a large German dairy company.
Development and production of the SMB layer palletizer "SHARK". Optionally expandable it makes product-friendly palletizing possible.
SMB is developing the compact warehouse not only into a half-pallet truck shuttle, but also into a double-decker truck shuttle.
Hans-Heinrich Westphal retires on 1 July 2017 and hands over the management of MBA Instruments to his long-time companion and Managing Director of SMB International, Andreas Heckel.
With the founding of SMB Service GmbH, SMB is further expanding its range of services for the maintenance and repair of complex industrial systems such as filling systems, compact storage systems and ship loaders, and offers a round-the-clock emergency service.
SMB compact warehouses are equipped with the warehouse management system of KBU-Logistik GmbH. With this, SMB relies on a high-performance software with a modular structure.
Modification of the technology of pallet transport as part of the SMB compact warehouse.
SMB and KUKA Robotics cooperate to develop new types of loading systems with fully automatic gripper arm robots and thus further expand the SMB product range in operational logistics.
The MBA800 digital rotary blade series is patented. The series is ATEX-certified, can be used for all bulk materials and can be adapted in terms of measurement parameters and rotating paddle size as required.
For the first time, continuous inline measurement of paraffin conductivity is possible, controlling automatic and accurate additive feeding. The device is patented.
MBA Instruments develops the world's first digital rotary vane with stepper motor drive. A patent application is filed for the new technology, which is suitable for all bulk solids.
For stationary, safety-relevant conductivity measurement in paraffin, MBA Instruments develops the new MLA900 and thus further expands its positioning in the market.
MBA adds further innovations to its product portfolio with the non-contact level meters MBA300 and MBA400.
MBA starts the development of the MLA1000 - a device for conductivity measurement in paraffin, which enables the precise addition of additives through continuous inline measurement.
The MBA100, which is particularly suitable for measuring the limit level of free-flowing bulk solids, expands MBA's product range with a mechanical, pressure-sensitive measuring device.
MBA Instruments Switzerland is founded to expand the range of products and services on the Swiss market.
SMB receives DIN ISO 9001:2008 certification, guaranteeing the highest safety standards in the manufacture and use of its products.
The swing sash innovation MBA700 with patented single bar is introduced to the market.
The safety of the MBA limit and level gauges is certified according to DIN ISO 9001: 2008 and ATEX 94 and thus meets all requirements for use in safety-critical environments.
MBA Instruments GmbH is founded as a management buy-out of SICK AG / Maihak AG and continues the success story in level measurement technology as part of the SMB Group.
MBA develops the level measuring instruments MBA200, MBA369, MBA20, MBA2.2, MBA3.2 and SILOFLO, setting new standards in level measurement technology.
SMB further develops the proven shuttle technology into a compact warehouse. SMB installed a compact warehouse at WBV in Oelde, which provides the Westphalian company with 5,500 storage spaces.
With SMB Logistics GmbH, the SMB Group is bundling its expertise in all aspects of storage and transport systems and will thus focus on greater specialisation in the future.
In the areas of filling lines, palletisers and ship loaders, innovations are realised that expand SMB's product range.
The first SMB compact warehouses go into production and further consolidate SMB's market position in the field of storage systems.
SMB optimizes its product range for warehouse technology and goods handling with the development and manufacture of innovative stacker shuttle systems.
With the new SMB International GmbH, the company is positioning itself even more strongly on the global market. Andreas Heckel assumes the role of managing director of the new company.
The company continues to develop its systems for transport tasks in the field of operating logistics and is increasingly establishing itself in the market of conveyor technology.
For the first time, special storage systems designed especially for the storage of paper are developed.
SMB expands the product range and develops its first filling systems.
SMB develops its first conveyor systems and thus sets the course for the development of complex systems such as ship loading systems, filling systems and storage systems.
With the founding of SMB GmbH (SMB stands for Sonder-Maschinen-Bau: special machine construction), the foundation stone of the company's history is laid.