Creation and development history of Sortimo products
SORTIMO stands for asSORTIments MObile. This idea has developed over the years into a Full-Service Total Concept.
THE IDEA
At the age of 25, Herbert Dischinger - the founder of Sortimo - opened a wholesale business for fastenings in Augsburg, Germany. He sold tradesmen’s requisites, such as screws and plugs. In order to meet the requirements of his skilled trade customers, the range grew to include drills, ladders and everything that the they could require.
After 13 years of business, Herbert Dischinger hit upon THE IDEA: Tinkering about, he created small insetboxes, made from plastic, that fitted precisely in the metal case, the KM 321, for the plugs, screws and all the small components tradespeople stored hidden away in boxes and plastic bags - this was the birth of Sortimo and the legendary metal case.
From the metal case to the leader of innovation
1973
Birth of the famous Sortimo metal case, which very soon became the industry standard.
1990
“Sortimo Equipment Systems for Service Vehicles GmbH” became “Sortimo International GmbH” and Sortimo also introduced the first van racking system (FE1) to the market.
1991
The market launch of FE1 required expansion of the production and administration departments. In 1991 this resulted in laying of the foundation stone for the factory in Zusmarshausen - ready just one year later.
1994
As the first company in the sector, Sortimo was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001 for the highest quality, which also provided the springboard for cooperation with commercial vehicle and car manufacturers.
1994
An international presence was created in the period between 1994 and 1999 by the founding of subsidiaries in France, Belgium, Austria, Spain, and England.
1996
Sortimo presents itself for the first time at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Exhibition in Hanover, Germany. From now on, the exhibition in Hanover is the most important platform for the presentation of innovative products and new items form the world of Sortimo.
1998
Product optimisation and expansions lead in 1998 to the second generation of van racking (FE2).
2000
Founding of Sortimo Speedwave – a subsidiary of Sortimo International GmbH, with a focus on intensive cooperation with manufacturers of commercial vehicles.
2001 - 2009
Further development of the international network between 2001 and 2009 by the founding of subsidiaries in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden.
2004
Globelyst, the third generation van racking, is launched and establishes itself as the flagship of Sortimo.
2007
The introduction of Globelyst is simultaneously the starting signal for ongoing development of mobile transport systems, that makes the working day of tradespeople even more simple. The range is extended continuously, for example by the L-BOXXes family or the T-BOXX.
2010
While we continue to expand internationally and founded the new subsidiary in Italy, we also find another important business partner in the USA – Knapheide. The American manufacturer of commercial vehicle bodies and market leader in its sector, manufactures Service Bodies comprising steel racking that is mounted on Chassis Cabs..
2012
Bundling of the competences of Bosch and Sortimo in the joint venture BS Systems. The line of business of BS Systems is the ongoing development and sales of the L-BOXX as a mobile repackaging and flexible transport system.
2013
Sortimo celebrates its 40-year anniversary.
2015
A fresh wind again emerges in 2015 with introduction of the WorkMo – a mobile transport, organisation and working system with diverse deployment opportunities and the FlexRack – a shelf developed especially for the requirements of courier, express and package delivery services.
2015
Founding of FISCO GmbH: A joint enterprise of the fastenings expert fischer and Sortimo. This enterprise is responsible for the development and sales of structural elements made from fibre-reinforced plastic.
A new era begins
URBANISATION – our cities are getting ever fuller - environmental awareness increases - the world is changing. Reasons for Sortimo to react! With the ProCargo CT1 Cargo Trike Sortimo is revolutionising urban service and thus also protecting the environment.
You can't get any more PRODUCTIVE! As a pioneer and leader in innovation in the field of mobility solutions for tradespeople, Sortimo has developed a van racking system with the SR5 that facilitates perfect workplace organisation in minimum space for all trades.
DIGITALISATION – the catchphrase that cannot be avoided. The purchasing behaviour and expectations of our society are changing, meaning that old tried and tested processes and systems need to be viewed from a different angle and be adapted to the new requirements. Sortimo is adapting to the future and is changing into an agile partner with many networked services both online and offline.