For many years Spalding has been the largest mail order company for all garden-related products. The company was founded by Piet Bakker in 1945 directly after the Second World War. The bulb packets he sent were eagerly welcomed by countries in war-ravaged Europe. Over the years Spalding evolved into a dynamic organization with branches in 17 countries and a total of around 700 employees. This growth was accompanied by an expansion in the product range to include bulbs, plants, shrubs, roses and garden articles.