The Atom group and Torielli have reached an agreement for the acquisition by Atom of the UK company CSM3D, developer of the well-respected Shoemaster® CAD/CAM systems. This important strategic investment by Atom is for the expansion and technological development of the suite of integrated Shoemaster® applications.
Atom, footwear industry leaders in advanced cutting and injection machinery solutions, have acquired from Torielli Spa, the well-respected international company for the supply of footwear technology and machinery, 100% of the capital of CSM3D. The investment is not only in advancing the technological development, but also enlarging the worldwide distribution network for the suite of Shoemaster® applications that are recognized as the leading platform for 3D integrated shoe design and manufacture.
CSM3D will become Shoemaster International and will perform a central role in the global business, working in close partnership with Shoemaster s.r.l, a newly created Italian technical-commercial support division that will be based at the Atom headquarters in Vigevano. This is in addition to a worldwide network of service companies shared with Atom.
The business strategy involves a quantum leap on the technological front by extending the integration of Shoemaster® with the production range of Atom and Main Group technologies. In addition to utilizing the combined strength of the groups worldwide sales network, enhancing a market orientated approach to “delivering service” and satisfying the demand for global integration and production coordination in the footwear industry.
As a result of this significant investment from Atom, Shoemaster International will take over the worldwide Shoemaster® sales and service network from Torielli S.p.A their business partner for many years. Torielli will continue with some links to Shoemaster International, distributing the Shoemaster® products in the market segments where they now focus their attention.
“Atom’s strong interest in CAD/CAM has long historical roots which is realised today through an investment that recognizes the signs from the market for an ever increasing integration between design, product engineering and industrial automation” said Giovanni Gaia, President of Atom S.p.A. “The direct investment in the Shoemaster R&D team and the creation of a new company structure will strengthen the innovation and overall competiveness of the Atom group that is already very strong in the field of cutting, injection systems and hi-tech research".
Giovanni Torielli, owner of Torielli S.p.A said “Since the ‘80s I have believed in the fundamental role that 3D design will play in the footwear industry. In all these years we have been deeply involved in developing and distributing the CAD system, which has become a significant reference point for our sector. Today, with my great pleasure I pass the baton on to Atom, a strong and experienced company. I also wish to thank everyone that has worked with passion and professionalism to develop the Shoemaster® products. This important new step will now give Torielli the possibility to focus our attention on system integration and the engineering of production plants for the next generation in the global market, as well as on the development of new ranges of shoe production machinery. Torielli will also continue to promote and sell Shoemaster® CAD/CAM systems within our markets”.
“The investment of Atom within our industry comes at a particular evolutionary moment for the sector” said Ian Paris, who is now CEO of a newly restructured Shoemaster International. “ We are now seeing companies pushing us for technological innovation and the restructuring of design and production processes for footwear. This investment will allow us to give an even more dynamic response in a changing scenario of global competitiveness. Joining the Atom group will specifically give us the chance to strengthen investment in R&D, to extend and enhance our worldwide service, with a major focus on innovation and system integration projects. All of this in synergy with the industrial automation plans of the Atom Group. Today we are already committed to a future of shoe design and production in an Industry 4.0 environment”.
Press release
Atom
Vigevano, 1 June 2016