85 years Looking forward
We look back with pride, but at the same time look forward, towards new challenges, in the next 85 years to come.
ERIKS was founded in 1940 by Arie Eriks in Alkmaar. He started by selling valves and gaskets to dairy farmers, relying on his technical knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. His values—technical expertise, innovation, and customer trust—remain central to ERIKS today.
ERIKS | 85 Years
In 2025, ERIKS celebrates its 85th anniversary, and we are proud of that. On this page, we take you through some exciting highlights from ERIKS' history. Watch the timeline video and scroll through some notable years and events.
Timeline: ERIKS Through the Years
1940 | Foundation of ERIKS
ERIKS is founded by Mr. Arie Eriks in Alkmaar. After the Second World War, the demand for gaskets, rubber, and valves increases significantly, and during this period up to 1955, branches are opened near the industrial centers of Rotterdam, Enschede, and Eindhoven.
Arie Eriks and W. Stroomer (partner & co-owner).
Unloading crates with valves from a barge from Wales at the Voormeer in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
Executives of ERIKS and Saunders Valves Ltd with the revolutionary pneumatic remote control.
The new delivery van of ERIKS Enschede, providing service in the region.
1971 | Flexion
From the ERIKS branch in Vlaardingen, Flexion is established. In 1972, Flexion relocates to Roermond, where ERIKS Aandrijftechniek is still located to this day.
1977 | ERIKS listed on stock exchange
ERIKS NV is listed on the Amsterdam Euronext stock exchange.
1999 | Two acquisitions
In the Netherlands, the drive technology activities are strengthened with the acquisition of E. Schwartz (Rotterdam), and the valve specialists from Noton (Huizen) are added to ERIKS.
2000 | Elmeq becomes part of ERIKS
The Elmeq group becomes part of ERIKS; marking the beginning of the electromechanical drive technology product group.
2001 | Bruhamij Plastics joins ERIKS
ERIKS continues to expand in the Netherlands and welcomes Bruhamij Plastics. This makes ERIKS a significant player in the industrial plastics market.
2003 | Tools & Maintenance products are added
With the acquisition of Van Eyle & Ruygers (founded in 1902 in Rotterdam), tools and maintenance products are added to the ERIKS product range.
2005 | ERIKS Netherlands moves to new building
ERIKS moves to a modern, spacious building in the new Boekelermeer business park in Alkmaar. We have a large logistics center and extensive production facilities for custom solutions and quick supply. Product assembly also takes place here.
Delivery of valves at the Admiraliteitskade, Rotterdam at Econosto [archive]
2006 | Acquisition of Wyko in the UK
ERIKS doubles its revenue and number of employees through the acquisition of Wyko (UK). After 66 years, the Netherlands is no longer ERIKS’ largest sales market.
2008 | We welcome Econosto to ERIKS
ERIKS welcomes Econosto (founded in 1892 in Delft). The two industry peers form a unique combination. The drive technology product group is also strengthened by the acquisition of A.J. Wielens (Groningen).
2009 | ERIKS becomes part of SHV
The stock exchange listing on the Amsterdam Euronext was terminated in 2009 because ERIKS became part of SHV Holdings. SHV is the largest family-owned business in the Netherlands, with subsidiaries such as Mammoet, Nutreco, One-Dyas, Makro, and NPM Capital.
2010 | Acquisitions in plastics, rubber and sealing
The core activity in plastics is further expanded as Kubra becomes part of ERIKS. With the acquisition of Alfa Techniek, ERIKS strengthens its position in technical rubber and sealing technology.
2011 | Acquisition of Hertel
ERIKS strengthens its market position in flange sealing and compensators in the Netherlands and Belgium with the acquisition of Hertel Industrial Sealings.
2012 | ERT joins ERIKS
A fully independent ISO 17025-accredited research and testing laboratory for rubber becomes part of ERIKS: Elastomer Research Testing (ERT).
2014 | Acquisition of Maagtechnic
ERIKS acquires the Swiss Maagtechnic Group from Dätwyler. Maagtechnic is a leading European industrial service provider, with operating companies in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.
2015 | Betaflex joins ERIKS
Betaflex (hoses, pipes, and fittings) becomes part of ERIKS.
2017 | ERIKS' Head Office moves to Utrecht
The ERIKS Group relocates from Alkmaar to the city center of Utrecht.
2019 | New Clean manufacturing facility
ERIKS Netherlands builds a brand-new 1,000 m² Clean Manufacturing Facility at its headquarters in Alkmaar to serve our customers in the food, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries even better.
2020 | Center of Expertise for Plastics
In mid-2020, ERIKS opened a new 10,000 m² Center of Expertise for Plastics in Ede, built to BREEAM “very good” standards. This modern facility supports growth for our industrial plastics division by centralizing knowledge, inventory, and production to better serve customers.
2020 | New distribution center in Halle, Germany
Building the future! The new distribution center and headquarters of ERIKS Deutschland GmbH in Halle, Germany, has opened. With 3,150 m² of office space and 6,250 m² of logistics facilities, a capacity of 11,800 pallets, and fully automated warehousing system.
2020 | Our 80th anniversary
In 2020, we celebrated our 80th anniversary. Over the past eight decades, ERIKS has steadily grown in every possible way. We look back with pride, but we also look ahead—to the future and to new challenges in the coming decades.
Watch the anniversary video.
2022 | Divestment of North American business
ERIKS sells their North American business to LKCM Headwater Investments, marking an important milestone in its strategic agenda.
2024 | Lone Star Funds buys ERIKS
SHV sells ERIKS to an affiliate of Lone Star Funds. ERIKS Group moves from Utrecht to Amsterdam.
2025 | ERIKS divests UK & Ireland business
ERIKS sells their UK & Ireland business to Rubix Group. With this divestment, ERIKS strengthens its position as a leading industrial component expert in Europe, while continuing to grow its presence in Asia through ERIKS APAC.
2025 | ERIKS signs intention to acquire REIFF Group
ERIKS signed an agreement for the acquisition of (the business of) the REIFF Group. This transaction is an important step in our journey to new horizons, enhancing our ability to serve customers in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and China. The completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and the parties expect completion to take place by mid-December 2025.
