Our history

Our DNA is clear and embedded in our name: PRIMA means PROGRESS IN MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION

We have been supporting companies for over 40 years by designing and manufacturing innovative solutions for their productions in a wide range of industries. Our history mirrors our continuous evolution and our constant commitment to excellence.

Our history can be summarized in 4 main phases always characterized by growth and innovation since 1977.

1. 1977-1999: START AS AN ENGINEERING COMPANY AND FOCUS ON LASER AND SHEET METAL

  • Founded under the name PRIMA PROGETTI
  • Foundation of PRIMA ELECTRONICS (now Prima Electro SpA)
  • Development of a wide range of high-tech products
  • First laser machine in 1979 (ZAC)
  • Leadership consolidation in the 3D laser segment (OPTIMO and RAPIDO)
  • Listing in 1999 on Nuovo Mercato of the Italian Stock Exchange (subsequently STAR segment, delisted in 2023)

2. 2000-2014: EXTERNAL GROWTH WITH THE PRIMA POWER BIG CHANGE 

  • Acquisition in 2000 of the US company Convergent Energy: CONVERGENT PRIMA, Inc. is created (now Convergent Photonics LLC)  
  • Acquisition in 2001 of Laserdyne division from GSI Lumonics: LASERDYNE PRIMA, Inc. is established (now Prima Power Laserdyne LLC)
  • Launch of SYNCRONO and RAPIDO EVOLUZIONE, the most innovative machines worldwide in their categories: international awards affirm this leadership
  • PRIMA ELECTRONICS acquires OSAI and doubles its size (spinned-off in 2019) 
  • Acquisition in 2008 of FINN-POWER: the PRIMA Group is third in the world for laser machines and sheet metal working
  • Integration in 2011 of PRIMA INDUSTRIE and FINN-POWER marketing, sales and assistance: the two global branches become "Prima Power”

3. 2015-2022: GROUP INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATION

  • New 3D Laser Next platform launched
  • Inauguration in 2015 of Prima Power Suzhou, the new factory and Tech Centre in China 
  • Inauguration in 2016 of the new HQTC (Headquarters and Technology Centre) in Collegno
  • Launch in 2018, of the new Prima Additive brand specialising in solutions for the metal additive manufacturing
  • Inauguration in 2019 of the new factory and Tech Centre in Seinäjoki, Finland
  • Inauguration in 2020 of the new Prima Power Laserdyne facility in Minneapolis
  • Inauguration in 2021 of the new Advanced Laser Centre and a new plant in Collegno

4. TODAY: EVOLUTION CONTINUES 

  • Delisting in 2023 following the change of ownership, the Prima Industrie Group is now indirectly owned by Alpha Private Equity and Peninsula funds.

  • Prima Industrie Group sold to Lumibird its Convergent Business Unit, active in the development and production of laser sources, in order to further focus on its core business.