SARIS 65 years

Ferry Saris

SARIS Aanhangers celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. We look back on a rich history of growth and beautiful products. But what truly makes our company special? It’s our loyal employees who work at SARIS every day with dedication and commitment.

Loyal employees

which are much appreciated!

In the coming months, one of our valued team members will be featured each month in a series of inspiring stories. Discover the people behind SARIS and learn more about their unique individual contributions to our success story!

Memories of the early years

Ferry Saris, third generation and current owner of SARIS Aanhangers, knows from the stories how it all began.

“In fact, the company has existed for much longer because, in 1913, my great-grandfather started a blacksmith shop. After the war, my father and his brother began working in the smithy. From blacksmiths, they evolved into trailer builders.” 65 years ago, the brothers decided to go their separate ways. “My father built a new facility, including a bungalow on the factory grounds where we lived. I still remember my older brother Henny grabbing a pot of paint to finish a series of trailers,” Ferry says with a smile. “We were right there, watching everything closely, and it was only natural that we rolled up our sleeves too!”

“We have the right people, a strong foundation, and a clear goal in sight.”

Ferry Saris

Owner

Learning and working

“Later, I combined my studies with vacation work in the factory; this was around 1978/1979. I worked in production, drilling holes in strips,” he recalls. The atmosphere in the company and the stories in the cafeteria with colleagues made a big impression on him. After his studies in Business Economics in Tilburg, Ferry worked at an accounting firm in Eindhoven, which also worked for his father. However, the family business kept pulling him, and at the age of 26, he returned to SARIS in a financial role to run the family business together with his brother Henny.

Outside the comfort zone

At the age of 32, Ferry again chose to gain experience outside the family business. He worked at a call center in Zoetermeer, where he learned a lot about changing business cultures and growth. “The company’s revenue grew from 25 million to half a billion in a few years. It was a great learning experience,” he says. Life in big cities like Rotterdam and Antwerp fascinated him, especially the diversity of people and backgrounds.

Return to SARIS

In 2006, Ferry returned to the family business with a wealth of experience. The company had grown significantly, but the organization and business structure had not evolved enough. He saw the need to modernize processes and introduced a new ERP system. “There was some resistance, but it was necessary to bring our company to a higher level, and we successfully achieved that.”

Proud of the past, ready for the future

Ferry is extremely proud of what SARIS has achieved in 65 years. “We have the right people, a strong foundation, and a clear goal in sight. The younger generation is joining, and there is plenty of room for personal development.” His wish for the future? “Do what we do well! We are strong in the market and have laid a good foundation for the next 65 years.”