A 100-years story
Ai Group benefits from over hundred-years experience and history.
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1900
Invention
Fire extinguishing powder discovery
A hungarian engineer, Vlamos Biro, discovered the extinguishing properties of certain powders against fires, in order to protect underground miners' life.
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1929
Innovation
Invention of Granito Powder
A few years later, his son, Paul Biro, a former student of the Ecole des Mines de Paris, invented the Granito powder, which possesses all the necessary qualities of an extinguishing agent, i.e. fluidity, impermeability, stability and efficiency.
He presents the first fire-extinguishing truck using Granito powder at the first International Congress in Paris.
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1946
Inception of Birofils company
In order to exploit the fruit of its research, the company BIROFILS is created. The following year, the French national Navy specifically ordered the first powder fire extinguisher to equip all its vessels. These modern design fire extinguishers are called "Granito-Gas". This consecration will revolutionize the old methods of fire extinguishment.
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1971
Building of a factory in Châtellerault
To meet the growing demand and satisfy its customers, Biros Fils is forced to build a new and imposing plant in Chatellerault. But the company's head office is kept in Paris, which remains a global trading place.
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1980
Acquisition
SABO France acquire BIRO Fils
SABO France founded in Chatellerault area in the center of France acquire BIRO FILS.
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1985
Sabo France becomes AI Group.
The newly created company moves to Nanterre.
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1987
Manufacture
Creation of manufacturing workshops in Naintré, near Châtellerault.
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2011
Shareholding
New shareholder
Groupe Gorgé enters the company's capital to the tune of 49%.
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2012
Our commercial offices move to Paris
Ai Group is relocating its Malakoff offices in Paris, in the Montparnasse district, benefiting from the economic influence of the French capital while being less than 2 hours by TGV from its factory in Châtellerault.
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2015
Shareholding
Buyout by Groupe Gorgé
Ai Group is fully acquired by the technology French group, Groupe Gorgé, quoted on Paris & New York Stock exchange.
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2016
Appointment of a new CEO
At the beginning of 2016, Francesco Dartizio was appointed C.E.O. of Ai Group.
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2016
Corporate
Welcome to Tour Montparnasse
To accompany the renewal of the company, the Paris offices are transferred to the 5th floor of the tower Montparnasse, emblematic monument of the capital.
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2016
Corporate
Ai Group unveils its new logotype
Ai Group is endowed with a new graphic identity which is committed to carry the ambitions and the new strategy of the company, delivering innovative and technical products dedicated to professionals seeking solutions at the forefront of their business.
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2017
Business
First products catalogue
Ai Group publishes its first catalogue of standard fire protection products.
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2018
Corporate
New Brand & new website
Groupe Gorgé unveils Vigians, the new brand identity of the Protection of High-Risks Installation Division.
Ai Group is launching its new, more comprehensive website, whose content is resolutely focused on the concerns of its clients on fire protection issues.