About Us

ABOUT US

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.

 

Unsere Historie

2021

SMB International expands management

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.

2021

MLA1000 RECEIVES IECEX CERTIFICATION

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.

2019

SMB PRODUCT NOVELTY "SHARK" IN FIRST USE

Integration of a "SHARK" palletizer in the pre-zone of the compact warehouse of a large German dairy company.

2018

NEW PALLETIZER "SHARK

Development and production of the SMB layer palletizer "SHARK". Optionally expandable it makes product-friendly palletizing possible.

2017

Double innovation for compact storage technology

SMB is developing the compact warehouse not only into a half-pallet truck shuttle, but also into a double-decker truck shuttle.

2017

CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT AT MBA INSTRUMENTS

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.

2017

SMB SERVICE GMBH CONSOLIDATES THE FULL-SERVICE CONCEPT OF SMB

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.

2016

SMB GOES INTO COOPERATION WITH KBU-LOGISTIK

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.

2015

EXPANSION OF THE COMPACT WAREHOUSE

Modification of the technology of pallet transport as part of the SMB compact warehouse.

2014

SMB BECOMES A CERTIFIED KUKA ROBOTICS SYSTEM PARTNER

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.

2014

MBA800 SERIES IS FILED FOR A EUROPEAN PATENT

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.

2013

MARKET LAUNCH OF THE MLA1000 REVOLUTIONISES THE RANGE OF PARAFFIN CONDUCTIVITY METERS

For the first time, continuous inline measurement of paraffin conductivity is possible, controlling automatic and accurate additive feeding. The device is patented.

2012

INNOVATION MBA800 FOR LEVEL MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY

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.

2010

MANUAL CONDUCTIVITY METER MLA900 FOR AVIATION FUEL COMPLEMENTS PRODUCT RANGE

For stationary, safety-relevant conductivity measurement in paraffin, MBA Instruments develops the new MLA900 and thus further expands its positioning in the market.

2010

RADAR LEVEL METERS MBA300 AND MBA400 COME ONTO THE MARKET

MBA adds further innovations to its product portfolio with the non-contact level meters MBA300 and MBA400.

2010

REVOLUTION IN CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MLA1000

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.

2009

MBA LAUNCHES MBA100 MECHANICAL LEVEL SWITCH

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.

2009

FOUNDATION OF MBA INSTRUMENTS SCHWEIZ GMBH

MBA Instruments Switzerland is founded to expand the range of products and services on the Swiss market.

2009

SMB MANUFACTURING BECOMES DIN CERTIFIED

SMB receives DIN ISO 9001:2008 certification, guaranteeing the highest safety standards in the manufacture and use of its products.

2009

SWING-WING INNOVATION MBA700

The swing sash innovation MBA700 with patented single bar is introduced to the market.

2008

MBA RECEIVES CERTIFICATIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY STANDARDS

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.

2008

COMPANY FOUNDATION MBA INSTRUMENTS GMBH

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.

2008

FIRST PRODUCT INNOVATIONS IN THE FIELD OF LEVEL MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

MBA develops the level measuring instruments MBA200, MBA369, MBA20, MBA2.2, MBA3.2 and SILOFLO, setting new standards in level measurement technology.

2007

MILESTONE IN WAREHOUSE 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.

2006

SMB Logistics GmbH was founded

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.

2003

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS STRENGTHEN SMB INTERNATIONAL'S PRODUCT RANGE

In the areas of filling lines, palletisers and ship loaders, innovations are realised that expand SMB's product range.

2003

SMB IMPLEMENTS COMPACT STORAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THUS FURTHER EXPANDS ITS LOGISTICS OFFERING

The first SMB compact warehouses go into production and further consolidate SMB's market position in the field of storage systems.

2002

INNOVATIVE STACKER SHUTTLE SYSTEMS EXPAND THE LOGISTICS RANGE

SMB optimizes its product range for warehouse technology and goods handling with the development and manufacture of innovative stacker shuttle systems.

2001

SMB INTERNATIONAL GMBH IS FOUNDED

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.

1989

SMB EXPANDS ITS RANGE OF CONVEYOR TECHNOLOGY

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.

1988

SMB SPECIALIZES IN THE STORAGE OF PAPER

For the first time, special storage systems designed especially for the storage of paper are developed.

1987

EXPANSION OF THE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO FOR FILLING SYSTEMS

SMB expands the product range and develops its first filling systems.

1974

ENTRY INTO THE FIELD OF CONVEYOR TECHNOLOGY

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.

1973

FOUNDATION OF SMB GMBH

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.