History
In 1946, Vincent Ballu, father of Patrick Ballu, current Chairman of the Board of Directors, invented, developed and built the prototype of the first “high-clearance tractor” for use in the vineyards of the famous Champagne producer Moët et Chandon. In 1947, this achievement won him first prize from the Association Viticole Champenoise and marked the beginning of automation for winegrowing in Champagne and subsequently all narrow vineyards.
2023
Daniel Tragus is appointed CEO of EXEL Industries.
On December 20th, 2023, he succeeded Yves Belegaud who became CEO in 2019 and gave notice of his intention to retire by the beginning of 2024.
2023
Acquisition of DEVAUX
French family-owned group specializing in the manufacture and sale of gardening tools.
2022
Acquisition of G.F.
An historical manufacturer of garden equipment in Italy, G.F. produces goods for watering, irrigation, garden maintenance and outdoor living.
2021
Acquisition of WAUQUIEZ, RHÉA-MARINE and TOFINOU
As part of its continued diversification, EXEL Industries acquires the WAUQUIEZ, RHEA‐MARINE and TOFINOU shipyards, as well as the Mediterranean ETTORE‐YACHTING technical base.
2020
Acquisition of iNTEC
A mechanical engineering company specializing in adhesive technology systems for the automotive industry.
2019
Yves Belegaud takes over from Guerric Ballu
2019
Creation of Exxact Robotics
to develop automation and AI technologies for incorporation into the Group’s product ranges.
2017
Merger of MATROT ÉQUIPEMENTS and HARDI EVRARD to form GROUPE HARDI FRANCE.
2016
Acquisition of the ET Works group
a US company specializing in self-propelled agricultural sprayers.
2013
Acquisition of HOLMER
Longstanding sugar beet harvester market leader.
2012
Acquisition of AGRIFAC and HOZELOCK
AGRIFAC is a Dutch company specializing in agricultural spraying and sugar beet harvesters while HOZELOCK is a leading European manufacturer of gardening equipment.
2011
Patrick Ballu passed the baton of Group CEO to Guerric Ballu
2007
Acquisition of Danish group HARDI & EVRARD
2nd largest global manufacturer of agricultural sprayers: largest external growth initiative in the Group’s history.
2006
Acquisition of CMC
CMC specializes in high-clearance tractors and self-propelled tractors used for alfalfa harvesting.
2003
Merger of KREMLIN and REXSON
Technical and commercial teams were pooled together by target market and both companies consolidated their brands and product ranges.
2001
Acquisition of SAMES and MATROT ÉQUIPEMENTS
SAMES is a leader in electrostatic industrial spraying while MATROT ÉQUIPEMENTS is No. 1 French producer of self-propelled sprayers and sugar beet harvesters.
2000
Acquisition of FISCHER and REXSON
FISCHER, Swiss leader in plant spraying and REXSON, specializing in manufacturing and commercializing equipment for the application of paints for the industrial sector. EXEL Industries becomes No. 3 worldwide in industrial spraying.
1997
EXEL Industries lists on the Paris stock exchange
1996
Acquisition of KREMLIN
EXEL Industries diversifies into the industrial market with the acquisition of KREMLIN, an international paint spraying company.
1990
Acquisition of PRÉCICULTURE
French leader in self-propelled agricultural sprayers and high-clearance tractors.
1987
Acquisition of BERTHOUD and its subsidiaries SEGUIP, THOMAS, and PERRAS.
France’s leading manufacturer of agricultural and garden sprayers.
1986
Acquisition of CARUELLE and NICOLAS
Agricultural spraying specialists.
1980
Death of founder, Vincent Ballu
Patrick Ballu, his son, succeeds him
1966
Acquisition of VERMOREL
Former French leader in agricultural spraying.
1952
TECNOMA
Creation of TECNOMA family business by Vincent Ballu.
1946
High-clearance tractor
Vincent Ballu invented the high-clearance tractor for narrow vineyards.
