The History of Merlo

From 1911 to today

1911

1000

THE FIRST STEP

A WORKSHOP IN THE HEART OF CUNEO

Giuseppe Amilcare Merlo opens a workshop for iron processing. In the small 250 sq.m workshop, which contains a forge, an anvil, two columnar fretsaws and other equipment for iron processing, Giuseppe Merlo begins to diversify his production and starts specialising in precision construction and the production of spare parts for machinery from abroad.

1948

1000

GIUSEPPE'S SONS

HIS CHILDREN GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMPANY’S MANAGEMENT

While Merlo products are becoming more and more popular with customers, Giuseppe’s young children slowly get involved with the company’s management. Natalina, starts helping her father after school and takes care of payroll and administration matters, while Amilcare, after years of being an apprentice, is increasingly present for corporate strategic decisions.

 

1953

1000

FROM THE CITY TO THE SUBURBS

The rapid growth of the company means that the workshop starts becoming too small. The Merlo family thus inaugurates a new covered 2000 sq.m production area in the outskirts of Cuneo, a few kilometres from the regional capital. The anvil and the forge give way to more innovative machinery such as lathes and bending machines

1964

1000

THE MERLO COMPANY IS BORN

The courage, tenacity and entrepreneurial dynamism that has characterised the Merlo family’s artisan activity since its inception are endorsed by Natalina and Amilcare Merlo who, in 1964, establish the “A. Merlo e C. snc di Amilcare and Natalina Merlo” company.

At the same time, construction begins on a new 40000 sq.m plant in San Defendente di Cervasca, near Cuneo: this is the beginning of an exciting phase for great production and commercial expansion.

1966

1000

DM and DBM, the first dumpers and the first off-road concrete mixers

In the modern settlement of Cervasca, the production of dumper trucks and truck mixers for the construction market begins. The first commercial results already confirm the validity of the design and construction choices: the combination of innovation and technology allow Merlo to offer cutting-edge products.

The adoption of an innovative rotating wheel, designed by Merlo, on both models marks the beginning of a long process of research and technological development, which continues today.

 

1970

1000

INNOVATION

CEM, the Merlo Off-Road Forklift

In 1970 Merlo introduces its first Forklift with 4 steered wheels. It is an off-road machine that can work on all terrain conditions. One of its most innovative features is that it can use different attachments, allowing it to be transformed into a forklift truck or a loader depending on need.

1974

1000

INNOVATION

GX, the construction crane with a telescopic boom

In 1974, the first Merlo construction crane with a telescopic boom is born. Through a series of crank mechanisms, it can extract the telescopic boom and activate the winch mounted on the lattice fly-jib.

This machine was the first Merlo rotating turret experiment and, by 17 years, it anticipated one of the most successful families introduced to the market by the Group: the Roto.

Merlo, as always, manages to anticipate the market and, in this case, even itself!

1981

1000

SM30, the first telehandler

1981 represents a milestone in the company’s history: the first telehandler, the SM30 model, is introduced. It is an innovative machine, built on an exclusive Merlo project, offering both the performance of the forklift and the versatility of the hydraulic telescopic boom crane.

On the first model there are advanced technical solutions and devices already, rewarded by great sales success (rounded cab with curved windows, telescopic boom side-shift, double hinge for boom articulation, hydrostatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive).

 

 

1985

1000

INNOVATION

Rambo, the off-road 6-wheel drive vehicle

In 1985, a new chassis model with a fully steered 6-wheel drive is introduced; it was called “Rambo” because of its multi-functionality and sturdiness.

An off-road vehicle offering exceptional performance with capacities ranging from 18 to 27 tonnes for heavy off-road work.

Versatility is guaranteed by the possibility of mounting different fittings, transforming the vehicle into: a crane truck, concrete mixer, driller for wells, military use.

1987

1000

Panoramic XS, a global revolution

1987 represents a key year for the company’s expansion: the first telehandler in the world is introduced with a side engine and a low-hinged boom at the rear of the chassis. It is the Panoramic XS, the only model to offer total visibility around the vehicle so that work can be carried out in complete safety.

