About us
Saro Gastro-Products – Your Partner for high-quality professional equipment
Since 1971, Saro Gastro-Products has stood for the professional planning and equipping of commercial kitchens, hotels and catering companies. As a wholesaler, we consistently focus on the highest quality at fair prices and are proud to be DIN EN ISO 9001 certified.
Our origins lie in the supply of small kitchen appliances such as vegetable slicers. Today, we offer a complete range of products, from refrigerators to serving counters and combi-steamers. With over 1,800 catalog items, we have the right solution for every need. Whether you are a small catering business, commercial kitchen, bakery, gas station, corner store or a supermarket chain, we have the right products for you.
Around 40 employees work for Saro at our headquarters in Emmerich, Germany. The warehouse space has been expanded from 150 square meters to over 10,000 square meters. The majority of products are manufactured in Europe in order to fill the large storage areas and guarantee fast delivery.
Other production sites are located in Asia, where production also meets the highest quality standards. All production steps are subject to regular, strict controls. For uncomplicated, worldwide distribution, we rely above all on a wide network of specialist dealers who deliver the goods within the shortest possible time.
With our dedicated and motivated team, we work tirelessly to offer the best possible service. For more than two decades, we have been successfully cooperating with the largest retail groups worldwide. Our experience in the food service industry offers quality combined with attractive prices and comprehensive service.
Saro is known as a reliable partner in the industry thanks to its 24-month warranty, comprehensive on-site repair service for large appliances and guaranteed spare parts supply. As a dealer of our branded products, you are choosing a strong and experienced partner.
Our history
1971
Foundation of Spangenberg GmbH
In 1971 Hans Spangenberg founded the Spangenberg GmbH in Aachen with a starting capital of 15.000 DM. What started out as a sideline quickly grew into a flourishing business, so that he soon gave up his main job as a marketing specialist in order to concentrate fully on the sale of small kitchen appliances.
1973
Expansion of office space
With the business still run from home, the growing success required larger premises, which were found in Aachen. Here the team moved into the first proper office space with an adjoining warehouse. In 1973, the company needed to expand again and Hans Spangenberg rented office space on Bremer Weg in Emmerich am Rhein.
1975
The first million
In 1975 Spangenberg GmbH achieved its first million. A great milestone that fills Hans Spangenberg with pride. Even he would never have thought that he would make it this far. From now on the goals were set even higher.
1980
Office space expansion
In 1980, the company moved to a larger building at Sandbahn 6, where it is still located today.
1982
Change of name to Saro
In 1982 the company was renamed from Spangenberg GmbH to Saro Gastro-Products.
1985
Expansion of storage space
In 1985, business continues to grow. With the purchase of the new external warehouse at Ossenbruch 7, larger areas are immediately available.
1988
Walter and Tanja join the company
In 1988, son Walter Spangenberg and daughter Tanja Spangenberg join the company. 2008 Walter Spangenberg takes over the management of the company.
1990
New branches
In 1990 the first subsidiaries in Europe and China are opened.
2003
Opening of Saro Hongkong
In 2003 Saro Hongkong is established as an additional location in Asia.
2004
Opening of Saro Quality Check
In 2004, Saro opens the Quality Check office in Guangzhou to ensure that the high-quality standards are also maintained at the more distant production sites. To this day, all production steps are regularly subject to strict controls.
2014
Continuous expansion
In 2014, Saro France is founded and the warehouse in Emmerich am Rhein is expanded to 8,000 square meters.
2015
Farewell to Hans Spangenberg
In 2015, managing director Hans Spangenberg retires and leaves the company to his son Walter.
2017
Further expansion of the warehouse
A growing product range requires more storage space. In 2017, the warehouse was expanded again. Today, more than 10,000 square meters of warehouse space are available in Emmerich am Rhein.
2019
Saro and Feedaxess merge
In 2019, Saro merged with the Feedaxess Group from France and its brands L2G and Groupe SEDA. Since then, Saro has become one of the largest importers of catering equipment in Europe. The cooperation has also opened new markets and sales channels. It is now also possible to supply catering equipment to supermarkets, service stations and petrol stations.
2020
DIN EN ISO 9001 Certification
Saro is now DIN EN ISO9001 certified. This recognition is an expression of our continued commitment to the highest quality standards, customer focus and process optimization.
2021
Modernization of the Saro Logo
2021 is the year of innovation at Saro and the company wants to show this by modernizing its logo.
2023
Change of company management
Walter Spangenberg leaves the company, and our long-time colleague Pieter Derksen takes over the management in Emmerich. He is supported by the managing directors Dominique and Aloys de Charry from Feedaxess in France.
Our values
It is not just our products and services that make us a great team to work with – it is also our values. Our values make Saro unique and shape our corporate culture. We strive to always act according to the following principles:
Team spirit
We always work together, no matter what. This also applies to working with our customers.
Professionalism
Every member of Saro works to the highest standards. High competence, efficiency and commitment are essential for us.
Honesty
Honesty and transparency are part of every communication we have with our customers, partners and of course internally between our employees.
Reliability
You can count on Saro. When we make a promise, we keep it!
Integrity
We always follow ethical principles and respect legal requirements.
Respect and tolerance
We admire and respect the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences of all people.
Commitment to quality
We focus on the highest quality at fair prices. Because our motto is: We make quality affordable!
Responsibility
We take responsibility for our actions and always check that our decisions are in harmony with our customers and society.