In February 1949, Armando Cimolai, at just twenty years old and after working as a labourer, decided to start his own business dedicated to “working iron”: gates, railings, tools and small repairs in Via Codafora, Pordenone.
In 1951, the nearby Noncello River overflowed, flooding the workshop. Armando therefore opened a new light steel fabrication workshop, supported by his wife Albina Poles, who from then on would take care of the administrative side.
In the 1960s, the Italian economic boom fostered industrial expansion and opened up new growth opportunities for Cimolai. The growing demand for infrastructure and production plants led the company to expand its capabilities, investing in innovative technologies and increasing its number of employees.
In this context, the Viale Venezia plant was established: warehouses equipped with systems for the production of medium-heavy steel structures, with adequate spaces and lifting equipment, on an area of 55,000 square metres, of which 23,000 are covered.
Within a few years, the company reached 250 employees, establishing itself as a key partner for major industrial companies such as Zanussi, Fiat and Valeo, which entrusted Cimolai with the construction and expansion of their facilities.
To meet the growing demands of the market, the Polcenigo plant was built in 1974, equipped for the production of heavy steel structures. The company continued to secure major contracts for the construction of bridges and industrial buildings.
During these years, new processes were also introduced, such as welded beams and aircraft shelters , which helped propel Cimolai towards the international market.
Development continued and, in 1986, a new plant was opened in Roveredo in Piano. However, the workshop had a more distinctly mechanical focus, thanks to the presence of a turning department that also enabled the construction of machinery.
The plant makes it possible to combine technological excellence and construction capability, tackling works of great complexity and scale. This path was also made possible by the parallel development of advanced engineering expertise, capable of designing and supervising production while envisioning assembly operations from the outset, thus influencing the entire conception of the finished work.
During these years, Cimolai also became one of the first companies in Italy to introduce 3D modeling.
In 1991, the “Service Center” in San Quirino was launched, while the company progressively consolidated its presence in international markets.
In 2003, the San Giorgio di Nogaro plant was built, equipped with a quay for ships to berth, providing direct access to maritime transport and avoiding the complex and costly transfer to other embarkation points.
Production of thick-walled LSAW pipes began here and, from 2007, so did the construction of ship hulls thanks to the collaboration with T.Mariotti SpA.
After around thirty years working in the company alongside his father Armando and his mother Albina, in 2006 Luigi Cimolai became the sole owner of Costruzioni Armando Cimolai.
In 2012, a new plant was inaugurated in Monfalcone: 60,000 sqm of covered space over a total area of 280,000 sqm. Its proximity to the Port of Monfalcone further facilitates transport operations, making the site particularly suitable for the production of large preassembled elements.
Precision mechanical machining on large elements was also introduced here, further expanding the Group’s production capabilities.
In 2015, Cimolai Heavy Lift Srl was also established, dedicated to the handling and lifting of large structures.
In 2017, new automatic systems for dimensional control in pipe production, a heat-treatment furnace, and an automated system for UT inspections were installed.
In 2019, new technologies for the laser cutting of profiles and sheets were introduced and, in 2020, welding robotics at the Polcenigo plant.
Cimolai expands its presence in Central and South America through highly complex projects and strengthens its role in Europe also as a general contractor.
Meanwhile, the San Giorgio di Nogaro and Monfalcone plants were expanded, bringing the covered area of both sites to 60,000 sqm.
Cimolai confirms its position in the steel construction sector as a market leader, completing major projects both nationally and internationally.
The company continues to develop important collaborations in its historical sectors and, at the same time, expands its divisions to explore new markets, both geographically and in terms of product areas.
What drives us
We look to the future, committed to shaping the most ambitious ideas in steel engineering and architecture, while respecting people and the local area.
Our journey towards sustainability
For the environment, people and the local area, with ethics and transparency. Our commitment to a more sustainable future.
Ownership data
Cimolai S.p.A.
Single-member company
Cimolai Head Office
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