History

Sale of Filtration BU and Focalization on Air & Cooling and Suspensions BUs

Michael Sebagh appointed CEO of Air & Cooling BU

Luigi Lubrano appointed CEO of Suspensions BU

Sale of Filtration allowed to realize the value of Filtration in a phase when the unit has achieved unprecedented results, following a program that has involved the disposal of unprofitable activities, commercial development and an increase in profitability, in a favorable market context for the aftermarket division. The transaction entails the reduction of the powertrain component in the group's business portfolio, making Sogefi less exposed to the risks associated with the transition to e-mobility. The transaction also entailed the reduction of the complexity and diversification of the group thus allowing to focus on two high-potential sectors, namely Suspensions and Air&Cooling. Finally, the group will have a very solid financial position, which will allow greater investments for development, already identified and in progress, in the EV market, by leveraging on at least part of the financial resources deriving from the potential sale.

Air & Cooling Business Unit signs several contracts in the field of thermal management of batteries and electronic components for electric and hydrogen vehicles.

Sogefi Air & Cooling receives the GM Supplier of the Year award for the 3rd time.

Suspensions Business Units launches a new factory in Oradea, Romania.

Sogefi Air & Cooling receives the Supplier of the Year award by GM for the 2nd time.

Air & Cooling's Chinese plant continues developing transmission filters for automatic transmissions with several significant new contract appointments.

Air & Cooling Business Unit expands its plant in Romania by increasing the production area and capacity threefold.

Sogefi Air & Cooling receives the Supplier of the Year award from GM for the first time.

Sogefi Air & Cooling signs its first contract for 100% electric vehicles with a French OEM and thus initiates the transition of its products towards thermal management for electric vehicles

Monica Mondardini appointed President of Sogefi Group, replacing Rodolfo De Benedetti, who remains member of the board of Directors.

Sogefi expands its presence in the North American markets through an investment of € 17 million in its plant in Monterrey (Mexico).

Sogefi awarded by the Italian Gipa (groupement inter professionnel de l’automobile) with the “excellence trophy” in the category “contribution to the environment” and recognised with an award by Groupauto Italia for the contribution of Sogefi aftermarket in 'premium marketing' category.

Sogefi, starts up two new industrial sites, producing suspension components and engine system components respectively, in Wujiang, in the Shanghai area of China.

Sogefi receives the award by GM as supplier of the year 2013 in the category of air intake systems.

Sogefi’s Engine Systems Business Unit opens a new factories in Monterrey (Mexico) producing components for Chrysler, GM and Ford V8 engines.

In July Sogefi consolidates its presence in india with the opening of a new factory producing suspension parts in Pune.

Sogefi celebrates its 30th anniversary and, with the acquisition of the Mark IV Systèmes Moteurs group, completes its range of products for engine systems and strengthens its position in North America.

Sogefi expands its presence in India by signing a joint venture agreement, for a 51% stake, with the Imperial Auto group to open a plant at Pune (near Mumbai) to produce suspension components for local vehicle manufacturers.

Rodolfo De Benedetti becomes Chairman of Sogefi S.p.A., replacing Carlo De Benedetti, who is appointed Honorary Chairman.

The Group focuses on its industrial and corporate reorganization to optimize its presence and competitiveness in all markets, especially in countries with very dynamic economies.

Sogefi S.p.A. shares, listed on the Milan Stock Exchange since 1986, are moved to the STAR segment, reserved for small and mid-cap companies who can provide excellence in terms of transparency, communication, liquidity and corporate governance.

Sogefi S.p.A. Headquarters transfers from Mantova to Milan.

In Brazil, a new suspension components production plant is opened at Mogi Mirim (near São Paulo).

Acquisition of the French company Filtrauto S.A., operating in the filters sector, with manufacturing plants in France, Italy, Spain, UK, Slovenia and Argentina. As a result, Sogefi becomes a leading company in both the replacements market and supply of original equipment filtration systems.

Takeover of United Industries Plc., the British group operating in the precision springs industry, with 3 plants in the UK, 2 in France and 2 in the Netherlands.

The acquisition of the French company Allevard Ressorts Automobile consolidates Sogefi’s market leadership in Europe as a manufacturer of suspension components for the automotive industry which extends the Company’s customer base to include all major manufacturers.

A new plant dedicated to manufacturing springs and stabilizer bars for suspension is inaugurated at Fronville in France.

Sogefi becomes the European market leader in suspension components for the automotive industry, which it consolidates with further acquisitions of the German companies Luhn&Pulvermacher and Dittman&Neuhaus. As both German companies manufacture suspension components for trains and industrial vehicles, they are integrated with similar operations already active within the Group.

Sogefi further expands its products portfolio by acquiring the French companies Montal S.A. and ES Metal S.A., specializing in the production of precision springs for special applications.

In South America, the Group consolidates its presence by acquiring 60% of an Argentinian filter manufacturing company.

After identifying growth potential in the South American market, the Group arrives in Brazil where it acquires Europarts Industria de Autopecas Ltda, a former division of Allied Signal operating in the filters sector.

The company is subsequently renamed Sogefi Filtration do Brasil Ltda.

Sogefi continues to expand its international filtration interests by acquiring Coopers Filters Ltd. in the UK and a shareholding in Afico Filters S.A.E. in Egypt.

The Company’s presence in the suspension components industry is further consolidated with the acquisition of two Italian companies (Mollificio Bresciano and Sidergarda) and a French company (Ateliers Métallurgiques de Saint Urbain S.A.).

As part of its strategy of expansion and diversification in the automotive sector, Sogefi takes over Rejna S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of suspension components for the transportation industry.

Sogefi is listed for the first time on the Milan Stock Exchange. At the end of the financial year, revenues are 147.8 billion Lire (equal to 76.3 million Euros) with over 1,700 employees.

Sogefi expands its activity to new markets in Europe through a joint venture with the American group Allied Signal.

Acquisition of Fiaam S.p.A., an Italian company specializing in the manufacture of a wide range of car filters.

Business agreement signed with the US group Allied Signal for the exclusive licence to use the world-renowned FRAM^® filter brand.

Sogefi S.p.A is established in Mantova, in northern Italy, with the objective of becoming a major force in the automotive components industry.

The controlling shareholder is and ever since was CIR, founded by Ing. Carlo the Benedetti, who was Chairman of the Board of Sogefi.