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Driving innovation for more than 160 years
CNIM’s remarkable story as a pioneering industrial company began back in 1856. Today, that same commitment to creativity, expertise and innovation is shared by all of the Group’s 2,500 employees.
1856
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1856-fcm.jpg)
1856
The Société Nouvelle des Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée (FCM) shipbuilding company is founded in La Seyne-sur-Mer (France).
1859
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1859-Cuirasse_Patrie.jpg)
1859
The first steampowered and propeller driven armored frigate is built.
1881
1881
The French Navy’s first submarine, Le Gymnote, is built.
1917
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1917-char-FCM%202C.jpg)
1917
The first French tanks are built.
1947
1947
A new type of very rapid pressure-rising boiler is patented, and fitted on all ocean liners built in La Seyne-sur-Mer.
1960
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1960-partenariat-martin.jpg)
1960
Partnership with German firm Martin, which specializes in grates for waste combustion.
1965
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1965-Issy-les-Moulineaux-Syctom.jpg)
1965
The incineration plant in Issy-les-Moulineaux is opened.
1966
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1966_cnim.jpg)
1966
FCM is taken over by Herlicq Group. The company is renamed CNIM.
1967
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1967-Le-redoutable11453.jpg)
1967
France’s first ballistic nuclear submarine, Le Redoutable, is launched, with its missile-launching system having been developed by CNIM.
1968
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1968-CTE-Hong-Kong-escaliers-Wai-Ming-LungP1000916_0.jpg)
1968
The first mechanical escalator is produced for the Parisian public transport network (RATP).
1969
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1969-Ivry_LAB.jpg)
1969
The incineration plant in Ivry-sur-Seine is completed, equipped with two boiler furnaces each having a capacity of 50 tonnes/hour (the largest in the world at the time).
1975
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1975-Moscou_Usine_2_%D0%9C%D0%A1%D0%97%20%E2%84%96%202_vue%20gen%20reduite%201.jpg)
1975
Equipment is manufactured for an incineration plant in Moscow.
1981
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1981-photo%20PFM%20de%202016-Tank%20Transporter%20on%20160m%20long%20bridge%20_4%20copie.jpg)
1981
CNIM is commissioned by the French Army to construct a motorized floating bridge.
1982
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1982-CTE-Hong-Kong-escaliers-Wai-Ming-LungP1000966.jpg)
1982
CNIM is awarded its first contract for producing mechanical escalators for the Hong Kong subway network.
1987
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1987-Tube%20lance%20missile-photo%20Daburon%202010_MG_2076.jpg)
1987
CNIM is tasked by the naval industrial group Direction des Constructions Navales to develop a new missile launch tube.
1987
![](/sites/default/files/media/close-up-of-pen-on-market-research.jpg)
1987
Listing on the Stock Exchange.
1989
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1989-Babcock%20Entreprises-Document7.jpg)
1989
CNIM takes over the British company Babcock Enterprises, both specializing in industrial boilers.
1990
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/1990-Babcock%20Wanson%20photo157.jpg)
1990
CNIM takes over the Belgian group Wanson, specializing in industrial boilers.
1991
![](/sites/default/files/2021-04/London%20bridge-charles-postiaux-Q6UehpkBSnQ-unsplash.jpg)
1991
CNIM wins the contract to build a waste incineration plant in south London.
2001
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2001-Traitement%20des%20fum%C3%A9es%20LAB-photo83.jpg)
2001
CNIM takes over LAB SA, which specializes in flue-gas treatment.
2002
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2002-rachat-activit%C3%A9s-d%C3%A9chets-Alstom-KEN_9915.jpg)
2002
CNIM takes over Alstom’s waste treatment division.
2003
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2003-LMJ-tour-big_0.jpg)
2003
The military applications division of the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA-DAM) awards the CNIM-THALES consortium the ‘Chamber Equipment and Integration’ contract for the Megajoule Laser project.
2003
2003
CNIM develops the SPRAT modular assault bridge (SPRAT: Système de Pose RApide de Travure – rapid bridge installation system).
2008
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2008-L-CAT-photo100.jpg)
2008
The first prototype of the L-CAT® landing craft is unveiled. CNIM takes over Bertin Group.
2008
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2008-bertin.jpg)
2008
Acquisition of Bertin and its subsidiaries
2011
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2011-Vecsys-Commande-vocale-305x225.jpg)
2011
CNIM takes over Vecsys (voice technology expert) and IDPS, an institute that develops health products.
2012
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2012-iter.jpg)
2012
Contract for radial plates for the ITER nuclear fusion reactor.
2013
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2013-Roosevelt-bootom-ash-treatment-facility.jpg)
2013
CNIM acquires Geodur Recycling AG, which specializes in the treatment of ash and the recovery of metals.
2014
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2014-La%20Seyne-RP%20Court_vue%20a%C3%A9rienne%201_20141020%20copie.jpg)
2014
CNIM’s principal shareholder, Soluni (the family-owned holding company), increases its stake in the group to 56.3%.
2014
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2014-pac-germany-munchen-airport-3600kw-heat-pump.jpg)
2014
Acquisitions:
• JJSBF (over-the-counter medicines);
• INVEN (its cooling units and heat pumps business);
• Saphymo (equipment for monitoring levels of ionizing radiation).
2015
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/Centrale-solaire-proto-La-Seyne-%28c%29-Christophe-Chabert.jpg)
2015
• Creation of SUNCNIM.
• Takeover of AMI Software.
2016
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2016-construction-llo.jpg)
2016
• Construction of Llo (France) solar thermodynamic power plant.
• Contracts for bottom ash treatment and ash metal recovery (Europe, USA).
• Disposal of Babcock Wanson.
2017
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2017-WINLIGHT-EXENSOR.jpg)
2017
• Acquisition of Exensor and Winlight (defense and big science).
• Sale of Bertin's pharma and biotech businesses.
2017
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2017-cnim-martin-india.jpg)
2017
Creation of CNIM MARTIN Pvt. Ltd. for energy-from-waste and -biomass in southern and south-east Asia.
2018
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2018-cession-Bergo.jpg)
2018
Disposal of Bertin Ergonomie.
2019
![](/sites/default/files/media/Groupe/Timeline/2019-cnim%20air%20space%20cometal.jpg)
2019
Acquisition of Cometal France and Airstar Aerospace, which becomes CNIM Air Space.