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History

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1704, TenCate has grown from a family weaving business into a global turf systems leader. The through line across more than three centuries is consistent: a focus on developing and producing products that perform at the highest level. Materials have changed. Technology has advanced. The commitment to quality at every stage of production has not.

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From humble weavers to high-tech pioneers

There is a story behind every surface. It begins more than three centuries ago in a weaving factory in the Netherlands and continues today on athletic facilities across the globe. A story of material expertise, relentless improvement, and a commitment to building surfaces that perform — from fiber to field.

Timeline

What began over 300 years ago continues to shape the future today.

  1. 1704

    The current company traces its roots to the weaving activities of the Ten Cate family in Almelo, The Netherlands — the first recorded activities of what would become a global organization.

  2. 1841

    Textile firm Koninklijke Ten Cate is founded after purchasing an already operating linen weaving factory.

  3. 1872

    The weaving activities of Lankhorst are officially started. Today, Lankhorst is part of the TenCate family.

  4. 1960/1970s

    TenCate starts developing synthetic turf fibers.

  5. 1987

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

  6. 1989

    Production of monofilament yarns begins, leading to the start of landscaping market.

  7. 2000s

    The rise of third-generation turf — dense fibers, sand and rubber infill — makes system development a central industry focus. The landscaping market for artificial grass expands rapidly across North America and Europe.

  8. 2010

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

  9. 2017

    Royal TenCate and TenCate Grass become part of the same company. TenCate enters the US market through the acquisition of Synthetic Grass Warehouse.

  10. 2018

    TenCate acquires Challenger Turf, Medallion, GeoSurfaces and Academy Sports Turf, entering the US sports installation market.

  11. 2019

    TenCate becomes a founding partner of GBN, an artificial turf recycler.

  12. 2020

    The Center for Turf Innovation opens as a dedicated 16,000-square-foot research and development facility. TenCate acquires Valley Precision Grading. Pivot Performance Turf research and development process begins in earnest.

  13. 2022

    TenCate acquires Hellas Construction, Inc. The Fibres and Fabrics facility in the Netherlands now recycles its own polymer waste for reuse, while the launch of the One-DNA™ concept marks a major step toward fully recyclable single-polymer turf.

  14. 2023

    TenCate acquires Applied Landscape Technologies, Athletic Fields of America, ATT Sports, Celebrity Greens, and GrassRoots Manufacturing, deepening regional coverage and production capacity across sports and outdoor living in the United States.

  15. 2024

    The Pivot turf system launches in the United States following years of research and development and more than fifty design iterations. GeoSurfaces Midwest, Midwest Sports and Turf Systems, Byrom-Davey, and LandTek join TenCate.

  16. 2025

    TenCate acquires Sports and Leisure Group and Limonta, strengthening its position in European and global markets.

  17. 2026

    More than 250 Pivot Projects slated for installation across the United States in 2026