From humble beginnings

It all started in 1964, where the Funen engineer, Henning Hansen, started working with parts in a modest garage space in Odense's harbor quarter. Since then, Newman grew under different names and now has a solid market position with strong Scandinavian roots and the product brands NK and Eurobrake.

From its humble beginnings as a small workshop, the company quickly established itself as a reliable provider of high-quality automotive parts and services. The founder's dedication to excellence and customer-centric approach laid the foundation for what would become a solid, recognized company with Scandinavian roots.

Milestones

1960s: Modest beginnings

In 1964, engineer Henning Hansen started OBTEC in modest surroundings in Odense, Denmark. The business operation was remanufacturing and repair of brake drums and brake shoes.

1970s & 1980s: Expansion and introduction of SBS brand

During the 1970ies the production capacity was extended several times. In 1976 a new factory was built in Svendborg, Denmark. The brand name SBS was introduced together with a series of asbestos free motorcycle brake pads.

The 1980s marked a period of rapid expansion for OCTEC. The rapid growth is especially due to the motorcycle brake pads. Also new manufacturing facilities and expansion of product lines to include a wider range of automotive parts was made. This growth allowed SBS to serve a broader market and solidify the position as a key player in the industry.

1990s: Continued growth

Continued organic growth and acquisition of a Danish manufacturer of brake discs and drums forming the basis of a new successful business area.

2000s: SBS emerges

OBTEC merges with another Danish company involved in the automotive spare parts industry: Nordjysk Kobling (NK) with roots back to the 1930ies. The most important NK operations are import and distribution of spare parts in Denmark and Germany and a factory remanufacturing brake calipers. In 2003 OBTEC changes its name to Scandinavian Brake Systems A/S (SBS).

In 2005-2006 SBS goes into a new business area by taking over Notox A/S which develops and manufactures diesel particulate filters. A new state-of-the-art diesel particulate filter factory is built in Svendborg, Denmark.

In 2007 SBS takes over distribution platform in France.

2010s: Back to the roots

Due to the financial crisis SBS has to slow down the activities in Notox. Consequently a new aggressive strategy plan with focus on the core SBS business areas within brake parts and supply chain is adopted. Notox continues its filter production activities on a subcontractor basis

In 2011, SBS establishes a joint venture with FTE Automotive GmbH regarding caliper remanufacturing in Presov / Slovakia.

The new focus on core business areas births a new company structure with two divisions; SBS Automotive and SBS Friction.

SBS divests its brake caliper production to FTE Automotive GmbH in 2014.

SBS Automotive packing operation for brake discs and drums is moved from Holstebro (DK) to Stettin (PL) in 2016.

In 2016 The Notox division is closed, and all assets are sold subsequently.

2020s: Becoming part of something larger

In 2020 SBS´s division focussing on motorcycle parts, SBS Friction is acquired by Brembo.

The following year SBS Automotive is acquired by BORG Automotive A/S. The acquisition not only gives SBS Automotive a solid and supportive foundation that further strengthens the reputation and credibility, but it also connects SBS Automotive with well established brands like BORG Automotive Reman which makes way for new cooperative possibilities.

The ties to the new mother company becomes even clearer for the market when SBS Automotive in 2024 changes its name to BORG Automotive Newman. Still keeping their ambitious mindset and strong product brands but becoming part of a strong cooperate group.

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