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A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1704, TenCate has been evolving ever since. From early textile manufacturing to today’s high-performance turf systems, the story is one of technical skill, adaptation and long-term vision. More than three centuries later, that legacy still shapes how new systems are designed and improved..

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From humble weavers to high-tech pioneers

Wherever sport is played or communities come together, there’s a story behind the surface. A story of progress that began more than three centuries ago in the Netherlands and continues to shape how the world plays today. A journey from linen to turf from humble weavers to high-tech pioneers.

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 (first recorded activities over 300 years ago).

  2. 1841

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

  3. 1860

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

  4. 1872

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

  5. 1960/1970s

    During the 1960s and 1970s, Royal TenCate develops technical textiles used to create water-permeable works.

  6. 1987

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

  7. 1989

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

  8. 2000s

    The rise of third-generation turf with dense fibers and sand/rubber infill made system development a key industry focus, while the landscaping market for artificial grass expanded rapidly.

  9. 2010

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

  10. 2017

    In 2017, after a long-standing cooperation, Royal TenCate and TenCate Grass become part of the same company.

  11. 2022

    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.

  12. 2023

    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.

  13. 2024

    Launch of Pivot (US) and Pure PT (RoW) after years of R&D and 54 development iterations, delivering significant benefits in installation, maintenance and performance.

  14. 2025

    After years of development, ONE-DNA™ turf is now introduced for sports fields, made entirely from a single polymer, designed with the future in mind.