History of

The history of Lode B.V. starts when the founder, Freerk Lode, started Lode as a sole proprietorship in the city center of Groningen. In 1948, Lode’s Instruments was established. Shortly thereafter, Lode began to develop and produce ergometers. The company was also an apparatus manufacturer with a variety of products for medical applications.

An important step in the history of Lode B.V.: Lode Holding (along with the subsidiary Lode) was founded by local shareholders and became the reestablishment of Lode’s Instruments. The company moved from the city center to a business park in Groningen.

In 1984, Lode was taken over by the American multinational AH Robins Co. Being that Lode was now part of an American group, international export began. Lode also distributed products from its American sister companies in Europe. American Home Product Co., a large listed international company, bought AH Robins Co and therefore Lode as well. Lode moved to its actual location at the Zernike Science Park and settled on Zernikepark 16.—–

In 1992, management took over Lode and with that, Lode became an independent Dutch company again. In 1994, the quality system (for medical devices etc.) of Lode Holding became certified for the first time. Dynavit, a German manufacturer of ergometers, was taken over by Lode in 1997. Production of the Dynavit ergometer then continued in Groningen at Zernikepark 16.

Lode Holding launched its own distribution company of professional medical and occupational measuring instruments for the Netherlands, namely ProCare B.V.. Both the direct sales activities of Lode in the Netherlands and the trading activities of the Koenders Group in Almere were accommodated in ProCare. ProCare organizes seminars and (certified) courses for the different target groups. Later on, ProCare also begins to offer complete technical services.

In 2005, Lode Holding established Umaco. Umaco is a specialized product development company with a focus on specific developments for customers in the Life Science sector.

In 2007, the building of Lode Holding got expanded by 700 square meters. In 2008 Lode Holding took over Bonte Technology, a producer of treadmills. Production was then continued in Groningen. The building at Zernikepark 16, Groningen, was reopened after the expansion and the renovation of the old part of the building. This reopening was celebrated along with the 60th anniversary of Lode , the 25th anniversary of Lode Holding and the 5th anniversary of ProCare.

In 2009, Lode Holding took over aXtion. aXtion engages in innovative IT solutions for the care and welfare sector. In 2010 aXtion moved to the building of Lode Holding in Groningen.

In 2009, Lode Holding won the Groningen Enterprise Award! The jury praised Lode Holding mainly because of its innovative and international performance.

This period was marked by several successful market introductions and a significantly growing number of collaborations with various research institutions. Additionally, a huge increase in the number of major conferences, exhibitions and internet platforms were attended within this period.

In the beginning of 2014, Lode Holding took over Biometrics Motion. Biometrics Motion was a successful company within the field of knowledge-intensive measuring equipment for biomechanical measurements, such as those that are used in motion labs. As a result, the company has acquired a complete range of motion scientific equipment. During 2014, all activities of Biometrics Motion were integrated into the daughter companies Lode and ProCare.

Lode cooperated with various knowledge institutes which lead to the introduction of revolutionary products for sport science and research: the ultra large treadmill series Valiant Ultra and the wheelchair ergometer Esseda.

A new model of Lode’s flagship Excalibur Sport was introduced. This powerhouse met the latest requirements for testing elite athletes. It made sportsmedical testing smarter with better results and stronger athletes.

The Covid pandemic gripped the world. Lode quickly adapted and continued to share her knowledge by offering online trainings and knowledge webinars. Lode actively sought connections with knowledge groups in the field of (pulmonary) rehabilitation.

The European Union has changed their Medical Device Directive into a law which is called the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). This change was initiated in order to better control the medical device quality and therefore the safety of the patient. Lode BV fully supports this goal and is proud that the organisation is ready to meet the MDR requirements. This is crucial for the future of medical ergometry.

In addition, Lode prepared for the future. The office building and production facilities were extensively rebuilt and modernized in 2022. Investments were also made in attracting young talent.

2023 is a very special year for us: we celebrate our 75th anniversary! This year it is 75 years ago that Freerk Lode started Lode’s Instrumenten NV in Groningen. It marks the start of the production and marketing of the world’s first ergometer. The start of what has now grown into Lode Holding with no less than 5 subsidiaries, where each day is all about human movement and performance. For 75 years.

We are still true to our heritage and produce ergometers that are now the gold standard worldwide. In 75 years there have been many innovations, improvements and expansions. We are no longer only working on the ergometer, but we also supply a high-quality range of products and services in the field of lifestyle, sport, prevention and care.

We could only become the gold standard by working together. Together we become stronger and lead the way. In a unique way in which quality, innovation, reliability and sustainability are paramount, so that everyone can develop themselves and is driven to get the best out of themselves and each other.

Annelies Wolters succeeds Johannes Wolters as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Freek Wolters assumes the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).