From Innovation to Industry Leadership: The SCM Legacy
Since its embryonic days in 1935, SCM has grown to be a paragon of excellence in the woodworking machine industry. Founded by mechanical and foundry-work experts Nicola Gemmani and Lanfranco Aureli, the company has indelibly imprinted its name on the annals of industrial innovation. With a storied history that spans nearly nine decades, SCM has become synonymous with quality, reliability, and forward-thinking solutions.
Giuseppe Gemmani and Lanfranco Aureli
A Legacy of Innovation
The journey began in 1952 when SCM unveiled its first woodworking machine, crafted by Giuseppe Gemmani, Nicola’s son. This was swiftly followed by the introduction of the B2, B3, and the widely acclaimed “Invincible B4”. These machines demonstrated SCM’s commitment to versatile and robust solutions, capable of performing multiple machining operations, including surface planing, thickness planing, disc sawing, and punching. This period marked the establishment of SCM as a global leader, renowned for its “Invincible” brand that embodied functionality and precision.
SCM’s ability to adapt and innovate is firmly rooted in its use of common standard components and modularisation—a concept it pioneered in the early years. This foundation paved the way for the company to expand its product range while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Cementing Global Leadership
The 1970s and 1980s were pivotal decades for SCM. The development of solid wood machining centres and door and window systems in 1976 highlighted SCM’s prowess in providing integrated, advanced solutions. This was further bolstered by an ambitious campaign of acquisitions in the mid-1980s. The merger with the Mahros Group in 1984 and the acquisition of Minimax in 1985 exemplify SCM’s strategic vision to consolidate its global leadership. Further acquisitions, including Gabbiani, DMC, and Morbidelli, expanded SCM’s reach into the beam sawing, sanding, and panel processing sectors.
The company’s relentless pursuit of growth continued into the 1990s and beyond, with notable acquisitions such as Routech and Stefani in 1992, and subsequent additions like Superfici, CPC, Sergiani, and Celaschi in the early 2000s. This expansion has endowed SCM with a product range that is unparalleled in the industry.
The Australian Chapter: A New Era for Cabinet Makers
When SCM Group stormed into the Australian market, it did so with a bang. The acquisition of Gabbett Machinery—an industry stalwart with over 20 years of experience—was announced at the AWISA trade show in Melbourne in 2016. This masterstroke was not just about expanding territory; it was about blending Gabbett’s rich local expertise with SCM’s cutting-edge technology and robust offerings. By integrating Gabbett Machinery into SCM Group Australia, a powerhouse was born, combining the best of local knowledge with global innovation.
With offices in five major cities, SCM Group Australia was poised to take market share and service efficiency to new heights. Whether in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, or Perth, you have access to a comprehensive range of woodworking machinery and processing systems right at your doorstep.
This powerful integration means better stock availability, quicker response times, and unparalleled customer service, all backed by SCM’s vast global network. And with the Gabbett family still heavily involved in the future of SCM Australia, the transition is smooth sailing.
A Customer-Centric Approach
For SCM, success is a shared journey. Their mantra? If their customers succeed, then they succeed. SCM is not just about selling machines; their consultancy services delve deep—analysing production processes, growth plans, and future goals to ensure you get the optimal tools and support to flourish.
Leaders in Service and Communication
Exemplary service is not a tagline for SCM; it is a way of life. Their dedication to service excellence means they are industry leaders in response times and communication. SCM’s technicians, who come from diverse trade backgrounds including electricians, engineers, wood machinists, cabinetmakers, and electronics experts, form a formidable service network always ready to assist.
The Road Ahead
SCM’s relentless drive for improvement keeps them ahead of the curve. Their innovative spirit and commitment to enhancing customer business models ensure that they are not just participants in the industry; they are trailblazers, continuing to push boundaries and venture into new spaces.
SCM recently celebrated a milestone—the Grand Opening of the Sydney Technology Centre, an event that spanned three electrifying days from May 8th to 10th. This was not just any launch; it was Australia’s most expansive showcase of woodworking technology. Live demonstrations, digital presentations, and interactive sessions with industry heavyweights and woodworking enthusiasts marked the event, making it an unforgettable experience. Now, the Sydney Technology Centre opens its doors every Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., welcoming you to witness the best of European technology and Italian hospitality firsthand.
SCM’s rich legacy, unwavering commitment to quality, and customer-centric ethos have solidified their status as industry pioneers. Their dedication to nurturing business growth makes them not just leaders but legends of the trade.
