SMA Group
SMA Group is a Netherlands-based industrial equipment manufacturer founded in 1965, supplying custom air cargo, ground support, and storage/handling systems through three divisions (Saco, Viking, Thiel) to more than 750 aviation and logistics customers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1965
- HeadquartersMierlo, Netherlands
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SMA Group does
SMA Group is a Netherlands-based, privately held industrial equipment company headquartered in Mierlo that designs, manufactures, and supplies specialized systems for three adjacent aviation and logistics verticals: air cargo handling (Saco), ground support equipment (Viking), and storage/handling systems (Thiel). The company was founded in 1965 and remains under the ownership of founder Jos Smeets, operating across roughly 51–100 employees with a stated installed base of more than 750 customers and a global commercial footprint.
The company's core offerings are custom-engineered electromechanical systems rather than commodity hardware, including air cargo loaders, dollies and pallets, aircraft ground support units, and warehouse/storage handling equipment. Technical differentiation rests on in-house mechanical and systems engineering tailored to airport, airline, and intralogistics operator specifications, with solutions typically integrated into long-lifecycle operational environments where certification, safety, and downtime considerations matter.
SMA Group monetizes through project-based equipment sales, spare parts, and lifecycle service to airports, airlines, ground handlers, and logistics operators. Its three-division portfolio allows cross-selling across adjacent buyer sets within the same aviation and logistics procurement ecosystem. The company is pursuing sustainability-driven commercial positioning, having progressed from an EcoVadis Bronze rating in 2025 to Silver in 2026, and continues to maintain an active hiring presence across engineering and commercial functions.
SMA Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SMA Group
- Legal name
- SMA Group
- Website
- https://sma-mc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1965
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- SMA Group is a Netherlands-based industrial equipment manufacturer founded in 1965, supplying custom air cargo, ground support, and storage/handling systems through three divisions (Saco, Viking, Thiel) to more than 750 aviation and logistics customers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SMA Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Air Cargo Handling Equipment
- NAICS
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing (333924)
- SIC
- Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Parts Distribution & Spares Management (Aftermarket) (IMABALAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Parts & Materials Support (Rotables Pooling, Distribution, Repair Management) (TLAKAJAK), Aviation MRO Parts & Consumables Distribution (TLAKAOAI), Bulk Solids Handling & Processing Equipment (Conveying, Silo, Feeders) (IMAHAEAG)
Keywords
Where SMA Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mierlo
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
SMA Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Equipment Sales: Sale of handling and storage equipment across three divisions: air cargo solutions (Saco), ground support equipment (Viking), and storage/handling systems (Thiel). Products are designed, developed, and manufactured in-house.
- Custom Solutions and Systems: Design, fabrication, and delivery of customized storage and handling systems tailored to specific customer requirements, suggesting project-based or custom solution revenue.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
SMA Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SMA Group designs, develops, manufactures, and delivers physical handling and storage equipment for heavy goods, organized through three divisions: Saco.aero (air cargo handling and storage solutions), Viking (ground support and handling equipment for air cargo and baggage), and Thiel (custom storage and handling systems). The company specializes in moving, arranging, and storing heavy goods for the air freight logistics lifecycle, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Product overview
SMA Group is a diversified logistics handling and storage solutions provider organized into three distinct divisions operating under sub-brands: Saco.aero (air cargo solutions), Viking (ground support and handling systems for air cargo and baggage), and Thiel (custom storage and handling systems). The company specializes in moving, arranging, and storing heavy goods, serving over 750 customers across multiple countries with a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability in supply chain operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Saco: Global Leaders in Air Cargo Solutions - providing smart, customized solutions for air cargo handling and storage.
- Viking
- Thiel
Products and services
- Saco.aero Air Cargo Solutions
Quantifiable outcome
- Serving 750+ satisfied customers
Companies that use SMA Group
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
SMA Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
SMA Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- SacocoreSaco.aero is a division of SMA Group specializing in air cargo handling and storage solutions. As a reliable partner throughout the full lifecycle, they translate customer insights into smart, customized solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.
