A Legacy of Innovation

The current company traces its roots to the weaving activities of the Ten Cate family in Almelo, The Netherlands (first recorded activities over 300 years ago).

Hendrik TenCate founds new business in Almelo trading in textiles.

In 1841, textile firm Koninklijke Ten Cate is founded after purchasing an already operating linen weaving factory.

In 1860, TenCate starts manufacturing mill belts for power transmission, a worldwide used product. At the time, an absolute first.

In 1872, the weaving activities by Lankhorst are officially started. Today, Lankhorst is part of the Royal TenCate family.

TenCate starts developing and producing artificial turf. Resulting in new generations of synthetic surfaces, particularly for sports fields.

Royal TenCate starts the production of backing for synthetic turf for sports applications. Production of first artificial turf woven with fibers made from wood pulp in the UK (Woolwich factory).

First slit-film polypropylene yarn introduced, with a cross-section LSR guaranteed strength and width control of grass blades.

Production of monofilament yarns for landscaping starts by Lankhorst, leading to the start of landscaping market.

Start of TenCate’s global expansion with the first manufacturing plant in the US, followed by the first operations in the Middle East.

First steps towards a fully integrated organization. From production of yarn to production, distribution, and installation of synthetic turf systems.

TenCate introduces the first woven synthetic turf system offering optimal durability and playability.

TenCate is delisted from the Amsterdam Stock Exchange and starts process towards becoming an independent artificial turf manufacturer, adding landscaping to its portfolio.

Fully committed to forward integration process with various companies across the world joining the company, enabling us to serve the entire value chain, from R&D and manufacturing of yarns, backing and turf to installation and maintenance.

Partnership with GBN Artificial Grass Recycling to fully recycle and reuse all end-of-life turf in the Netherlands.

The Fibres and Fabrics facility in the Netherlands successfully brought process waste recycling in-house, enabling the internal reuse of high-quality polymer waste generated during yarn extrusion and texturizing.

The launch of the One-DNA™ concept, an innovative development towards 100% recyclable synthetic turf made from a single polymer.

Partnership with ExxonMobil and Cyclyx for advanced recycling of legacy turf in the US.

First dry hockey field in the world with zero-water technology. Developed to create a more sustainable solution without compromising on speed, technique and therefore the appeal of field hockey.

Launch of Pivot®. After four years of intensive research and 54 development iterations, this non-infill product offers significant advantages in installation, maintenance, playability, durability, and overall performance with minimal performance drop-off even after years of use.