Our history

50 years have passed since Gösta Karlsson founded ELME Spreader. Read about some of the major accomplishments that have made ELME Spreader the world’s leading independent spreader manufacturer.

1973

Gösta Karlsson, the founder of ELME Spreader, registers the company Elmhult Konstruktions AB.

1974

Elmhult Konstruktions AB manufactures and delivers its first spreader to Hyrtrucken in Gothenburg, Sweden.

1978

The business is growing. A workshop in Länshult, south of Älmhult, is completed.

1983

Office and assembling unit move to Älmhult. ELME International, Holland, is established. Number of employees: 5.

1992

All units of the company are now located in Älmhult. Number of employees: 22.

1997

The company expands; more space for the production units is needed. From 1997 onwards, ELME Spreader purchases a number of large industrial properties.

2001

The workshop area is doubled, now covering more than 14,000 m2.

2005

ELME Americas Inc. is registered.

2007

The production rate exceeds 1,000 spreaders a year.

2009

ELME Spreader Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, is registered, soon followed by the opening of an office in Shanghai.

2014

ELME Spreader celebrates 40 years in the business. Number of employees: 170.

2014

ELME releases a new concept in May 2014 – a box with all the genuine spare parts needed to be replaced at service: ELME Servicebox.

2015

ELME launches ELME Genuine Parts - a range of approved spare parts and accessories, 100% made for your ELME spreader.

2017

ELME introduces a line of all-electric spreaders for RTGs, RMGs and ARMGs/ASCs.

2018

The new paint and shoot blasting facility is up and running.

2018

ELME launches 580 INNOVATION - the New Generation spreader Series for empty container handling.

2019

ELME launches 817 INNOVATION - the New Generation spreader with a unique combination of increased structural strength and reduced weight.

2022

ELME introduces the aftermarket range ELME+ and launches ELME Add-on Kit - options that can be added to your spreader after the initial purchase.

2022

ELME manufactures the 25,000nd spreader - a Spreader Model 817 INNOVATION.

2023

ELME launches three new spreader models - 818 INNOVATION, 818 INNOVATION WTP and 857 INNOVATION.

2024

ELME celebrates the 50th anniversary of the company.