History

CIFA’s history is the history of a country and its social, economic and technological transformations.

CIFA: an Italian legacy

Since its foundation in 1928, CIFA has contributed to the story of an industrious, ingenious and forward-looking Italy, driven by the vision of a great entrepreneur and the ability to adapt to market changes.

A story that began with the Ausenda family and evolved through different eras until 2008, when CIFA was acquired by the Chinese industrial group Zoomlion Heavy Industry. This acquisition gave new momentum to the company, enabling continued investment in products and research even during a downturn in the construction market. 

A history built on research, determination and passion, which has led CIFA to become an international benchmark in concrete technologies, achieving a series of genuine technological milestones while always focusing on customers’ operational needs. There are three key concepts for CIFA: simple and reliable solutions, high performance, and field experience.

Products that are increasingly simple, safe, and reliable. A focus on reliability and performance drives technological evolution alongside the industrialization of new materials, with the aim of improving the capabilities and durability of the machines. Finally, the ever-increasing digitalization allows for monitoring machine safety under all operating conditions, with extreme ease of use.

1928 Foundation

On July 7th, 1928, Carlo Ausenda founded CIFA, Compagnia Italiana Forme Acciaio. Thanks to a patent acquired from the American company Blaw Knox, the company began designing and manufacturing formworks for concrete casting containment, as well as towers and antennas for radio transmission systems in Italy.

1958 The First Truck Mixer

CIFA embraced the evolution of the construction market and entered the segment dedicated to equipment for concrete production, transport and distribution. In 1956, the company developed its first batching plant; in 1958, the first truck mixer was introduced; in 1965, batching trains were launched; and by the end of the 1960s, the first concrete pumps were developed.

1974 The First Truck Mixer Pump in the World

Thanks to its close connection with market needs, in 1974 CIFA designed and manufactured the world’s first truck mixer pump, later named “Magnum” in 1987.

1980s Shotcrete Technology

During the 1980s, CIFA developed its first units for sprayed concrete pumping applications.

2008 Acquisition

Zoomlion acquired CIFA, marking a historic turning point for the Italian company and launching it into a truly global scenario.

2010 The Only One with Carbon Fiber

In 2010, for the first time in a truck-mounted concrete pump, two sections of the placing boom were built in carbon fiber instead of steel.

2013 The First Electric Truck Mixer: Energya

One of the most representative products of recent years is the Energya hybrid truck mixer, the world’s first electric truck mixer powered by a lithium battery pack.

2015 The First Underground Truck Mixer

CIFA developed Coguaro 4, the first truck mixer designed for tunnel and mining applications.

2017 The First Electric Spritz Machine

CIFA developed CSSE, the first electrically powered sprayed concrete machine.

2018 The Milestone

CIFA celebrated 90 years of activity, driven by innovation.

2019 The First Electric Truck Mixer Pump: Energya MK28E

Magnum MK28E became the newest product in the CIFA ENERGYA range, joining the truck mixer and spritz system lineup.

2022 The First Fully Electric Pump: Energya K42E

K42E is the first fully electric truck-mounted pump added to the Energya range.

2023 CIFA Turns 95!

CIFA celebrated 95 years of Made in Italy history through dedicated events and an illustration created by artist Ale Giorgini.

Over 95 years of experience A history built around concrete

Since 1928, CIFA has been developing solutions for concrete production, transportation and distribution, combining industrial expertise, engineering know-how and technological innovation. Today the company operates as an integral part of the Zoomlion Group, preserving its Made in Italy know-how and an international presence in more than 150 countries worldwide.
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Over 95 years of experience
Today, as an integral part of the Zoomlion Group, CIFA develops solutions for concrete production, transport, and distribution, combining industrial experience, engineering expertise, and technological innovation with a global presence in over 150 countries.

Zoomlion Group

Zoomlion is one of the world’s leading industrial groups in construction machinery and industrial technologies. Founded in 1992, the group operates internationally through manufacturing facilities, research centers and a global network of branches and commercial partners, developing solutions for the construction, infrastructure, lifting, earthmoving and concrete equipment sectors. Within the Group, CIFA is integrated into the Zoomlion Concrete Machinery Business Unit, contributing to the development of reliable and competitive solutions for the global market.

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Museum

CIFA values its history while looking toward the future. For this reason, the company hosts the CIFA Museum at its Milan headquarters, part of the Museimpresa network. Since 2013, the museum has welcomed clients, students and visitors every year, offering a journey through almost 100 years of company and construction industry history.

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CIFA: THE WINNING ANOMALY

A book dedicated to CIFA’s history tells the story of nearly a century of innovation, challenges and achievements. From its founding in 1928 to its integration into Zoomlion, it retraces the journey that transformed the company into a global leader in the concrete machinery industry, highlighting its unique identity, its people and its constant drive to innovate.

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TALK TO OUR EXPERTS AND FIND YOUR LOCAL CIFA CONTACT

Machines engineered to ensure operational continuity, high performance and reliability even in the most demanding working conditions.