Pioneering safety for more than 100 years
Founded in 1918, the company has always been family-run. With its headquarters in Joure (Friesland, The Netherlands), the only goal of Spanninga has been to bring safety of the cyclist up to another level. And this value crossed the Dutch borders, making the Spanninga Group one of the leaders of bicycle safety in the world. Our 100-year heritage and the trust that customers put in the name Spanninga keeps us striving for the next challenges, and pursuing the limitless possibilities of light. That is the core spirit of Spanninga. Pioneering safety. For the next 100 years.
1918
Foundation of SPANNINGA METAAL BV in Joure (The Netherlands) by Hotso Spanninga, specialized in precious metal forging and in particular plaques.
1920
SPANNINGA starts with the production of roadside lights for the automotive industry.
1922
Due to exceptional performances, SPANNINGA receives the distinguished title of: “Purveyor to the Royal Household of The Netherlands”.
1935
Foundation of JOS in Nantua (France) by Mr. Josserand, one of SPANNINGA’s French competitors, specialized in bicycle and automotive lighting.
1937
SPANNINGA starts with the production of bicycle lighting. Hotso Spanninga being originally a goldsmith, first SPANNINGA rearlights were artwork: polished until they shine like jewels.
1947
Completion of the SPANNINGA factory at Geert Knolweg in Joure (The Netherlands).
1952
Due to a shortage of copper during the Korean War, SPANNINGA is forced to use aluminum for the production of bicycle lighting.
1959
SPANNINGA starts with the production of the iconic streamline rearlight.
SPANNINGA introduces the first integrated pedal reflectors.
1960
SPANNINGA creates the first plastic optical blocks for rearlights replacing glass.
1965
Gatze and Gerben (Jeppe) Spanninga take over the company from their father. Each brother owns 50% of the shares.
Production by SPANNINGA of the first insurance plates for mopeds.
1970
Takeover of JOS by CIBIÉ in Nantua (France).
1973
Production by SPANNINGA of the first red reflectors for Dutch bicycles (compulsory in The Netherlands since 1977).
1984
JOS becomes independent again and is now called JOS/CIBIÉ.
1986
SPANNINGA starts with the production of bicycle bells.
1987
Side reflectors in bicycle wheels become compulsory in The Netherlands.
1989
Feike Spanninga takes over the company from his father.
SPANNINGA Netherlands starts with the production of kickstands.
1992
Takeover of JOS by SPANNINGA Netherlands and creation of the company JOS INTERNATIONAL, alias SPANNINGA France, in Nantua (France).
1997
Creation of the first sensors in bicycle lights. SPANNINGA Netherlands brings (among others) the SPX and Ultra with sensors to the market.
2002
SPANNINGA France sells its automotive activities and from now on focuses completely on the production of bicycle lighting.
2006
Takeover by SPANNINGA Netherlands of the European activities of HELLA BIKE.
Creation of a subsidiary in Shunde (China) called Spanninga Bicycle Components, alias SPANNINGA China.
2015
Takeover by SPANNINGA Netherlands of the bicycle lighting activities of PHILIPS.
2018
Celebration of SPANNINGA’s 100 years anniversary.