In 2025, we will celebrate 40 years of HABA. A milestone. A moment to reflect on. To look back with pride at what we have achieved together. And then to quickly look ahead again, at the opportunities that still lie ahead.
A (motorhome) trip down memory lane
1972
Start with Westlandse Caravan Centrale (4 employees)
On 3 May 1972, Jan and Wim Batist laid the foundations by establishing the Westlandse Caravancentrale in Gouda. With the focus on building, selling and servicing caravans, the first step into the camping industry was made.
There was also already a small accessories shop and extension leads were produced in-house.
The premises is located at Middelbroekweg in Honselersdijk.
There was also already a small accessories shop and extension leads were produced in-house.
The premises is located at Middelbroekweg in Honselersdijk.
Westlandse Caravan Centrale
Westlandse Caravan Centrale
Westlandse Caravan Centrale
Westlandse Caravan Centrale
Westlandse Caravan Centrale
Westlandse Caravan Centrale
Shop camping accessories
1985
Founding - Recreation wholesaler HABA BV
From workshop and shop to wholesaler of camping accessories.
A big step that calls for an apt wholesale name. The name HABA therefore comes from Handelsmaatschappij Batist.
The range includes mirrors and self-assembled extension leads.
A big step that calls for an apt wholesale name. The name HABA therefore comes from Handelsmaatschappij Batist.
The range includes mirrors and self-assembled extension leads.
HABA vans
Warehouse
1986
HABA to the Brussels trade fair for the first time.
How exciting it is to be able to be a participant at a trade fair in the first year of its founding.
No fancy fair halls yet with tightly laid floors and carpeted paths, just a canopy on rock-hard clay soil. Beautiful, isn't it?
No fancy fair halls yet with tightly laid floors and carpeted paths, just a canopy on rock-hard clay soil. Beautiful, isn't it?
First fair in Brussel
1992
Relocation to Bandijkweg Maasdijk
Major growth necessitated a move to larger a premises. This was found at Bandijkweg in Maasdijk. The building has a size of 650m² with a height of 6m.
There are now 11 employees.
There are now 11 employees.
Relocation Bandijkweg
1996
Moving to the Transportweg
In a short space of time, HABA is once again outgrowing its premises.
Moving to the Transportweg means increasing the warehouse area to 1000m² and in height to 8m. Separately, there is now also an office space of 120m².
Moving to the Transportweg means increasing the warehouse area to 1000m² and in height to 8m. Separately, there is now also an office space of 120m².
Moving to the Transportweg
Moving to the Transportweg
Moving to the Transportweg
1998
First imports from the Far East
Trade is expanding to the extent that direct sourcing from the Far East is becoming possible, providing new opportunities for growth.
Trip to Hong Kong
2000
Moving to Oud Camp Maasland
The move to own sourcing from the Far East again calls for a larger warehouse.
In 2005, this will be scaled up even further to 2,500m² This will bring the total storage space to 20,000m³.
In 2005, this will be scaled up even further to 2,500m² This will bring the total storage space to 20,000m³.
Moving to Oud Camp Maasland
2010
Change in branding
The world is slowly shifting towards online sales and presence.
HABA stays in the game and with a new logo and website is now focusing on consumer demand for a clear distinction in product lines and information about the products.
The product lines are expanded to six: Crusader (electrics), Carasafe (chassis), Maas (water), Mondocamp (tent), Smat (mirrors) and Silverpoint (household).
HABA stays in the game and with a new logo and website is now focusing on consumer demand for a clear distinction in product lines and information about the products.
The product lines are expanded to six: Crusader (electrics), Carasafe (chassis), Maas (water), Mondocamp (tent), Smat (mirrors) and Silverpoint (household).
Stand HABA
Stand HABA
HABA logo 2010 - 2017
2013
First internet order
How exciting it is when you make the jump from notepad and fax to internet ordering!!!
A move that both customer and employee are very happy with.
A move that both customer and employee are very happy with.
First internet order
2015
Son Tim Batist continues HABA
By now, HABA can call itself a renowned company. Founder Jan Batist steps back and gives his son Tim Batist the space to take HABA to the next level. Both are proud to continue this family business.
Tim Batist
2018
HABA #HappyCampers
It is time to give the HABA name a more central place in the appearance in shops.
With HABA #HappyCampers, we say goodbye to the six product lines.
The whole operation is called HABA in a new jacket and all products will literally be given a new look. So will the website, catalogue and other publications.
With HABA #HappyCampers, we say goodbye to the six product lines.
The whole operation is called HABA in a new jacket and all products will literally be given a new look. So will the website, catalogue and other publications.
Introduction of current corporate identity
HABA logo
2025
Anniversary
We are now in 2025 and can proudly celebrate our 40th anniversary.
HABA has grown into a company with 22 employees, who collectively ensure that our camping accessories are delivered to shops and wholesalers in 36 different countries.
How wonderful is a family business like this!
HABA has grown into a company with 22 employees, who collectively ensure that our camping accessories are delivered to shops and wholesalers in 36 different countries.
How wonderful is a family business like this!
Anniversary logo HABA 40 year
1972
1985
1986
1992
1996
1998
2000
2010
2013
2015
2018
2025