The group Betafence History
The group Betafence History Betafence sets standards of excellence in its industry and is recognized as the leader in perimeter systems, service, and integration.
From a barbed wire manufacturer in 1880 to a total perimeter security integrator today ... a long and successful history!
This timeline proposes you to discover all the dates which count for our company.
The story of Betafence starts with Bekaert, in Zwevegem, a rural village in Belgium, where local farmers are faced with the problem of cattle damaging other people’s property. Leo Leander Bekaert translates their need into a business opportunity: he starts up a small business in barbed wire by putting nails in twisted wire. Leo Leander Bekaert didn’t invent barbed wire, but he soon designs his own barbs. In 1881 he patents this invention and, in a very short time, recruits most of the village to work.
Bekaert starts applying a protective zinc layer on its products in order to offer better quality and fight corrosion. The activities are expanded, which broadens the product range with wire and fencing products.
In the 1920s global expansion gives a new dimension to Bekaert. Throughout the years, Bekaert will never lose sight of the principle of keeping production close to the market.
A new kind of barbed wire – still produced today – is developed: Motto®, made of two relatively thin carbon steel strands twisted at a changing pitch between the barb.
The post-war period brings about a great evolution in new technologies at Bekaert: the processing of high-carbon steel wire, welded mesh, a great variety of new coatings and stainless steel wire products.
The Bekaert family, which until 1972 has all the share capital, decides to open up the company to investment by new shareholders by listing the company on the Belgian stock exchange.
The fencing division of Bekaert is sold to private equity, to allow more focus on this specific part of the business.
Private equity companies Gilde and CVC take over the fencing activity and continue to expand with investments mainly in Poland, South Africa, and the USA.
CVC acquires the majority stake in Betafence and continues to support the growth strategy in fencing systems and integration of perimeter security solutions, including the acquisition of SecureUSA.
Another important step is taken with the acquisition of Hesco, industry leader in military defense barriers.
In the same year, the Praesidiad group is created. It's composed of the 3 major companies: Betafence, Guardiar, and Hesco
At Betafence, our mission is to continue to engineer solutions that inspire confidence and trust, in a market-driven by a growing global need for comprehensive security, says Joe Cowling our UK Sales manager.
Andrea Bori, Vice President Betafence said: “We will build on already strong and successful business and we are excited to increase our investment and commitment in this highly competitive space and to unlock further undeveloped potential in Betafence Yapı Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., both within Turkey and in neighboring countries.”
The goal is to have a physical space to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and best practices across the organization. Unlike our traditional offices, the Hub’s primary use will be to act as a place of gathering, learning, sharing, and collaboration across our business units. It will also be a space where we can invite customers, partners, and shareholders with pride.
In line with the One Praesidiad vision to be a single global company that unifies the Guardiar, Hesco and Betafence brands, all employee emails will be migrated to a single common domain. On Thursday, 5 March 2020, all users will communicate via a praesidiad.com email address. One team, one company, one Praesidiad.
