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CIMA: a story driven by a passion for gears since 1942

1950 ♦ 1942

The Origins

CIMA (Costruzione Italiana Macchine Attrezzi) was founded in 1942 in Bologna, at the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley.
It began as a manufacturer of machine tools, in an industrial context undergoing rapid transformation.
By 1946, the company had started producing precision gears, marking the beginning of a technical specialization that would become its hallmark.
At the same time, CIMA launched the design and manufacture of gear-cutting machines, building internal expertise both in component production and in proprietary technology development.

1950-1942 history
History 1980-1950

1980 ♦ 1950

The Motorsport Drive

CIMA established itself as a trusted technical partner for high-performance vehicle manufacturers.
From the 1950s onward, the company began working with Formula 1 teams, supplying high-precision gears for engines and transmissions.
Its ability to deliver lightweight, durable, and reliable solutions under extreme conditions cemented CIMA’s international reputation.
In 1970, it established its in-house heat treatment department, further enhancing the performance and quality of its components, especially for the racing and automotive sectors.

2000 ♦ 1980

Joining Coesia and Industrial Diversification

In 1980, CIMA became part of industrial group CSII (now Coesia), significantly expanding its technological and organizational capabilities.
Joining an international group enabled the company to accelerate its innovation and development activities.
During this period, CIMA extended its operations beyond the racing and automotive sectors, entering the aerospace market and other high-tech industrial segments.
Its integrated approach, combining design, precision machining, heat treatment, and functional testing, became the company’s new operational standard.
 

History 2000-1980
2010-2000 history

2010 ♦ 2000

Innovation and Sustainability

At the beginning of the new millennium, CIMA made significant investments to strengthen its presence in the hypercar and high-performance segments.
Between 2002 and 2009, a low-pressure carburizing plant was installed to produce gears for next-generation 6-speed transmissions used in supercars and extreme-performance applications.
In parallel, the company embraced sustainability by installing an 895 kWp photovoltaic power plant, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of its production processes and anticipating the industry’s growing focus on energy responsibility.

2020 ♦ 2010

Aerospace and Total Quality

During this decade, CIMA further strengthened its position as a global technology partner.
Its entry into the aerospace sector was supported by a strategy focused on excellence and by certifications such as EN 9100, alongside NADCAP for special processes.
The company enhanced automation and developed increasingly complex and lightweight solutions.
CIMA gears and subassemblies found applications in critical environments such as motorsport, aviation, and automated machinery, where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.

History Coesia
cima 80

2024 ♦ 2020

Strategic Expansion and Technological Innovation

Starting in 2021, CIMA entered a phase of significant expansion in the global motorsport sector, strengthening its presence in international competitions through intensified commercial efforts and new partnerships with teams and manufacturers. This momentum led to increased production volumes, particularly for hypercar projects, while maintaining the company’s hallmark precision and performance.

In 2022, CIMA celebrated its 80th anniversary, marking a major milestone that reaffirmed its legacy of engineering excellence. The event was a moment of shared reflection, highlighting the company’s enduring values of quality, innovation, technical expertise, and customer focus, and reinforcing its identity as a leader in Italian mechanical engineering.

The year 2023 saw CIMA’s entry into the e-mobility sector, launching a new development phase with the installation of advanced CNC machines dedicated to producing components for electric transmissions. This strategic investment responded to the growing demand for efficient, lightweight, and silent solutions in high-performance electric vehicles, applying motorsport expertise to sustainable mobility.

In 2024, CIMA expanded its international footprint by initiating business development activities in the North American market. With a dedicated structure to serve U.S. customers, the company strengthened its role as a global partner, combining operational flexibility with a deep understanding of local market needs.