SHV has supplied energy for over 100 years
The early coal entrepreneurs
A group of Dutch coal wholesale entrepreneurs founded SHV in 1896. By 1907 the company had built innovative coal handling equipment and was a frontrunner in developing Rotterdam harbour. In 1918 SHV began a venture capital company, Unitas that was involved in founding Hoogovens, Akzo and KLM. SHV started exporting coal in 1924 and this soon became an important part of the company’s activities.
Oil
In 1939 SHV established an oil bunker station and in the 1950s purchased oil interests in Austria and Italy and owned gasoline stations in the Netherlands, Austria and Germany. SHV also sold heating oil in the Benelux and Denmark and took part early Dutch natural gas development.
Shipping
SHV became majority shareholder in the shipping company VEM, which became its first major oil customer. After 1945, SHV’s Rhine coal transportation fleet was incorporated in its subsidiary NRV – then the biggest inland shipping company in the world.
Diversification
In the late 1960s SHV entered a number of European based markets - distribution, installation and trading. By the 1970s SHV was one of the largest employers in the Netherlands. Later, activities spread geographically with the acquisition of scrap metal interests in the USA.
In 1968 SHV opened its first Makro store in Amsterdam. This was expanded to other European countries, the Americas and Asia. Other well-known interests were Otto Reichelt, Xenos and Kijkshop.
Geveke Electronics handled the electronics activities and GTI the technical installation work. GTI, Geveke and Geveke Electronics (now Getronics) became independent companies in 1983.
Energy and consumer goods
From the 1980s SHV re-focused on trading in energy and consumer goods. LPG distribution activities and Makro stores were expanded. LPG activities were started in various South American and Asian countries.
Recent past
SHV has continued to invest in European LPG companies and expand the Makro operation in South America. The metal scrap processing and trading activities were sold. Acquisitions include a Dutch private equity company and a Dutch heavy-lifting and transport company. First steps have been made in the renewable energy sector.
The entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped the company throughout the years still flourishes today.