History
From 1974 to 1980. Domenico Petrone’s commitment and vision led him to set up the first electronic workshop in a garage, which later became Elem S.r.l. From the outset, Elem stood out for Quality, Flexibility and Production Excellence in the field of Electronics, and proved capable of satisfying the needs of big-name clients in the Automotive, IT, Telecommunications, Security, and Defence sectors.
The 1981–1990 decade. On three occasions, Elem’s increasing industrial success made it necessary for the business to move to larger premises better equipped for housing highly sophisticated production processes. Exe.Fin. S.p.A. was formed to optimize the management and coordination of the industrial and administrative activities and as a holding company for strategic investments for the growth of the key activities.
The 1991–2000 decade. Elem’s manufacturing and design talents took it to levels of national excellence. In 1991 a new 6,000 m² production plant was acquired and inaugurated in the municipality of Venaria Reale (Turin). In 1992, the company became one of the first in Italy to obtain ISO 9001 certification. The first studies on incorporating micro-processors into GSM and GPS modules date back to the last years of the decade. The first Satellite Security Systems were created. In 2000, a second plant was purchased and structured for producing electronic automotive modules and systems.
2002. The Group bought Viasat S.p.A., one of Italy’s leading companies in Satellite Protection and Positioning Services for cars and travellers. In the space of a few months, thanks to intense restructuring work, the company went from racking up sizeable losses to profitable operation, creating the conditions for further acquisitions in the future.
2004. To strengthen its leadership, the Group acquired control of its main Italian competitor, Movitrack S.p.A., with which it embarked on new B2B and B2A initiatives focusing on Security and Insurance Services, along with the first Positioning, Assistance and Emergency services projects on a European level.
2007. The name of the parent company changed to Viasat Group S.p.A. The Group embarked on the road to listing on the STAR (High Requirement Securities Segment) of the Italian Stock Exchange. In 2007 Redco Infomobility was acquired. The latter specialized in designing and supplying Onboard Terminals and Telematic Multi-Service Multi-Device Platforms, in the Fleet Management, Logistics and Security areas.
2008. To rationalize the Group’s structure, reinforce the internal Technological Synergies and enhance the value of its key strengths, work began on reorganizing the project areas. Vem Solutions S.p.A., a company for Design, R&D and Innovation, was set up.
2009. Under the high patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, the Group was awarded the "Oscar di Bilancio" financial reporting award. Work on acquiring a stake in Pointer Telelocation Ltd. got under way with the aim of reinforcing its leadership in the sector, thereby creating the conditions for further development on a worldwide scale.
2010. The Group strengthened its presence at the international level through agreements with Europe’s main Roadside Assistance Associations and Networks and new Industrial Partners. In spite of the ongoing difficulties created by the global economic crisis, the group notched up a sizeable increase in revenues and the related margins.
