OUR STORY

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from dream to reality

1962

The story of COIM began with the meeting between Mario Buzzella, a technician, and Cesare Zocchi, a client of his, who, united by a shared passion for chemistry, decided to create something new together.
The first major insight of the two founders was to venture into an underdeveloped area of the Italian chemical industry. With Buzzella’s technical expertise and Zocchi’s business acumen, they secured their first order for methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (KETANOX), a product that was very difficult to obtain in Italy. This order enabled them to establish COIM and, within a few months, in October 1962, to set up the production site in Offanengo, in the province of Cremona.

1964

Following this rapid start, growth has been steady, also due to the strategy employed by the two entrepreneurs to venture into unexplored market segments. In 1964, the production of monomeric plasticizers (PLAXTER), used in the pulp and paper industry, began. At that time, the company reported a turnover of 240 million lire and employed 17 people.

1966

In 1966, Nouri & Van der Lande (now Akzo) acquired a 50% stake in COIM. The proceeds from this sale were reinvested in Offanengo, focusing on the production of unsaturated polyesters (EXTER S) and alkyd resins (GLICEXTER) used in the paint industry.
A significant period of growth during those years was driven by the production of saturated polyesters for sports footwear soles. COIM began producing saturated polyesters (DIEXTER) and polyurethanes for footwear (UREXTER), and through these new products, it was able to triple and later quadruple its revenue within a few years.

CONTINUOUS GROWTH

1979

In 1979, COIM entered into a partnership with Novotex, a company owned by the Magni family, which led to the production of polyurethanes for artificial leather (LARITHANE).
During this period, the company also expanded its production of polymeric plasticizers and polyurethane granules for extrusion molding (LARIPUR), which were used in products such as ski boots, cables, pipes, seals, artificial leather, adhesives, and more.

1992

However, COIM’s innovation was not limited to its products; the company also focused on territorial expansion. Capitalizing on the success of the Made in Italy movement in the 1980s, it developed a more extensive commercial network, covering not only Europe but also South America, the United States, and Asia.
Buoyed by its growth, COIM repurchased the 50% stake previously sold to Akzo, returning full ownership to the Buzzella and Zocchi families.
The early 1990s saw the launch of new products, including binders and finishes for fiberglass (FILCO) in 1992.

1994

In 1994, COIM began producing aromatic polyesters and polyurethanes for the construction of insulation panels (ISOEXTER), primarily used in the construction industry. The company also started manufacturing water-based polyurethane dispersions (HYDROLAR).
By the late 1990s, COIM’s revenue reached approximately 400 billion lire, with a single production site in Offanengo. The new challenge was to penetrate markets beyond Europe.

2001

Acquisition of Novacote Business (Germany, Mexico, UK, France, USA, Spain)

In addition to the extra-European investments, the company continues to expand and diversified its presence in the markets through the acquisition of the German company Novacote, which specializes in the production of lamination adhesives for the food and pharmaceutical packaging sectors (NOVACOTE).

2001

In September 2001, Coim Mexico (GloboCoim) was created from Zero.
Thanks to Coim Mexico team and the permanent support from Coim Owners, we started an exciting and successful story. From more than 20 years we have been the leaders in Flexible Packaging Adhesives Market in Mexico, Central American and Caribbean.

2002

Start up of the Plant in Singapore by COIM Asia Pacific for the production of polyurethanes and saturated polyesters.

2005

Acquisition of the site in West Deptford (NJ) by COIM USA

In addition to South America and Asia, COIM aims to expand into the United States.
In 2004, the company acquired a manufacturing facility in West Deptford, New Jersey, from the American company Huntsman.

2007

IMUTHANE

In 2007, COIM launched the production of hot cast polyurethanes (IMUTHANE) with various applications, from the mining industry to printing rolls.

2009

Acquisition of the site in Paulsboro (NJ) by COIM USA

This site has been bought from Air Products along with the polyurethane prepolymer business.

2012

Start up of the plant in India – New Dehli

The strong growth of the footwear market led to the establishment of the New Delhi site in India in 2012, which quickly became a key reference point for footwear clients.

2014

Start up of COIM TURKEY

Following the acquisition of non-European facilities, the time has come to refocus attention on the EMEA market. In 2014, COIM expanded its presence in the European region by establishing COIM Turkey (Istanbul).

2017

Acquisition of Darwinks (COIMINKS)

With the acquisition of a small Italian company, Coim decided to deepen its expertise in the liquid printing inks sector. This led to the creation of Darwinks, which serves as a laboratory for advancing the development of systems (adhesives, inks, thermosensitive lacquers) intended for food packaging.

2018

Start up of COIM CHINA

The new entity expands the existing commercial network by adding trading activities (import and distribution) to support the Chinese market.

2021

Acquisition of NEOFLEX Company (Adhesives)

Coim has acquired 100% of the shares of Neoflex, a Spanish company specializing in the production of single-component,
two-component, and Reactive Hot Melt polyurethane adhesives.
Coim had held the majority stake in the company since 2021.
Neoflex products are used in a wide range of applications, particularly in the wood-furniture, construction, textile, and automotive industries.

2022

Acquisition of SYNRES Company

As of January 1, 2022, Synres, a company founded in 1947 and specializing in the production of alkyd and acrylic resins, is located near Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The acquisition by COIM aimed, on one hand, to enhance Synres' existing production and expertise in resins, and on the other hand, to create added value for both shareholders and employees. The investment plan included the establishment of a second COIM production hub for esterification products, which will complement the one in Offanengo, Italy.
Production of Isoexter – COIM's aromatic polyesters used in the manufacture of thermal insulation materials – began in the early months of 2022 , and the expansion project for production capacity will commenced. This lead to the creation of the second hub for all esterification products within COIM's portfolio.

2023

Acquisition of ATMOSA Company

In 2018 COIM entered into a joint venture with the Austrian company Atmosa Petrochemie by acquiring a 50% stake.
Headquartered in Vienna, Atmosa is one of the leading independent producers of phthalic anhydride, a key raw material for the production of aromatic polyester polyols, unsaturated polyesters, and plasticizers.
Through this acquisition, Coim secures direct access to this chemical intermediate for long-term supply.
In 2023, Coim acquired 100% of Atmosa.