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Our History

From its humble beginnings as an engineering workshop in Sweden 190 years ago to the globally-renowned industry leader that stands proudly as a pioneer for a more sustainable way of working. The growth of Volvo CE is far from ordinary.

How far we've come

By 2022 we started testing our prototype hydrogen articulated hauler and delivered the world's first construction machine made from fossil-free steel to a customer. We also introduced new electric machines, making us the manufacturer with the most extensive range of battery-powered machines. We look back at our story of nearly two centuries of innovation to constantly move forward.

1800

1832

Johan Theofron Munktell is commissioned by the city of Eskilstuna, Sweden, to found an engineering workshop for the purpose of developing the local mechanical industry.

1844

The Brothers Jean and Carl Gerhard Bolinder found Kungsholmens Gjuteri & Maskin Verkstad in Stockholm, Sweden.

1853

Johan Theofron Munktell manufactures Sweden’s first steam locomotive.

1880

The Bolinders participate in manufacturing the world's first submarine to fire a torpedo while under water.

1893

The Bolinders build Sweden's first combustion engine.

1900

1906

Even before the age of the tractor, Munktell starts building construction machinery. His first creation is a steam-powered road roller.

1913

Munktell produces Sweden’s first tractor.

1932

Bolinders' and Munktell's companies merge to form AB Bolinder-Munktell.

1950

AB Bolinder-Munktell is purchased by Volvo.

1954

The company introduces its first wheel loader – the H10.

1960

The wheel loader line expands with the acquisition of Arvika-Thermaenius AB Arvikaverken.

1966

The world's first series manufactured articulated hauler, Gravel Charlie, is launched.

1972

ROPS-certified cabs are introduced. The unique structure protects the operator if the machine overturns.

1973

AB Bolinder-Munktell is renamed Volvo BM.

1982

Rigid haulers are added to complement the hauler line, following the acquisition of AB Kockum Landsverk.

1985

The VME Group is formed. It incorporates Volvo BM, Michigan and Euclid, following a partnership with the American manufacturer Clark Equipment.

1990

Compact wheel loaders are added to the range thanks to the acquisition of Zettelmeyer Baumaschinen GmbH.

1991

Excavators are added to the product offering, following the acquisition of Åkermans Verkstad AB.

1995

VME becomes a fully-owned Volvo company and its name changes to Volvo Construction Equipment. The compact excavator line is extended through the acquisition of Pel-Job.

1997

As a result of the launch of the motor grader line and the acquisition of Champion Road Machinery, the road range is initiated.

1998

The construction equipment division of Samsung Heavy Industries is acquired.

2000

2002

A new in-house-designed backhoe loader is launched.

2007

Chinese Lingong and Ingersoll Rand road construction are acquired, and a joint venture is initiated with SDLG. Volvo launches the world's first full-suspension articulated hauler.

2014

Volvo CE acquires Terex's hauler business.

2016

The world's largest articulated hauler to date, the Volvo A60H, is introduced. Volvo Co-Pilot wins Human-Machine Interface award. Volvo CE introduces a range of futuristic concepts: a serial-hybrid wheel loader, an autonomous, battery-electric load carrier and a cable-electric excavator.

2017-2018

The next generation of concept machines is launched – a fully electric excavator and an electric compact wheel loader.

2019

The Swedish machine adaptation specialist CeDe Group is acquired.

2020

Two electric compact machines are commercially available: the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric.

2021

Volvo CE introduces Fuel Cell Test Lab to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology. A single-drum asphalt compactor and the first real-world example of a self-learning wheel loader join Volvo's portfolio of autonomous machinery concepts. Also, we commit to Science-Based Targets in our industry-leading determination to achieve the Paris Agreement goals.

How We Drive Change

Dig deeper into our heritage

Munktell Museum - Eskilstuna

Experience centuries of Swedish industrial history and a peek into our technological future. You can’t afford to miss this when visiting Eskilstuna.

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Volvo Museum - Gothenburg

The perfect place to get a comprehensive view of the development of Volvo – from the very first ÖV4 to today’s entire range of vehicles.

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Past Products

Are you searching for specifications and more information about a discontinued product model? We've got you covered.

Product archive