In 1959, in Aalborg, our vision for innovative construction equipment was born. Hydrema—an amalgamation of Hydrauliske Entreprenør Maskiner (Hydraulic Construction Machines)—was founded by local engineer Kjeld Werner Jensen. What started in a modest workshop has since grown into a global manufacturer, known for high-quality, mid-sized machines that set standards in the industry.
Our journey is a testament to innovation, determination, and resilience. From our pioneering first machine, The Phantom, which helped redefine hydraulic machinery, to the advanced equipment we develop today, our history is marked by continuous progress. Every milestone reflects our strong commitment to quality, versatility, and meeting the evolving demands of the earthmoving industry.
In the 1960s, our move to Støvring marked an important step in our growth and laid the groundwork for a series of groundbreaking developments. The launch of the iconic 800 series in the 1980s—combining the strengths of a wheel loader and an excavator—set new industry standards and marked the beginning of our ambition to reshape earthmoving solutions.
As we expanded internationally and established subsidiaries in key markets, we strengthened our reputation for reliability and innovation. Our entry into the defence sector in the late 1980s, including the development of specialised demining vehicles, further demonstrated our adaptability and engineering expertise.
Guided by the visionary leadership of Jan Werner Jensen, we have remained true to our heritage while embracing new challenges and opportunities. Today, we continue to innovate and grow, driven by the same commitment to delivering exceptional earthmoving solutions. Our story is not only about machines—it is about the people, passion, and perseverance that continue to move us forward.
Join us as we look back through the decades and explore the innovations and achievements that have shaped Hydrema and the world of earthmoving equipment.
Foundation and vision: Hydrema was born out of a vision to revolutionise the earthmoving industry. Founded in 1959 by Kjeld Werner Jensen, an engineer with a deep understanding of hydraulics, the company set out to create machines that combined functionality with innovation. The first creation, “The Phantom,” was more than just a machine; it was the embodiment of a dream to make a mark in the earthmoving sector.
Early challenges and triumphs: The journey was not without challenges. In the small workshop in Aalborg, resources were limited, but determination and ingenuity were abundant. Kjeld Werner Jensen’s approach to design and manufacturing was guided by a principle of delivering high-quality hydraulic machinery at reasonable prices. This philosophy resonated with customers and laid the foundation for Hydremas future success.
Moving to Støvring: Our initial success quickly led to a need for larger facilities. The move to Støvring was a significant step that symbolised the company’s growth and ambition. The new factory was not just a physical expansion, but a leap towards greater possibilities and further innovation.
Diversifying Product Range: In Støvring, we began to diversify its product range. The development of backhoe loaders marked a new chapter in the company’s history. These machines were more than just equipment; they were a testament to Hydrema’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of the construction industry.
Establishing an International Footprint: The establishment of subsidiaries in Sweden and Norway in the 1970s was a strategic move that clearly demonstrated Hydrema’s intention to become a global player. These subsidiaries were not just sales centres; they were innovation and customer service hubs that expanded our reach and reputation.
The 800 Series Revolution: The 1980s was a transformative era for Hydrema with the launch of the 800 Series. This series was the culmination of years of research and development and brought together the best features of a wheel loader and a traditional backhoe loader. It was a bold statement in the earthmoving industry and set new standards for efficiency and versatility.
In 1996, we took a significant step forward with the acquisition of Weimar Werk Baumaschinen, a strategic move that profoundly reshaped our business landscape. This was not just an expansion of our workforce and product range; it was a decisive step towards adapting to the specific needs of the European construction market. By incorporating Weimar’s diverse machine range, we greatly enhanced our product portfolio and offered customers a wider range of high-quality, innovative earthmoving solutions.
The acquisition also marked a pivotal moment in Hydrema’s commitment to quality and versatility. By integrating Weimar’s manufacturing expertise and technological prowess, we strengthened our ability to produce machines that met the highest standards of efficiency and durability. The merger was more than just product integration; it was a cultural and operational merger that created powerful synergies, combining Weimar’s rich manufacturing history with Hydrema’s innovative approach and customer-focused values.
The strategic acquisition of Weimar Werk Baumaschinen was a key factor in our growth and success in the European market, symbolising our ambition to lead the construction equipment industry with innovation, quality and a deep understanding of our customers’ needs.
Hydrema’s entry into the defence sector in the 1980s and 1990s demonstrated our engineering versatility and commitment to innovation. Our significant involvement began with a major order from the UK Ministry of Defence in the late 1980s, an important milestone that not only expanded our business but also demonstrated our ability to meet the stringent demands of military applications. This venture was followed by the development of specialised demining vehicles in the 1990s, marking our serious investment in the defence sector.
These endeavours in the military industry were more than just new business avenues; they exemplified Hydrema’s adaptability and dedication to engineering excellence. The creation of demining vehicles in particular reflected our innovative approach to solving complex challenges and reinforced our reputation for producing machines that excel in both performance and reliability. This period of military-industrial engagement contributed significantly to shaping Hydrema’s identity as a company that challenges the boundaries of traditional earthmoving equipment and effectively meets diverse operational needs.
Navigating Market Dynamics: At the turn of the millennium, we experienced a period of rapid growth and adaptation to the rapidly evolving global market. This era was characterised by a series of strategic decisions that drove consistent sales growth, even in fluctuating economic conditions. Our ability to predict market trends and respond with agility was key to our success during this period.
Innovative Product Launches: The introduction of the 900MPV and the 3-axle dump truck were milestones in Hydrema’s product development journey. These machines were not just additions to our portfolio; they represented a leap in innovation and versatility. The 900MPV, with its advanced features and robust design, addressed a broad spectrum of operational needs, while the 920 series 3-axle dumper set new standards for capacity and efficiency.
Resilience in the Financial Crisis: The 2008 financial crisis posed significant challenges for the construction industry worldwide. Our resilience during this time was not just about surviving the crisis, but emerging stronger. Our response to the crisis was characterised by a focused strategy on innovation, customer-focused product development and exploration of new market segments.
Jan Werner Jensen’s Visionary Leadership: The 21st century ushered in a new era for Hydrema under the leadership of Jan Werner Jensen. Taking the helm from the company’s founder, his father, his leadership style combined respect for Hydrema’s heritage with a progressive approach to business and technology. Jan’s vision was clear – to consolidate our position as a global leader in earthmoving equipment.
Driving the Company Forward: Jan Werner Jensen has played a pivotal role in navigating Hydrema through a landscape of new market opportunities and challenges. Under his leadership, the company has not only expanded its global footprint, but also intensified its focus on technological innovation and operational efficiency. His approach to leadership is characterised by a keen understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to sustainable growth.
Excellence at the centre: Jan Werner Jensen’s leadership has ensured that Hydrema’s tradition of producing high-quality, innovative machinery continues. His emphasis on customer satisfaction, employee welfare and sustainable practices has further enhanced the company’s reputation and market position.
More than production: As Denmark’s leading manufacturer of large construction machinery, Hydrema is more than just a manufacturing company today. We are at the forefront of innovation in the earthmoving industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in machine design and functionality.
Expansion and Evolution: Our facilities have undergone significant expansion, reflecting our commitment to meeting the growing market demand. This expansion is combined with continuous evolution in our product lines, ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends and customer expectations.
Commitment to Innovation and Quality: The future for Hydrema is bright, underpinned by our unwavering dedication to innovation, quality and customer-focused engineering. We don’t just keep up with the industry; we set the pace with a clear focus on developing solutions that meet the challenges of tomorrow’s earthmoving needs.