About Us - Our History

Now in its 37th year, SA Sport is one of the most trusted gymnasium and sports equipment manufacturers in North America. Our product line is highly specialized and includes gymnastic apparatus and mats, sport mat surfaces, volleyball, badminton and tennis systems, and preschool/developmental equipment. Our head office facilities include 75,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, a full complement machine shop and fully computerized engineering with Auto CAD and sales and warehousing facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

Our entire tradition is based on a commitment to manufacture high quality equipment that meets the standards and expectations of our served markets. And our vision continues to be a global leader in the continuous development of training and competitive athletic equipment through innovation, quality and design.

SA Sport then...

1971 – Murray and the late Dolly Anderson partnered with Spieth (Germany) to import the Original Reuther designed apparatus line to the North American market – names synonymous with the most advanced and innovative equipment design in the world.

1974 - Spieth Anderson began manufacturing the Spieth line in North America. Government import surcharges and volatile world currency fluctuations played havoc on imports and the move to manufacturing was essential for survival.

Highlights during these early years included the supply of Spieth Anderson equipment to the 1976 Olympic Games, 1980 World Cup, 1985 World Championships, Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games and many more.

In the late 70's Murray Anderson became focused on elevating equipment performance standards; building equipment that would safely allow gymnasts to push the limits of athletic performance

1980 – Spieth Anderson initiated a major R&D program in conjunction with the University of Waterloo, Canada; leading scientists in field of Kinesiology and Civil Engineering guided research efforts.

Through the 80's Spieth Anderson experienced significant growth; Two more factory additions were required to keep up with the demand, growing to 35,000 sq. ft. Facilities were also added in Columbus Ohio and Ft. Worth Texas.

1981 - The original R&D program expanded with the purchase of a Hybrid 111 biomechanically based car crash dummy for precise, scientific simulation of injury during gymnastics. Used in test situations, it responds much like a human body.

From the data gained from the research, Spieth Anderson pioneered technological advancements in mat and floor production, incorporating superb shock absorption, orthopedic and rebound qualities to respond to the need to minimize injury and absorb impact while responsive to the challenges of creative performance

1996 – A new building was constructed in Ft. Worth to consolidate sales, warehousing, light assembly and floor manufacturing.

2000 – SA Sport ended its partnership with Spieth Holtztechnik in Germany; Murray Anderson retired as president after 29 years dedicated to the development of the sport of gymnastics in North America.

and now...37 years strong

President & CEO Barbara Anderson continues her father's vision to be a global leader in the evolution of the sport of gymnastics. She has ushered in a new era with a corporate reorganization, extensively expanded on-site R&D testing facilities (see the Safety and Performance section) and expanded manufacturing facilities. Total facilities in Canada and the United States now total 75,000 sq. ft. The third generation has come on stream.

2007 - Barb welcomes Scott Roth to the Spieth Anderson team as Chief Operating Officer. Scott brings with him over 40 years of experience in the sport of gymnastics. His background includes over 25 years coaching at all levels of the sport, as well as 20 years in sales & marketing management, and product development. He has worked closely with USAG, the NCAA, and the FIG on numerous major national and international events, and was a liaison to the newly formed FIG apparatus committee from 2000-2006