Success is immediate with sales volumes growing constantly, allowing the company to further increase its already high investments in Research & Development, further distinguishing itself from the competition.

1991

1000

ROTO 25.11 XS, the first telehandler with a rotating turret was born

A new confirmation of Merlo’s dynamism and desire to innovate comes with the introduction of the new family of handlers with rotating turrets: the ROTO. It is the first in the world to offer users the possibility to reach every point over 360° without having to reposition the machine.

AWARDS

Gold Medal at the Verona Fieragricola

The P 20.6 handler is awarded for the revolutionary hydrostatic transmission.

 

1993

1000

AWARDS

Gold Medal at the Samoter in Verona

The original SPACE system for work at height is awarded for Technological Innovation.

1994

1000

AWARDS

Three awards together at the London Sed

Merlo receives both the Gold and Silver medals for technological innovation brought by the new P 25.9 handler.

On the same occasion, it also receives “The Best Newcomer Award.”

1996

1000

Turbofarmer, the first specialised handlers for agricultural use

The introduction of the Turbofarmers, a specific range for agricultural use, characterised by as many as 7 models that can all be certified as agricultural tractors, confirms Merlo’s ability to anticipate market needs.

INNOVATION

TreEmme was born

The growing diversification of the areas of application leads Merlo to form its own company dedicated to the design and realisation of attachments that can be created ad hoc for its telehandlers.

Thus TreEmme was born, a fundamental company for the development of Merlo technology that today creates all the equipment in the catalogue, consequently producing customised solutions for its models.

This allows you to make the most of the features that Merlo telescopic handlers offer, increasing performance and always ensuring the highest level of safety.

 

AWARDS

Silver Medal at the London Sed

New Award at the London Sed: Silver Medal for the innovative ROTO 30.13 EV.

AWARDS

Gold Medal at the Samoter in Verona

Merlo is awarded the Gold Medal for Technological Innovation for the revolutionary opto-coupled electronic joint for machines with revolving turret at the exhibition in Verona.

1997

1000

AWARDS

Machine of the Year in France

In France the P 28.7 EVT TURBOFARMER handler is the Machine of the Year at the 44th National Rural Work Final.

 

1999

1000

AWARDS

Gold Medal at the Samoter in Verona

At the Samoter in Verona, Merlo receives the International Award for Technical Innovation; the innovative gear change for hydrostatic transmission becomes a milestone for speed-shifting systems.

2000

1000

The Multifarmer is born: the telehandler meets the agricultural tractor

With the birth of the Multifarmer, the result of continuous technological research, Merlo’s supremacy in innovation and research is once again confirmed.

The Multifarmer is a revolutionary machine that lifts and transports loads, drives equipment, works the land, pulls trailers and implements, and also carries out the typical operations of agricultural tractors: it’s a unique multi-purpose work system.

2001

1000

AWARDS

Silver Medal at the Agritechnika in Hanover

The Multifarmer is awarded for technical innovation in agriculture.

2002

1000

CINGO, universal tracked transporters

Merlo is part of a new and promising market, that of transporting materials over short distances, presenting a complete range of machines and attachments for the most diverse handling jobs.

The adoption of exclusive devices immediately enhances the versatility of these compact transporters, and their enormous operational potential commands user attention.

AWARDS

Gold Medal at the Verona Fieragricola

The innovative automatic release power take-off for telehandlers is awarded for technological innovation.

AWARDS

Machine of the Year at the Smithfield Show in London

The Multifarmer is nominated Machine of the Year at the most important British exhibition of agricultural machinery.

2003

1000

AWARDS

Award in Australia at the Dowerin GWN Field Days

The Multifarmer is awarded for the most advanced technology in agriculture at the largest Australian agricultural fair.

