Our history

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

1853
Munktell manufactures Sweden’s first steam locomotive.

1880
Bolinder participates in manufacturing the world’s first submarine in history to fire a torpedo while submerged under water.

1893
Bolinder builds Sweden’s first combustion engine.

1906
Even before the age of the tractor, Munktell starts to build construction machinery, with his first creation a steam-powered road roller.

1913
Munktell produces Sweden’s first tractor.

1932
Bolinder and Munktell’s companies merge to form AB Bolinder-Munktell.

1950
AB Bolinder-Munktell is purchased by Volvo.

1954
Introduction of the company’s 1st wheel loader: the H10.

1960
The line of wheel loaders is expanded with the acquisition of Arvika- Thermaenius AB Arvikaverken.

1966
The world’s first series manufactured articulated hauler ‘Gravel Charlie’ is launched.

1972
Introducing the ROPS-certified cabs. 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 brand names, 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 thanks to the acquisition of Åkermans Verkstad AB.

1995
VME becomes a fully owned Volvo company and changes its name to Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE / VCE). The compact excavator line is extended through the acquisition of Pel-Job.

1997
The road range is initiated as a result of the launch of the motor grader line and the acquisition of Champion Road Machinery.

1998
Acquisition of the construction equipment division of Samsung Heavy Industries.

2002
Launch of new in-house designed backhoe loader.

2007
Acquisition of Chinese Lingong and Ingersoll Rand road construction.

Joint venture 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
Unveiling of the next generation concept machines: a fully electric excavator and an electric compact wheel loader.

2019
Acquisition of the Swedish machine adaptation specialist CeDe Group.

2020
Two electric compact machines now commercially available: the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric.

2021
Volvo CE unveils Fuel Cell Test Lab to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology.

2021 (continues)
A single-drum asphalt compactor and first real-world example of a self-learning wheel loader join the portfolio of autonomous machinery concepts from Volvo.

Volvo CE commits to Science-Based Targets in its industry-leading determination to achieve the Paris Agreement goals.

2022
Volvo CE starts testing first prototype hydrogen articulated hauler HX04

New electric machines – including 23-ton EC230 Electric – available in selected markets, making Volvo CE the manufacturer with the largest range of battery-powered machines.

Volvo CE hands over the world’s first articulated hauler made from fossil-free steel to a customer