Based in Shelby Township, Michigan our Technology Center focuses on R&D, engineering, assembly, testing and production
Leaders in superior mobility and protection
Transforming how the Army Moves
Driven by a commitment to warfighter safety and readiness, SAPA Transmission is revolutionizing Army Landpower mobility through superior transmission performance. SAPA Transmission is at the forefront of mobility advancements, offering revolutionary technology that seamlessly integrates with modern military platforms. This provides a significant force multiplier, enhancing maneuverability, reliability, and ensuring superior combat readiness in both current and future operational environments.
SAPA’s advanced technology directly supports the Army’s immediate and long-term modernization goals, delivering high-performance technology and combat-ready solutions that elevate strategic mobility, reduce logistical demands, and continuously transform how the Army moves.
Connect with SAPA Transmission leadership at AUSA Visit Booth 8153 – Hall E
Leadership team
Darren Werner
President
Ryan Howell
VP Business Development
David Castano
VP Administration
Mark Tor
Program Manager
Thomas Zielonka
Supply Chain Manager
With origins in 1573
With origins in the 16th century – Sociedad Anónima Placencia de las Armas is a company with a long tradition serving the defense sector. Today, SAPA is a leader in mobility technologies for armored vehicles and participates in the modernization of major vehicle programs in Spain and the United States.
1573
The Portable Firearms and War Blades Factory of the Villa de Placencia is founded and offered to King Philip II; inaugurating the mass production of weapons. Henceforth, being under the auspices of the Crown, the site is referred to as "Royal Arms Factory”."
1776
Diego de Gardoqui, a Biscayan merchant, acted as an intermediary between the Spanish court and the American colonies. During his tenure, he worked closely with American leaders such as John Jay, George Washington, and Jeremiah Lee. Diego de Gardoqui's contributions were crucial in facilitating Spanish support for the American cause, including the provision of military supplies from the Royal Factories of Placencia de las Armas, which through two consignments sent 12,000 muskets and other military supplies.
1908
Placencia de las Armas Company Limited is incorporated.
1994
Participation in the MBT Leopard Program, with the production of transmission, brakes, final drives, and tracks. Subsequently, the first auxiliary power unit for this vehicle is designed.
2003
SAPA is established in the United States with the aim of designing, developing, and producing advanced solutions for mobility and power generation for vehicles.
2004
The SG-850 transmission from SAPA has been selected for the tracked vehicle of the Pizarro family of the Spanish Army.
2016
SAPA wins the competition to develop the transmission of the future for the DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) with the aim of improving the efficiency of tracked vehicles.
2019
SAPA completes the construction of its factory and headquarters for the American market in Shelby Township, Michigan, with the aim of supporting the US Army's vehicle engineering, production, and maintenance programs.
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