AWARDS

Award at the FIMA Zaragoza in Spain

At the FIMA Zaragoza, Merlo receives a special Technical Novelty Mention, rewarding the innovative Multifarmer telehandler.

2004

1000

INNOVATION

Innovation in suspension systems for telehandlers

Another step forward in the field of technological research is marked by two innovative suspension systems for telehandlers developed by Merlo.

The B.S.S. device (Boom Suspension System) hydraulically dampens forces reaching the telescopic boom.

The E.A.S. system (Electronic Active Suspension), acting on the front axle of the Panoramic handlers, is a real intelligent system, enhanced by hydro-pneumatic shock absorbers that operate both as an active suspension and as a device for correcting the side tilt of the chassis.

AWARDS

Flormart-Miflor Prize in Padua

The CINGO system is awarded for innovation at the international horticultural exhibition

AWARDS

P 35.7 KT awarded in Lithuania at the Kaunas Ka Pasas in 2004

Merlo technology is awarded at the largest Lithuanian agricultural event.

AWARDS

Technological Innovation Award at the Verona Fieragricola

The innovative electronic active suspension system (E.A.S.) for telehandlers is awarded as Technical Novelty.

2005

1000

The Merlo Training and Research Centre is born

Built on an area of 50000 square metres of which over 2000 square metres are covered, CFRM is the first centre in Italy for training and instructing machinery drivers and others who work with equipment for handling people, materials, operating machines and agricultural machines.

AWARDS

The Samoter 2005 Technical Innovation Award for the MCSS Roto

2006

1000

AWARDS

Award in Australia at Elmore Field Days

The Multifarmer receives the “Imported Machine of the Year” award.

AWARDS

Technical Novelty award at EIMA 2006 in Bologna

The new P 55.9 CS handler, in addition to the hydropneumatic suspension cab, is an innovative unit in the field of telehandlers.

AWARDS

Award in Australia at the Dowerin GWN Field Days

At the most important Australian agricultural fair, the Cingo is awarded for its versatility and manageability.

2007

1000

AWARDS

Palmarès de l'Innovation at Sima in Paris

The new P 34.7 Top CS is awarded for the innovative cab hydro-pneumatic suspension.

2008

1000

AWARDS

Samoter International Award 2008 in Verona

The Merlo Group receives the “Samoter International Award 2008 – Equipment Manufacturer” for the continuous promotion of technological research

AWARDS

Gold medal at Novosadski Sajam in Novi Sad

The Multifarmer 30.6 Classic 2 receives the gold medal for quality and technological innovation at Novosadski Sajam in Novi Sad, Serbia.

2010

1000

Eco Power Drive - The innovative EPD transmission system is introduced

To meet the new requirements of economic efficiency and compliance with increasingly stringent anti-pollution standards, Merlo continues research into hydrostatic transmission optimisation, abandoning the traditional management system (called automotive) and adopting a new concept of transmission management, which passes through a hydrostatic system. The new system offers important improvements in the overall productivity of the machine without penalising performance, controllability and ease of use. The goal is achieved through an innovative management system that controls the entire machine, including the diesel engine.

INNOVATIONS

Eco Power Drive transmission system

AWARDS

Tracked Panoramic C 25.5 awarded at the EIMA in Bologna

AWARDS

Success for the MPR 15 platform at Bologna's SAIE

The innovative aerial platform created by Merlo is awarded for innovative technological content.

AWARDS

Award for 25.6 at the Savigliano Agricultural Mechanisation Show

The super-compact Panoramic P 25.6 is awarded in Savigliano for the cab’s design and comfort, which is the largest in the sector.

2011

1000

Dynamic Load Control - Merlo CDC system, a true revolution in the concept of safety on frontal telescopic handlers.

With the new advanced Merlo CDC (Dynamic Load Control) system, Merlo makes another leap in the field of safety. Merlo technicians created an automatic system for managing the machine’s stability parameters, which allows the telescopic handlers to perform at their very best. Striving for excellence, the Merlo CDC (Dynamic Load Control) system was also developed with the aim of making the best use of the requirements prescribed by the recent EN 15000 standard on the longitudinal stability of telescopic handlers.

