HT BENDIX - 1975-2025
50-Year Anniversary with Fitting
In 1975, a young Kaj Østergaard accepted the challenge of leading HT Værktøjsmagasin under the former A/S Herning Trælasthandel. The company initially sold tools and fittings to craftsmen and industry.
Sales of fittings quickly took off and became a core focus. More items were added, sales continued to grow, the name changed to HT BENDIX – a merger of HT (Herning Trælasthandel) and Bendix Tømmerhandel – facilities were expanded, exports accelerated, and the product range kept growing.
In short: Since 1975, Kaj Østergaard has developed the company into one of Denmark’s – and Europe’s – leading suppliers of fittings and solutions for the furniture, bathroom and kitchen industries.
But not alone, as Kaj is quick to point out. Always with a team of dedicated and loyal employees who have taken responsibility and helped shape the company’s journey.
Today, HT BENDIX is part of the Bufab Group with sales offices in Germany and Poland, as well as sales representatives in England and France.
50 Years of dedication and development
The Story of HT BENDIX in an Anniversary Book
To mark our 50th anniversary, we’ve compiled the full story of HT BENDIX in a special anniversary book. It’s a tribute to the many dedicated employees who’ve been part of the journey – some for more than 25, 40, and even 50 years.
From our founding to today, we’ve grown through innovation, strong partnerships, and a unique culture where people and relationships are at the center. The book explores milestones, lessons, and the people who shaped our company – while looking ahead to the next 50 years.
HT BENDIX - 1975-2025
Enjoy going to work
To perform well, you need to enjoy going to work. But how do you measure that? At HT BENDIX, we count anniversaries – and take them as a sign of genuine workplace satisfaction.
Over five decades, HT BENDIX has celebrated 24 employees with 25-year anniversaries, two with 40-year anniversaries, and one with a 50-year anniversary. More than half are still employed and well on their way to the next milestone. Some even left and returned – still in time to celebrate an anniversary.
We credit this to the HT BENDIX spirit and the good humor that still thrives after 50 years.
P.S. It doesn’t hurt that we occasionally treat ourselves – with a hot dog stand or, on a warm summer day, an ice cream truck.
HT BENDIX - 1975-2025
When sports are part of the cultur
At HT BENDIX, there’s always been room for employees with goals and ambitions – even outside of work. Over the years, colleagues have challenged each other in competitions at staff events, running clubs, and sports halls. Some have even made a name for themselves in ice hockey and handball.
What they all share is the ability to balance work and passion. Maybe they left early for training or a match – and made up for it later.
Hiring athletes has always felt natural – they bring a winning mindset and strong teamwork skills, says Kaj Østergaard, who himself has a long career as a football referee.
HT BENDIX - 1975-2025
Success with fitting kits
HT BENDIX employees have always had an eye for trends and adaptability. But one idea stands out: pre-packed fitting kits.
In 1985, we began offering furniture manufacturers bags and boxes with fittings, screws, and accessories tailored to specific products. This saved customers time and warehouse space.
When sales peaked in 2021, we packed 60,000 kits per day – that’s 13 million per year. We can only guess how many millions we’ve packed over the years.
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1975Herning TrælasthandelHT Værktøjsmagasin (A/S Herning Trælast) begins to sell tools and fittings to trade and industry.
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1979HT VærktøjsmagasinHT Værktøjsmagasin (A/S HT) concentrates on the sale of fittings to the industry.
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1985Fitting bagsDDT buys shares in A/S HT. Packing of fitting bags begins.
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1990Structural changesDDT buys all the shares in A/S HT and Bendix Tømmerhandel A/S and carries out structural changes. Lind Trælast and Herning Trælast amalgamated.
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1991Export of fittingsHT BENDIX is founded and sells timber, panels, veneer and fittings to the industry from Herning, Struer and Varde. Export of fittings begins. First edition of fittings catalogue published. Objectives and business concept formulated. Performance-related pay introduced.
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1992HT BENDIX A/SHT BENDIX A/S founded, exclusively involved in sales of fittings to the furniture-, kitchen -and woodworking industry. Stores extended by 350 m2.
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1994ISO 9001Stores extended by 555 m2. Offices extended by 107 m2. New showroom built. Internal quality assurance system in accordance with ISO 9001 established.
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2000ISO 14001Internal quality assurance system in accordance with ISO 14001 established.
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2001New addressChange of address to Rønnevej 4. Catalogue established on web site. Lease of remote stores terminated. Stores extended by 4,043 m2. Narrow aisle shelving and inductance-controlled forklift trucks established.
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2003MiniloadA Miniload-crane with 5.000 locations is established. Starting up packing of fittingbags in Eastern Europe.
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2004Rebuilding and extensionRebuilding and extension of offices, canteen and employee facilities.
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2005Code of conductPrinciples of the “Code of Conduct” are being implemented.
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2007Lean projectStock Management with hand scanner started. Lean Project for fitting bags started. Business Plan is being composed.
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2011FSCFSC certificated.
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2012Change of ownershipOwnership made. DT Group A/S sells to: Industri Udvikling III K/S Claus Østergaard Jensen Kaj Østergaard
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2013SLIM4Professional board established. Planning system “SLIM4” introduced.
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2014House fairHouse fair arranged together with 17 business partners for the third time. Created a new product database for internal use and for customers through new website.
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2016StrategyGrowth goals and strategy for sales are defined.
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2017interzumProject in cooperation with the University of Aarhus, Denmark. Participation at the international supplyfair interzum, Germany. Technical drawings and 3D prints available.
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2018Strategy conceptCompletion of our strategy concept. Restructuring of the leadership team.
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2019Change of ownershipOwnership made: Industri Udvikling III K/S, Claus Østergaard Jensen & Kaj Østergaard, sell to Bufab AB.
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2022WMSWarehouse management system (WMS) implemented. HT BENDIX A/S opens Polish sales office to be closer to customers in growing, competitive market.
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2023Generational changeGenerational change in leadership.
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2024New ERP systemInitiation of the implementation of a new ERP system (Jeeves). A sales office is being opened in Germany to get closer to customers.
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2025Anniversary50th anniversary.
