sfs unimarket
SFS unimarket (SFS Group Schweiz AG) is the Swiss/Liechtenstein industrial MRO distribution arm of the Hoffmann Group, selling 200,000+ fastening, tool, machining, measuring, and PPE products via sfs.ch, field sales, HandwerkStadt retail branches, and integrated eLogistics NXT C-parts warehouse software.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersHeerbrugg, Switzerland
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What sfs unimarket does
SFS unimarket is the Switzerland and Liechtenstein operating entity of the Hoffmann Group, trading as SFS Group Schweiz AG and headquartered in Heerbrugg. It supplies industrial fastening technology, tools, machining and measuring equipment, personal protective equipment, and related MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) products to industrial manufacturers, B2B corporate customers, and craftsmen/tradespeople via three coordinated channels: a B2B e-commerce storefront at sfs.ch offering 200,000+ SKUs across 12 categories with 24/7 ordering, 570 external sales representatives supported by 1,400+ specialist consultants drawn from the Hoffmann Group, and physical HandwerkStadt retail branches with a 48-hour delivery promise within Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The platform architecture is built around a stack of proprietary software and hardware. Cloud-based eLogistics NXT (and its on-premise Generation 2 predecessor) provides real-time C-parts warehouse management and integrates with multiple sensor-based trigger systems — pushLOG (button), turnLOG (rotation), weightLOG (weight), cardLOG (NFC), and labelLOG (QR scan) — plus pushLOG S e-ink labels that update in 15 seconds with a 10-year lifespan. Industrial vending hardware (GARANT Tool24 in Smartline, Locker and PickOne variants; HOLEX 24seven in SPACE/FLEX/LEVEL configurations) automates tool and PPE dispensing at customer sites, and an online 3D printing service covers six additive manufacturing technologies for prototypes and spare parts. Procurement integration is extensive: EDI, OCI/PunchOut, eBill, and direct connections to 13 B2B platforms including SAP Ariba, Coupa, Jaggaer, and Mercateo.
Revenue is generated through industrial product sales (one-time purchases via e-commerce or sales rep, invoiced net 30), recurring SaaS subscriptions for eLogistics NXT and toolLOG, hardware sales of vending systems (CHF 9k–25k per unit), usage-based 3D printing services, and managed-services engagements around C-parts optimisation. SFS markets its GARANT (50+ years) and HOLEX proprietary brands. The company is a private, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hoffmann Group, with no public financial disclosure. Geographic scope is intentionally restricted to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with broader European markets served through sister Hoffmann Group entities.
sfs unimarket firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- sfs unimarket
- Legal name
- SFS Group Schweiz AG
- Website
- https://sfs.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- SFS unimarket (SFS Group Schweiz AG) is the Swiss/Liechtenstein industrial MRO distribution arm of the Hoffmann Group, selling 200,000+ fastening, tool, machining, measuring, and PPE products via sfs.ch, field sales, HandwerkStadt retail branches, and integrated eLogistics NXT C-parts warehouse software.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
sfs unimarket industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial MRO Distribution
- NAICS
- Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423490), Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (42344)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Hardware (5072), Wholesale-Professional & Commercial Equipment & Supplies (5040)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wholesale/B2B Generalist Marketplaces (CRAFAAAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- B2B/EDI & Supply Chain Process Automation Platforms (HDAEAHAK)
Keywords
Where sfs unimarket is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Heerbrugg
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
sfs unimarket business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Industrial Products Sales: One-time purchase of industrial tools, fastening technology, machining equipment, measuring instruments, personal protective equipment, and other MRO supplies. Customers order via e-commerce platform or through sales representatives with payment via invoice (30 days net) or credit card.
- eLogistics NXT Platform Subscription: SaaS platform subscription for warehouse management and C-parts optimisation. Includes service packages for setup, support, and system optimisation with flexible role management and dashboard access.
- Goods Dispensing Systems: Sale of industrial vending solutions including GARANT Tool24 Smartline, Tool24 PickOne, Tool24 Locker, and HOLEX 24seven systems for automated tool and supply dispensing.
- 3D Printing Service: Additive manufacturing service for prototypes, spare parts, and small batches using various metal and plastic printing technologies. Customers upload files and order directly through the service platform.
- C-Parts Management Services: Managed services including logistics analysis, process cost optimisation, and system integration. Claimed to reduce management costs by at least 25% through optimised procurement processes.