INNOVATIONS

Merlo CDC (dynamic load control)

AWARDS

“Samoter 2011 Technical Innovation” Award for the First Hybrid Telescopic Handler

A jury of critics and professionals presents the Panoramic P 41.7 Hybrid, the world’s first hybrid telescopic handler, with the “Samoter 2011 Technical Innovation” award.

AWARDS

Special mention for the Roto 60.24 MCSS at the SAIE in Bologna

The new Roto 60.24 MCSS is awarded for performance and safety at the SAIE in Bologna.

AWARDS

The new Cingo Solar system awarded at the Agrilevante Fair in Bari

The innovative system created by Merlo for cleaning solar panels is awarded at the Agrilevante Fair in Bari.

2012

1000

INNOVATIONS

The new generation of Multifarmer and Turbofarmer models is introduced

The Turbofarmer 50.8 and the new Multifarmer 40.9 revolutionise the way telescopic handlers are made, introducing important design and technological innovations in terms of safety, efficiency, versatility and comfort.

AWARDS

Amilcare Merlo receives the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Merlo receives the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young in the Industrial Products category.

The award jury, composed of important business and academic figures, awarded Merlo “for having triggered an international expansion plan that led Merlo to preside over European and non-European markets, thanks to innovative commercial policies, the modernisation of production facilities and the continuous technological evolution of its products.”

AWARDS

Award in agriculture “INEL D'OR for MCDC dynamic load control system”

The Merlo Group received the prestigious Inel d’Or award in Rennes, France, given by a technical jury to the best innovations in the agricultural field. The jury awarded the innovations made by the new Merlo CDC (Dynamic Load Control) system.

AWARDS

Award in agriculture “EIMA - Technical Innovations” award for MCDC dynamic load control system”

“Technical innovation 2012” award for the CDC (Dynamic Load Control) safety system at the EIMA International Fair in Bologna

AWARDS

“Un'impresa ad Arte” award

The Merlo Group has been awarded: “for becoming a leading Group in the sector, both in terms of design and production through the use of advanced technologies, continuous research and experimentation, and the development of innovative systems guaranteeing absolute reliability and high-level performance that have made it a reference point at international level”.

AWARDS

Awarded for the CDC system at the Savigliano Agricultural Mechanisation Show

The innovative Dynamic Load Control (CDC) system was awarded for safety and performance.

AWARDS

“Grand Prix” award at Techagro in Brno

The P40.7 CS telehandler equipped with the revolutionary CDC system was awarded, which further enhances safety while guaranteeing exceptional performance.

 

2013

1000

INNOVATIONS

MCVTronic

The combination of Merlo’s experience, acquired on hydrostatic transmissions, with new technical solutions that allow the machine to achieve the same performance, consumption and efficiency of a traditional CVT system, gives birth to the exclusive Merlo CVTronic intelligent continuously variable transmission.

2014

1000

CENTENARY COMPANY - Merlo Spa is registered as a historic company

After a thorough analysis of documents and registration deeds, the Centre for Business Culture and Unioncamere certify that the Merlo family’s business activity began back in 1911. Merlo thus enters the exclusive circle of “centenary” companies that have forged the history of Italy and the Cuneo province. The official award ceremony takes place on 5 October 2014 in the Hall of Honour at the Cuneo Chamber of Commerce.

INNOVATION

TF42.7 Hybrid: Gold medal at Agritechnica

On the eve of its 50-year anniversary at Agritechnica in Hanover, Merlo introduces the TF42.7 Hybrid, the first hybrid telescopic handler in the world, which receives the highly coveted gold medal for technological innovation.

An extraordinary result followed by two other awards: the “Machine of the Year” award for the new modular Turbofarmers and the “Pillar of Agricultural Mechanisation” award for the Multifarmers. Three awards at the same international show!