- VikingcoreViking (viking-ltd.com) is a division of SMA Group focused on innovative ground handling equipment for air cargo and baggage. They design, develop, and produce high-quality solutions supporting the entire lifecycle of air freight logistics.
- ThielcoreThiel (thielsystems.com) is a division of SMA Group specializing in storage and handling systems. They design, manufacture, and deliver various user-friendly and safe storage and handling systems, fully customized to customer wishes.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
SMA Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Beumer Group: Beumer Group is a global provider of air cargo handling systems, including sortation, conveying, and loading solutions for airports and logistics centers. Comparable to SMA Group's Saco division in air cargo handling systems and target customers.
- Tronair: Tronair designs and manufactures ground support equipment, aircraft jacks, and towbar products for the aviation industry. Comparable to Viking's ground handling equipment portfolio and customer base (MRO, airlines, FBOs).
- Kardex: Kardex is a manufacturer of automated storage and material handling systems, including vertical lift modules and carousel systems. Comparable to SMA Group's Thiel division in custom storage and handling systems for industrial and logistics customers.
- ITW GSE (formerly Hobart Ground Support Equipment): ITW GSE produces ground support equipment including GPUs, air starters, and air conditioning units for airports worldwide. Overlaps with SMA Group's Viking division in serving airport ground handling operations with specialized equipment.
- TLD (ALVEST Group): TLD is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ground support equipment for airports and air cargo, including belt loaders, tractors, and cargo handling systems. Highly comparable to SMA Group's Viking division in product scope and target customers.
- Mallaghan: Mallaghan is a manufacturer of ground support equipment including passenger steps, belt loaders, and catering trucks. Comparable to Viking in product type and aviation customer base, with similar specialization focus.
- JBT Corporation (JBT AeroTech): JBT AeroTech is a major manufacturer of ground support equipment and air cargo handling systems for aviation. Directly comparable to SMA Group's Viking and Saco divisions in product, customer base (airlines, ground handlers), and business model.
- Lödige Industries: Lödige Industries is a German manufacturer of air cargo handling systems, automated warehousing, and material handling solutions. Directly comparable to SMA Group's Saco and Thiel divisions in product scope and enterprise logistics customers.
Broad incumbents
- Daifuku: Daifuku is a global leader in material handling systems, including automated storage, conveying, and air cargo solutions. Broad incumbent overlapping with SMA Group's Thiel storage/handling and Saco air cargo handling offerings.
- Vanderlande: Vanderlande (acquired by Toyota Industries) is a large, established material handling and air cargo systems integrator with a broad portfolio spanning warehousing, parcel, and air cargo. Overlaps with SMA Group's Saco and Thiel divisions in air cargo and storage handling systems.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SMA Group social profiles
Digital presenceSMA Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SMA Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
SMA Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
SMA Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SMA Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SMA Group
What does SMA Group do?
SMA Group designs, develops, manufactures, and delivers physical handling and storage equipment for heavy goods, organized through three divisions: Saco.aero (air cargo handling and storage solutions), Viking (ground support and handling equipment for air cargo and baggage), and Thiel (custom storage and handling systems). The company specializes in moving, arranging, and storing heavy goods for the air freight logistics lifecycle, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Is SMA Group a public or private company?
SMA Group is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was SMA Group founded?
SMA Group was founded in 1965. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is SMA Group based?
SMA Group is headquartered in Mierlo, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does SMA Group make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are custom Solutions and Systems.
Who are SMA Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Beumer Group, Tronair, Kardex, ITW GSE (formerly Hobart Ground Support Equipment), TLD (ALVEST Group), Mallaghan, JBT Corporation (JBT AeroTech) and Lödige Industries. Broad incumbents are Daifuku and Vanderlande.
Does SMA Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for SMA Group.
What industry is SMA Group in?
SMA Group's product category is Air Cargo Handling Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABALAK, Parts Distribution & Spares Management (Aftermarket), with a secondary code of TLAKAJAK, Parts & Materials Support (Rotables Pooling, Distribution, Repair Management). Its NAICS code is 33641 and its SIC code is 3728.