- Delivery and Logistics Services: Freight and delivery services with Economy, Priority, and Express options for shipments within Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with packaging costs and bulky item surcharges.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard B2B pricing with individual net prices |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Freight and delivery costs |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | toolLOG software platform |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | eLogistics NXT service packages |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HOLEX 24seven vending systems |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | GARANT Tool24 vending systems |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | 3D printing service |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels8 records
sfs unimarket product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SFS unimarket (SFS Group Schweiz AG) operates a B2B e-commerce and distribution platform offering more than 200,000 industrial MRO products—including fastening technology, machining, clamping, hand tools, power tools, measurement equipment, and personal protective equipment—under proprietary brands GARANT and HOLEX, alongside proprietary logistics software (eLogistics NXT, toolLOG), automated vending solutions (GARANT Tool24, HOLEX 24seven), and value-added services such as 3D printing, regrinding, C-parts management, and configure-to-order, with 48-hour delivery across Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Product overview
SFS is an online B2B shop for industry professionals operated by SFS Group Schweiz AG, part of the Hoffmann Group. The company offers over 200,000 industrial products across 12 main categories including fastening technology, machining, clamping, measurement, hand tools, grinding/cutting, workstations/storage, power tools, PPE, fittings, and construction supplies. The portfolio includes proprietary brands GARANT (55,000+ products) and HOLEX. Beyond products, SFS provides an integrated ecosystem of logistics software (eLogistics NXT, eLogistics Generation 2, toolLOG), industrial vending solutions (GARANT Tool24, HOLEX 24seven), and eBusiness integrations (EDI, OCI/PunchOut, SAP Ariba, Coupa, and 10+ other platforms). The service suite includes 3D printing (6 technologies), regrinding, configure-to-order, and expert consulting with 1,400 specialists.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GARANT: System tools brand offering more than 55,000 high-performance, top-quality products for industrial applications, celebrating 50 years of operation
- HOLEX
- GARANT Tool24
- eLogistics NXT
- eLogistics
- pushLOG S
- toolLOG
- eBill
- ToolScout
- HandwerkStadt
Products and services
- eLogistics NXT SaaS-based B2B warehouse management and C-parts management platform that automates inventory replenishment via the eLogistics principle (reusable boxes, electronic labels, consumption-based ordering). Targets procurement and inventory teams at industrial customers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- eLogistics Generation 2 Established-generation B2B warehouse and C-parts management solution based on trigger systems (pushLOG 2, turnLOG 2, weightLOG 2, cardLOG, labelLOG), reusable plastic boxes, and electronic labels. Used by industrial customers to reduce C-parts management costs by at least 25%.
- toolLOG Cloud-based warehouse management software for small and medium-sized businesses; integrates with online shops, supports custom interfaces, and works in conjunction with electronic labels (eLabel) and smart phones for consumption capture.
- HOLEX 24seven Industrial vending system combining HOLEX hardware (24/7 automated dispensing machines) with software for inventory and consumption tracking. Designed for industrial workplaces needing unattended access to tools and consumables.
- GARANT Tool24 Modular automated dispensing solution for tools and C-parts under the GARANT brand; offered in multiple form factors for industrial environments with 24/7 self-service access and consumption analytics.
- Tool24 Locker Locker-based automated dispensing unit for tools and C-parts within the GARANT Tool24 family, providing secured, compartmentalized access for industrial workplaces.
- Tool24 PickOne Single-item automated dispensing solution within the GARANT Tool24 range, focused on dispensing individual C-parts on demand.
- Tool24 Smartline Smart-line automated dispensing cabinet from the GARANT Tool24 range, integrating electronics, sensors, and software for continuous inventory monitoring.
- pushLOG S / eLabel Electronic label hardware using e-ink technology (eLabel) paired with the pushLOG S trigger system to capture consumption events and trigger automated replenishment for C-parts boxes.
- Industrial 3D Printing Service Professional 3D printing service offered via sfs3dprint.ch covering multiple additive manufacturing technologies (FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF, DMLS, SLA, PolyJet) and finishing operations (thread cutting, marking, assembly) for producing individual, custom, and serial production parts.
- C-Parts Management Service Managed service combining eLogistics NXT or Generation 2 with on-site vending, automated replenishment, and consulting to reduce C-parts management costs; delivers documented cost savings of at least 25%.
- Regrinding Service Industrial regrinding service for cutting tools such as drills, millers, taps, and countersinks, available to customers via the sfs unimarket platform.
- Configure Service Configure-to-order service enabling customers to obtain individually configured tools and components delivered in days; complements the standardized catalog offering.
- GARANT Industrial Product Range GARANT brand product portfolio covering approximately 55,000 industrial products across 12 categories including hand tools, machining, clamping, measurement, and PPE, sold via sfs unimarket to industrial buyers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- HOLEX Industrial Product Range HOLEX brand portfolio covering industrial tools and consumables; complements the GARANT range and is sold through the same sfs unimarket platform.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduce C-parts management costs by at least 25%
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use sfs unimarket
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
sfs unimarket technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration16 records
Feature7 records
sfs unimarket partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- SAP AribacoreMajor procurement platform integration enabling customers to access SFS product catalogue and pricing directly within SAP Ariba's procurement system for streamlined B2B purchasing workflows.
- CoupacoreIntegration with Coupa's cloud-based business spend management platform allowing seamless procurement of SFS industrial products.
- JaggaercoreProcurement platform partnership enabling automated sourcing and purchasing workflows for SFS products through Jaggaer's eProcurement solution.
- MercateocoreNeutral procurement platform for C-items offering SFS products alongside other suppliers, reducing maverick buying and enabling price comparison.
