Timeline
BFT Automation has a proud history of invention, innovation and product development including some world-first products. From the birth of BFT Automation in 1981 to the becoming part of Somfy in 2004, we have a rich history.
History of innovation
1981
BFT is established in Thiene
Francesco Bonollo founds the company in Thiene, using his initials and the name of the town where the business was started to form the name 'BFT'.
1981
1982
E5 - electromechanical operator with articulated arm
The first articulated arm small size electromechanical actuator
1984
The first commercial kit
BFT sells products in kit form for the first time.
1984
1992
SUB - single unit hydraulic operator
The first mono-block hydraulic underground operator.
1996
Move to new premises in Schio
BFT moves to larger premises in Schio in the province of Vicenza, Northern Italy.
1996
1997
Introduction of 24 volt technology
24v technology provides optimum performance with a precise adjustment of slowdown in closing and opening.
2000
Control panels with an LCD display
The first onboard display for automation which allows simple and direct programming expanding the available options for parameter control
2000
2001
Ee Link – programmer for control boards
EELINK is a system developed by BFT which makes it possible to transfer data from automatic systems to PCs and vice versa with handheld programmers (Unipro, Uniradio and Proxima).
2002
Remote controls with Rolling Code
An encoding system that manages remote control transmissions safely.
2002
2003
Fast Net
Two wire bus system between operators and control boards
2004
BFT becomes a part of the SOMFY GROUP
We became part of the Somfy Group a multinational and world leader in the field of automation.
2004
2004
BFT opens the first UK branch
BFT acquires a business in the North of England and creates the first office in the UK.
2005
ER-ready
New electronic systems to clone remote controls
2005
2006
BFT acquires SACS
BFT acquires SACS a company specialising in parking systems.
2007
BFT opens second UK branch
BFT acquires a second automation business in the South of England and opens another UK office.
2007
2008
BFT acquires O&O
BFT acquires O&O a long established Italian firm manufacturing barriers and bollards.
2010
ECOSOL - Solar power
Development of ECOSOL a device which allows the conversion of any low-voltage installation to solar power
2010
2010
D-Track intelligent torque management system
Development of Dynamic Track an intelligent torque management system with obstacle detection.
2010
BFT opens Ireland branch
BFT acquires Dublin based automation business and opens the first branch in Ireland.
2010
2011
Integrated photocell flashing lights
Development of photocells with integrated flashing LED lights.
2013
U-link - connectivity platform
Universal Link is an exclusive BFT platform for creating wireless interconnected systems for control
units and receivers
2013
2014
Crash rated bollard certification
Independent certification (IWA14-1:2013 V/7200(N3C)/80/90) antiterrorism certification for the X-Pass B 330/1200 bollard
2017
B-EBA connectivity launched
BFT Automation releases B-EBA connectivity so operators can connect directly to the router without a control unit.
2017
2019
Maxima Ultra 36 barrier
BFT Automation releases the Maxima Ultra 36 barrier a high usage barrier with integrated light crown.
2020
Eli underground operator
BFT Automation releases the Eli underground motor range with AC and DC voltages and fast versions.
2020
2022
Mura photocell
BFT Automation releases the Mura photocell, a recessed photocell designed to be integrated into pillars and posts.
2023
Giotto Ultra barrier
BFT Automation releases the Giotto Ultra automatic barrier a 24v entry-level barrier which can manage clear drive through gaps of up to 6m.
2023
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BFT Automation is one of the leading companies in the automation industry. Discover more about us, our products and services.