SHV: an impressive history

SHV was founded as a coal trading company in 1896. Since then, the world has changed beyond recognition – and so has SHV. Go on a journey that takes in alliances and politics, world recession and global expansion, invasion and innovation… a journey 125 years in the making.

SHV is founded

Eight coal trading firms join forces to establish Steenkolenhandelsvereeniging – or SHV for short.

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Monopoly on German coal

With a monopoly over the trade in imported German coal, SHV consolidates its economic position.

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Innovation in coal transport

Within the modernizing Rotterdam harbour, SHV introduces the innovative elevator transporter.

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Unitas: investing in the future

With the founding of Unitas, SHV invests in the modernisation of the Netherlands.

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Secret coal

Against the explicit conditions of its German coal supplier, SHV secretly trades in English coal.

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Into the mines

SHV acquires its own mine and, in so doing, gains direct access to coal.

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Maritime empire

Wherever possible, SHV takes the opportunity to control every link in the coal supply chain.

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Dealing with a crisis

In the face of growing unemployment and international political tensions, SHV finds a way to adjust to the economic crisis.

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Under German occupation

The German army invades, occupying the Netherlands and dictating harsh terms to Dutch companies.

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Rebuilding for the future

After the war, SHV enters the age of modernity – both inside and outside the brand new office building.

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The switch to oil and gas

A new era calls for new fuel and SHV becomes involved in the transition from coal to oil and gas.

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Major rebrand

As a business that has always kept up with the times, SHV repositions itself and its companies as modern brands – starting with PAM.

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Dyas: the quest for gas

As the search for natural gas wells heats up, SHV establishes Dyas to join in the hunt.

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The first Makro

SHV moves into the wholesale sector with the opening of Makro, bringing ‘cash and carry’ to the Netherlands for the very first time.

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New horizons

Diversifying into new businesses across different sectors puts SHV in a strong position during the dynamic 1970s.

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Scrap metal

SHV gains a foothold in the scrap metal industry in the USA by acquiring David J. Joseph Company.

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Under fire

SHV is targeted by a radical anti-apartheid group that sets fire to four Makro stores in the Netherlands.

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Makro goes global

From the 1970s to the 1990s, SHV transforms Makro into a global brand by expanding across the world.

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LPG worldwide

From the 1980s onwards, SHV begins to expand its international gas network.

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