Six Decades of Opening Worlds
At FPS, a proud Business Unit within the FAAC Technologies family, we join in celebrating a remarkable milestone for our parent company: the 60th anniversary of FAAC Technologies. For six decades, this company has not merely manufactured products; it has shaped industries, pioneered innovation, and consistently redefined what it means to connect people and places, simply through: vehicular and pedestrian access control solutions. From the first gate automation system to advanced parking management, the journey of FAAC Technologies reflects a steadfast commitment to making everyday life easier and safer.
1965-1985: Defining a Market, Shaping a Vision
The genesis of FAAC Technologies in 1965 was driven by a clear mission: to transform ordinary movements into seamless experiences. In its early years, FAAC did more than design Europe's first gate automation systems; it initiated a new way of approaching access. This era saw the meticulous shaping of a business model and the careful translation of a bold vision into a long-term strategy. Access, once manual, began its evolution towards automation, turning what might have been an obstacle into an opportunity across Europe.
The 1980s: Growth Across Europe and Technological Flight
The late 1970s marked a crucial turning point, leading into a decade of strategic expansion. In 1979, FAAC took a decisive step towards professionalization with its first training courses for a specialized sales force. This was swiftly followed by the establishment of its first foreign subsidiary, FAAC AG in Switzerland, and then FAAC France in 1981, cementing a commitment to localized excellence and international ambition.
Innovation continued to drive the company forward. 1983 saw a major technological leap with the introduction of microprocessor-based printed circuit boards, a sophisticated technology previously confined largely to personal computers. This innovation paved the way for smarter, more flexible automation systems. The acquisition of FAAC Electronics Limited in Ireland that same year further underscored this dedication to advanced electronics. By 1984, the global presence of FAAC Technologies was accelerating with new entities in Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, truly marking the beginning of its international identity.
The 1990s: Bold Moves and Breakthroughs
The 1990s were a decade of decisive turning points. FAAC Technologies strengthened its position in the European automation market, welcoming new brands like Casali (now Genius), Spazio Italia (now Keydom), and Voltec. This expanded the offering across residential and industrial automation, access control, and shutter systems. A landmark year was 1993: Autostrade SpA entrusted FAAC with the development of high-performance barriers for motorway toll booths across Italy, and the revolutionary SLH patent redefined security and user experience in transmitter technology. This period was about building the future, step by step, partner by partner, innovation by innovation.
2000-2019: Becoming a Global and Multicultural Group
The turn of the millennium initiated a transformative journey for FAAC Technologies, evolving from a European industrial company into a truly multicultural and globally integrated group. This era was characterized by strategic acquisitions that broadened both technological expertise and geographic footprint. Companies such as ALTRON, DAAB, CLEMSA, KEMKO, ZEAG Group, DATAPARK, CTR, Magnetic Autocontrol, Indústrias Rossi Eletromecânicas, Centurion Systems, Wolpac Latam, and Viking Access Systems joined the family, each contributing their unique identity and expertise. Critically for us, this period also saw the creation of HUB Parking Technology, consolidating the parking business under a unified global brand. The expansion also included new subsidiaries in Australia, the Middle East, Turkey, and Russia, fostering cultural bridges and enriching the Group's DNA with diverse perspectives.
As Andrea Moschetti, Executive Chairman of FAAC Technologies, articulates, "Becoming a Group is not only about scale or geography. It’s about bringing together diverse cultures, complementary expertise and a common vision that evolves over time."
2020-2023: A New Era of Expansion and Integration
The 2020s have brought a period of acceleration, driven by continued innovation and strategic growth. FAAC Technologies has expanded its presence, investing in automatic pedestrian doors and strengthening its parking business to shape the future of cities. Key acquisitions like FAAC Entrance Solutions in various European countries, Cometa SpA, and smart parking system players TIBA Parking and Pink Park in Israel and the US, have further fortified the Group's offering in high-security entrances and integrated access automation.
The motto "We Open Worlds" truly resonated in 2022 and 2023, as FAAC Technologies embraced new services, geographies, and opportunities. This included opening new horizons with Aero NZ, and establishing FAAC de México as a gateway to Central America. The acquisition of Techno-Fire in Italy deepened capabilities in fireproof doors and safety systems. Each step forward is a strategic move towards greater integration, fostering smarter and more secure access solutions worldwide - for the parking Business Unit, this has culminated with the rebranding into FAAC Parking Solutions.
As we look back on 60 years, we are proud to be part of this legacy. FAAC Technologies' journey has been one of consistent evolution, driven by a pioneering spirit and a commitment to excellence that continues to define its path forward.
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