The SERRA Sawmills success story
From pioneers to professionals: our history at a glance
From its beginnings in the Canadian forests to its establishment in the global wood industry – the history of SERRA Sawmills is characterized by its pioneering spirit, continuous innovation and untiring commitment. Take a look at the company history and learn interesting details about the founding, further development and strengthening of the SERRA brand!
1987: pioneering work overseas
The SERRA success story began in Canada in 1987. At a trade fair in Toronto, Hans Fritz Senior discovered the advantages of the mobile band, had one of the machines shipped to Germany and tested it on his own woodland. The result: a short time later, he presented the new machine at the Zentrallandwirtschaftsfest in Munich, generating lively interest from carpenters, joiners, farmers and foresters.
1990: potential becomes perfection
The machine filled a gap in the market, because mobile sawmills were absolutely new in Germany. However, the new target audience wanted products that comply with specific standards. So a customized mobile sawmill that complies with German standards was developed in collaboration with metalworking experts, farmers and foresters. And at last, in 1989: the first prototypes were ready – time to revolutionize the sawing industry!
1999: on the way to becoming a quality brand …
Demand was high right from the start of the company’s history. Two new sawmills were manufactured every week, and suggestions for improvement were implemented continuously. Right from the beginning, then, SERRA stood for constant optimization and premium quality – an approach that soon paid off: the company was able to establish its own production department in the year 1999.
The turn of the millennium and a new home for SERRA Sawmills
The new millennium was characterized by growth and renewal. In 2002, the SERRA team moved into the company’s new head office in Rimsting on Lake Chiemsee: a total of 6,000 square meters, including offices and a production hall where compliance with SERRA’s stringent technical standards is ensured.
In 2008, the premises were extended to include an additional production hall, with a third hall being added in 2011. A state-of-the-art welding shop, an intelligent storage system and several production stations were also added – growth at SERRA prompted by technical progress.
2019– 2022: a new era
Acquisition by the WINTERSTEIGER Group in the year 2019 strengthened the position of SERRA on the market. The 30th anniversary of the company’s founding, celebrated in 2020, and the KWF seal of approval “Profi,” awarded to the Cut Coach tension simulator in 2022, have generated further confidence in the brand.
SERRA today
As a regional supplier with the highest quality standards and personal customer service, SERRA now enjoys an excellent reputation with experts in the timber industry worldwide. We are proud of our roots, our history and our close relationship with our customers. SERRA saws are the right choice – we guarantee quality, precision and passion with every cut!