At the beginning of its activity in 1979, Alma specializes in
optimization issues for industrial processes
while designing
RIMBAUD
,
one of the first automatic nesting software
for parts of any shape, first used in the textile cutting field by the manufacturer of children clothes Petit Bateau.
A contract signed at the beginning of the 80’s with the Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire for the building of the
Sovereign of the Seas
cruise liner enables Alma to develop a
complete CAM software for the piloting of sheet-metal cutting machines
: the “Industrial software” activity is launched.
Moreover, Alma was one of the first companies to understand the future importance of micro computing as it became an Apple reseller in 1982. This activity concerning the
integration of computing solutions
now mainly focused on services (network engineering, facilities management) is structured within the “Systems & Networks” Department that essentially works with small and medium companies and local authorities of the Rhône-Alpes region.
Since 1990, while reinforcing its position on the French market, Alma’s “Industrial Software” Department has expanded on the
European markets
, in particular in Germany and Italy where the
Alma Italia
marketing subsidiary was created in Turin in 1990.
In 1996, with the buyout of the company Aleph Technologies, Alma extends its operating scope to the
off-line programming of robots
, notably arc welding and 3D cutting: from then on,
Alma is the only publisher to offer an integrated software suite for sheet-metal working and mechanical welding
, from 2D/3D cutting to robotized welding.
It is also at this period that Alma develops a third activity, as the company quickly measures the potential of the Internet and “network computing”. The “Intranet & Groupware” Department specializes in the development of
Intranet and Internet applications and any computer-supported cooperative work
, while developing an activity of software edition dedicated to the Intranet.
In 1999, with act/cut, a Windows®-native product with many innovating functionalities,
Alma inaugurates a new generation of software
for the programming of cutting and punching machines.
It is also in 1999 that
Alma GmbH is created in Germany
, a subsidiary aimed at marketing and supporting CAD/CAM software, enabling Alma to gain direct access to the German, Austrian and Swiss markets after having been represented for eight years by an exclusive distributor.
Since 2000,
the “Industrial Software” Department has expanded the world over
while signing distribution agreements in Japan, South Korea, Canada, Poland, Russia and Brazil.
Early 2002,
Alma invents a new way of using CAM software
by launching the E@syCut service on the French market, an integrated service supported by the Internet, invoiced as used and aimed at optimizing the use of the act/cut software.
In July 2002, Alma and Sapex, the two longest-established players on the French CAD/CAM sheet-metal working market, totalizing together 50 years of experience, announce their merger via Alma’s taking of participation in Sapex’s capital up to 70 %:
the Alma - Sapex group becomes the leader of CAD/CAM sheet-metal working on the French market
with a cumulated turnover in this sector of 2,8 million euros and over 400 active customers. In 2005, Sapex merges with Alma France, Alma’s other French subsidiary, to give birth to Alma Sapex, a company located in four sites (Grenoble, Tarbes, Nantes and Lyon). Alma Sapex is in charge of the marketing and technical support of the software developed by the parent company in France, Belgium and Spain.
Alma continues to
develop its distribution network
and to sign
integration agreements
with the main CAD/CAM software editors.
In 2007, Alma opens a subsidiary in China (Shanghai).
ALMA’s development in China follows several steps: first the signature of distribution agreements with local cutting-machine constructors, then the creation of a network of traditional distributors. The shipbuilding market in which China is rapidly growing is directly approached by ALMA, thanks to its leading position in Europe in this sector.
In 2009, Alma do Brasil, Alma’s Brazilian subsidiary, is being created in Porto Alegre.
In 2010, Alma becomes established in the United-States
after the opening of its subsidiary ALMA CAM USA, LLC based in Schaumburg near Chicago.
