history/ Since september 2011, <strong>Somec</strong> is part of The Nice <strong>Group</strong>. Established in the early nineties and floated in the Star section of the Italian stock exchange, Nice is a leading international player in home automation, and boasts a wide range of integrated automation systems for gates, garage doors, access barriers, car parks, awnings and roller shutters, as well as wireless alarm and lighting systems with the brand FontanaArte for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Nice<strong>Group</strong> products are currently exported to over 100 countries, and 81% of the consolidated earnings of the Nice <strong>Group</strong> now come from exports, in confirmation of the strong international vocation. In particular, with the acquisition of FontanaArte, Nice enters the complementary sector of lighting with a wide range of integrated solutions for the home; a boost for Nice’s quest for elegance and excellence and enabled the group to make an innovative contribution to improving daily life. The meeting (encounter) between <strong>Somec</strong> and Nice was born with the aim to provide an integrated and flexible offer of products and services in different fields of application of Building and Marine specializations, in realizing new buildings and, not lastly, in refurbishings. Only one actor, a unique interlocutor: thanks to the support of companies such as <strong>Somec</strong> and FontanaArte, The Nice <strong>Group</strong> becomes sponsor of Made in Italy and of a way to run business constantly aimed at technologic re<strong>sea</strong>rch and innovation, design production and taste for beauty that has always characterized its mission. Constant commitment to handiness, functionality and ease of use, combined with attention to design, are the main features of Nice products: “Nice has suggested a new interpretation of the relationship between people and their domestic environment marked by the utmost simplicity, clearness and aesthetic quality. Boring and complicated actions now become smooth and amusing to fully satisfy endusers...” from Sole 24 Ore - Speciale Nova, 2007. <strong>Somec</strong>’s history started in 1978 in the Province of Treviso, in the heart of the Veneto countryside. From the very beginning, the company showed a strong interest in entering the international market. <strong>Somec</strong> soon succeeded in attaining this goal, breaking free of its role as a small North-eastern Italian company. After 10 years of intensive work, study and re<strong>sea</strong>rch, <strong>Somec</strong>’s solid reputation and professionalism led to the company receiving its first foreign contract in Vladivostok, Russia. <strong>Somec</strong> was chosen due to its Grip-O-Glass system, the first glass facade system that the company designed and patented. <strong>Somec</strong>’s history, after this initial contract, is marked by success and important contracts. In addition to the Grip-O-Glass system, which has gained worldwide recognition from Russia to Australia, the company has developed the capacity to take a more active role in projects, handling technical and architectural issues as well as regulatory aspects. Since 1994, <strong>Somec</strong> has expanded into the shipbuilding sector, embarking on a strategy to diversify glass envelopes. Shipowners and shipbuilders throughout the world recognize <strong>Somec</strong>’s high level of competence and professionalism. It was during this period that the ships Gran Princess and Carnival Destiny – two epic projects in the marine sector – were fitted with <strong>Somec</strong> windows and doors. In 2003, <strong>Somec</strong> moved into new headquarters (still in the March of Treviso) having a total area of 35,000 m 2 , of which 16,000 m 2 are covered. The innovative architecture and use of advanced technology in the project provides a clear example of the extraordinary expertise that has characterized <strong>Somec</strong>’s production for more than 25 years. 2011 was a turning point for <strong>Somec</strong> – the company’s acquisition by Nice <strong>Group</strong> put <strong>Somec</strong> on its way to becoming a leading player on the international stage. TheNice<strong>Group</strong>