- SupplyOncoreSupply chain collaboration platform integration enabling efficient procurement and supplier management processes for industrial companies.
- CatScout/WallmedienminorCatalogue-based procurement platform providing product discovery and ordering capabilities for SFS industrial supplies.
- DIGIO MarketminorDigital marketplace platform for industrial products offering SFS catalogue items for purchase.
- NewtronminorB2B e-commerce platform for industrial procurement enabling access to SFS product range.
- simple systemcoreNeutral procurement platform specifically for C-items enabling efficient purchasing and inventory management with reduced process costs.
- Hoffmann GroupflagshipSFS Group Schweiz AG is part of the Hoffmann Group, operating as the Swiss subsidiary. The Hoffmann Group operates in over 50 countries with over 1,400 specialist consultants, providing global scale and product development resources.
- Swiss PostcorePrimary logistics partner for parcel deliveries within Switzerland, providing Economy, Priority, and Express shipping options.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
sfs unimarket competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bossard Holding AG: Swiss-headquartered global leader in fastening technology and assembly solutions, with significant industrial product distribution overlap. Operates across multiple countries with engineering services, comparable product portfolio, and similar enterprise customer focus.
- Würth Group: Global market leader in fastening and assembly materials with comprehensive industrial product range spanning tools, fasteners, PPE, and chemicals. Direct competitor in industrial MRO distribution with deep field sales organization and proprietary brands.
- RS Group (RS Components): UK-based global distributor of industrial and electronic components via B2B e-commerce. Operates a multi-channel industrial product platform similar to SFS, with comparable breadth of SKUs and digital procurement integrations.
- Cromwell Tools: UK-based industrial tools and supplies distributor operating a multi-channel B2B platform. Comparable product breadth (cutting tools, hand tools, PPE, fasteners) and direct enterprise customer focus with similar e-commerce-led sales motion.
- Berner Group: European family-owned industrial supplies and services company headquartered in Germany. Direct overlap in B2B distribution of tools, fasteners, chemicals, and PPE with multi-country sales force and comparable mid-market customer focus.
Broad incumbents
- Grainger: US-headquartered Fortune 500 industrial MRO distributor operating globally with a massive catalog of maintenance, repair, and operating supplies. Broader portfolio and larger scale than SFS, with KeepStock and vending solutions that overlap SFS offerings.
- MSC Industrial: Major US-based metalworking and MRO industrial distributor with direct sales force and broad catalog. Overlaps with SFS in metalworking tools, fasteners, and consumables but operates at much larger scale and primarily North American footprint.
- Fastenal Company: US-headquartered leader in industrial fasteners, tools, and safety supplies with extensive on-site vending and bin stock programs. Closely comparable in vending solutions (FAST Solutions vs GARANT Tool24/HOLEX 24seven) and fasteners, though global reach is more limited.
- Rubix (formerly IPH Group): European leader in industrial distribution for maintenance, repair, and operating supplies, serving manufacturing and infrastructure customers across multiple countries. Comparable product breadth and direct sales model, though primarily continental European footprint.
- Stanley Black & Decker: Global tool manufacturer and distributor with industrial fastening systems (Stanley Engineered Fastening, POP, etc.) plus industrial tool distribution. Overlaps with SFS in power tools, hand tools, and fastening technology, with broader brand portfolio and global scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
sfs unimarket social profiles
Digital presencesfs unimarket compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
sfs unimarket financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
sfs unimarket leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
sfs unimarket subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
sfs unimarket funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
sfs unimarket 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 sfs unimarket
What does sfs unimarket do?
SFS unimarket (SFS Group Schweiz AG) operates a B2B e-commerce and distribution platform offering more than 200,000 industrial MRO products—including fastening technology, machining, clamping, hand tools, power tools, measurement equipment, and personal protective equipment—under proprietary brands GARANT and HOLEX, alongside proprietary logistics software (eLogistics NXT, toolLOG), automated vending solutions (GARANT Tool24, HOLEX 24seven), and value-added services such as 3D printing, regrinding, C-parts management, and configure-to-order, with 48-hour delivery across Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
When was sfs unimarket founded?
sfs unimarket was founded in -1.
Where is sfs unimarket based?
sfs unimarket is headquartered in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does sfs unimarket make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Industrial Products Sales are the primary driver. The others are eLogistics NXT Platform Subscription, goods Dispensing Systems, 3D Printing Service, C-Parts Management Services and delivery and Logistics Services.
Who are sfs unimarket's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bossard Holding AG, Würth Group, RS Group (RS Components), Cromwell Tools and Berner Group. Broad incumbents are Grainger, MSC Industrial, Fastenal Company, Rubix (formerly IPH Group) and Stanley Black & Decker.
Does sfs unimarket have an API?
No public API is recorded for sfs unimarket.
What industry is sfs unimarket in?
sfs unimarket's product category is Industrial MRO Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAFAAAF, Wholesale/B2B Generalist Marketplaces, with a secondary code of HDAEAHAK, B2B/EDI & Supply Chain Process Automation Platforms. Its NAICS code is 423490 and its SIC code is 5072.