The new concept of the Merlo telescopic handler based on the principle of modularity is affirmed with the launch of the new generation of Turbofarmer agricultural handlers, which consists of several families and represents the widest range of telescopic handlers in the agricultural sector.

AWARDS

Silvia Merlo awarded with the “Golden Apple 2014”

The Bellisario Foundation awards Silvia Merlo with the Golden Apple 2014 for the “Donne Ad Alta quota” Marisa Bellisario Award in the Entrepreneurship category.

AWARDS

Amilcare Merlo appointed as honorary member of Turin's Academy of Agriculture

Amilcare Merlo is appointed as honorary member of Turin’s Academy of Agriculture for the “effective contribution to agricultural progress” provided by his company, Merlo S.p.A.

AWARDS

Technical Innovation Award at the Savigliano Mechanisation Show for MTSS

The new Medium Capacity modular Turbofarmers and the patented MTSS (Merlo Transversal Stability System) safety system are awarded.

 

2015

1000

AWARDS

Machine of the Year 2015 for the Compact and Medium Capacity Turbofarmer range

The new Compact and Medium Capacity Turbofarmer ranges were awarded “Machine of the Year 2015” at Sima in Paris.

 

AWARDS

Gold Medal at Intermat 2015

The Merlo Transversal Stability System (MTSS) receives the gold medal at the Intermat Innovation Award ceremony in the Engineering & Systems category.

AWARDS

Mention at the Sima Innovation Awards

The Merlo Group participates in Sima in Paris as a winner of the mention for the MTSS (Merlo Transversal Stability System) at the Sima Innovation Awards.

AWARDS

Technical Innovation Award at the Savigliano Mechanisation Show

The new Medium Capacity modular Turbofarmers and the patented MTSS (Merlo Transversal Stability System) safety system are awarded.

AWARDS

Amilcare and Natalina Merlo receive honorary citizenship from the Cuneo municipality

Cuneo Municipal Council “decides to confer honorary citizen status to the industrialists Amilcare Merlo and Natalina Merlo who, during the Merlo Group’s 50 years of activity, have shown exceptional entrepreneurial ability, great civic sense and intellectual and moral rigour without ever cutting ties with Cuneo.”

AWARDS

Guinness World Record

Guinness World Record for the longest journey completed with a telehandler – 4296 km, from Italy to Finland, by Leo Terguieff with a P25.6 Merlo

2017

1000

AWARDS

Special Mention at Samoter in Verona for the ASCS safety system

The innovative Adaptive Stability Control System, introduced as a preview on Roto models, is awarded at the Samoter in Verona

2018

1000

INTERMAT 2018 TRADE FAIR - New Construction range unveiled

Merlo presents at Intermat 2018 in Paris the new, completely renewed range of telehandlers for the Construction sector. 15 new models are introduced at the fair. Thus begins the production of new models that adopt constructive solutions and exclusive technologies.

INNOVATION

NEW RANGE OF TELEHANDLERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2019

1000

INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION - Five years of industrial investments

Continuing its industrial evolution, in 2019 Merlo continues the 2015-2020 investment plan with more than 140 million euros already invested. An ambitious five-year project, in terms of structural investments, which goes on to change the production concept, developing new ranges of products that are increasingly in line with market demands. The use of automated and intelligent systems has an important impact on business and production processes.

 

INNOVATION

New Merlo capacitive joystick

At Sima 2019, Merlo introduces the new capacitive joystick developed to meet market demands.

This solution improves the ergonomics of the controls, reduces operator fatigue and increases daily productivity.

The joystick integrates the controls for the machine’s operating functions with those for transmission management.

AWARDS

Technical Mention for the Adaptive Load Management safety system

Merlo received a Technical Mention at the Agricultural Mechanisation Show in Savigliano for the innovative Adaptive Load Management System

2020

1000

AWARDS

Samoter Innovation Award for the e-WORKER electric telehandler

The Merlo Group received the Samoter Innovation Award for the innovative full electric telehandler e-WORKER.