History
In 2021, SAB Detachering and BuildingCareers Recruitment & Selection merged under a single name: BuildingCareers. This milestone reflects a rich history that stretches back to 1950.
SAB: Founded in 1950
The SAB foundation began over 70 years ago as a subsidized labor pool with a dedicated team unloading wooden ships in the port of Zaandam. Long before the concept of “flexible work” was established, SAB provided essential labor solutions.
By 1951, SAB began supplying workers to Hoogovens (now Tata Steel), addressing the steel company’s critical labor shortage.
Expansion in the 1970s
During the 1970s, SAB expanded its operations significantly. Beyond providing workers for port and production roles, the organization began employing staff for secretarial and administrative positions. As SAB’s understanding of the industrial sector deepened, the demand for skilled technical professionals grew. This evolution led to its renaming as SAB Detachering.
BuildingCareers: Established in 2000
BuildingCareers launched in Haarlem as a recruitment agency specializing in engineers. The agency’s reputation grew quickly, and its network expanded to meet the rising demand. Corus IJmuiden, now Tata Steel, became one of its key clients.
Collaboration with Corus
In 2008, BuildingCareers and SAB joined forces to provide secondment services, primarily for Tata Steel but also for other industrial clients. While collaborating on secondment projects, BuildingCareers continued its role as a recruitment agency.
Tata Steel: A special connection
For 70 years, Tata Steel has played a significant role in the region, and our relationship with this unique company remains integral to our identity.
Our long-standing collaboration has given us a deep understanding of the shop floor, enabling us to assess the requirements of every role and identify the perfect candidates.
In 2015, Tata Steel ceased its participation in the SAB foundation. As a result, SAB shifted its focus to providing qualified technicians and project managers (mbo4-, hbo-, and wo-level) to various industrial clients, transitioning away from production and administrative staff placements.
The Merger: BuildingCareers today
For many years, SAB Detachering and BuildingCareers operated as separate labels, with SAB focusing on secondment and BuildingCareers specializing in recruitment.
In 2021, we unified these activities under the BuildingCareers name, combining our expertise and networks into one team. The history of SAB remains an essential part of our identity, reflecting decades of industry experience.
Since May 2022, BuildingCareers has been based in Zaandam, continuing its mission to connect highly skilled professionals with industrial clients.