Proud advocates of safety for over 50 years  

A proud family business

 

As modest as we may be at SKP, we still like to think of ourselves as pioneers. Pioneers in taking workplace safety seriously. We were the first in Belgium to require lifting equipment of all sizes to be tested and inspected before use. In doing so, we encouraged companies and entire sectors to think more deeply about their safety standards. Today, we combine the supply of high-quality safety equipment with bespoke engineering. We also provide training and support our customers in maintaining, repairing, testing and inspecting their equipment. A level of service few others offer – because we never compromise when it comes to quality and safety.

50 years of SKP in 10 milestones 

It all began in the mid-1970s as a bold attempt to bring the success of steel wire rope lifting equipment from the Port of Antwerp to Limburg. Today, SKP is a well-established name in high-quality safety equipment, now led by the second generation. Take a journey back in time through 10 unforgettable milestones.  

1975 1978 1980 1984 1990 2000 2001 2005 2007 2012 2015 2023 2025
SKP starts up as a one-man business

On Kempische Steenweg 13 in Hasselt, Paul Put starts up SKP as a one-man business. Driving a second-hand Volkswagen van, Paul headed off to visit his very first customer: Couwberghs nv in Eindhout.

Pressing cable loops, one at a time

Paul invests in a 300-ton hydraulic press for pressing cable loops. A huge investment at the time: 420,000 Belgian francs.

Grandfather and granddaughters in front of the new warehouse

Gerard Put and his granddaughters Gitte and Joke pose in front of the gates of SKP's new operating base in Koersel near Beringen. An expansion from 150 to 450 m2, a major but necessary step after three highly productive years in Hasselt.

Chain assemblies for one of our most loyal customers

Stacks of chain assemblies for what is now Aperam. We have proudly called this global stainless steel player a loyal customer for 46 years.

Belgian pioneers in lifting safety

As the very first company in Belgium, SKP invested in its own tensile testing machine. This allowed us to test the strength and durability of our materials ourselves, fully in line with official inspection standards. It marked the beginning of our strong reputation as safety specialists.

Watch & learn on four wheels

In the early 1980s, all eyes were on our brand-new service truck: our catalogue and showroom on wheels. A truly innovative concept at the time.

From supplier to manufacturer

In 1984, we became one of the few companies in Belgium to start producing lifting and lashing straps in-house. Leading the way: Paul’s wife Mia and his sister-in-law – also named Mia.

The first stones of our permanent home

SKP moves to its well-known current location in Beringen. Less than a year after the foundation stone was laid, the move was already scheduled.

Our former reception area

This is what our offices looked like between the 1990s and 2000s – a period that brought both ups and downs for founder Paul Put and the business. But above all, it was a period we successfully overcame together.

Introducing GrabiQ to the Belgian market

In 2000, we introduced GrabiQ to the Belgian market. These innovative chain components from Gunnebo represented a real breakthrough in the lifting industry. Thanks to the GrabiQ product range and its integrated shortening functions, this assembly could be configured using a maximum of just three components. To this day, it remains one of the most important product innovations our sector has seen in recent decades.

Achieving ISO 9001 and VCA certification

Quality and safety have always been central to our approach. In 2001, we obtained both ISO 9001 and VCA certification. These recognitions confirmed our structured way of working, our focus on continuous improvement and our commitment to providing safe and reliable solutions for our customers.

Launch of our fall protection activities

Alongside our expertise in lifting and hoisting technology, we noticed a growing demand for fall protection solutions within the construction and industrial sectors. In 2005, we expanded our range with fall protection systems such as lifelines, anchor points, harnesses and fall arrest devices. This allowed us to offer customers a complete solution for safe working at height.

Expansion with a modern workshop and training facilities

To further strengthen our service, we invested in a modern workshop in 2007. This expansion gave us additional capacity for inspections, tailor-made solutions and maintenance work. At the same time, we created space for training courses, enabling us to support both customers and employees even better with practical, hands-on training.

Renovation of office buildings with air-source heat pump

In 2012, our office buildings underwent a major renovation with a strong focus on energy efficiency. We opted for heating through an air-source heat pump, significantly reducing both our energy consumption and ecological footprint. This investment marked an important step towards more sustainable business operations.

Celebrating at height

We celebrated SKP’s 40th anniversary in one of the most popular lifting constructions of the time, fifty metres above the ground: Dinner in the Sky.

Sustainability as a key focus

Sustainability received an extra boost in 2023 with the achievement of the SDG Pioneer certificate. We also invested in solar panels, fast-charging stations for customers’ electric vehicles, charging infrastructure for our own fleet and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the warehouse. And of course, we cannot forget our very own SKP forest.

SKP 50Y

SKP celebrates its 50th anniversary!

Why you’re always on 
the safe side with SKP 

After more than 50 years of dedication and passion for our work, we are now entering a new generational phase, bringing new and unique challenges. Investing in high-quality lifting equipment has never been more important for sustainable operations. 
The wellbeing of employees and the reputation of a safe place to work are invaluable. That’s why we continue to emphasise safety – informing and advising this new generation in our own distinctive way.  

 
Proactive

Thanks to our experience across many sectors and countless bespoke projects, we can quickly identify potential risks. This allows us to present a clear plan of action without delay, so implementation can start straight away.

 

Critical

A faulty lifting clamp or a poorly maintained steel wire rope can make the difference between sustainable growth and – at best – a costly setback. That’s why we question every detail.  

 
Flexible

Both in terms of products and services, we fully commit to our customers’ safety. No matter how specific the request, we provide the most suitable solution – standard or customised.

 
Family-run

SKP stands for 50 years of history, two generations of leadership, and one consistent approach. Always with direct communication, full transparency and a focus on long-term partnerships. 

This is SKP too! 

Take a look inside SKP and get to know our people and our shared passion for safety.