Our History

A SUCCESS STORY FROM 1960

A Global Journey of Growth and Expertise

60 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN MANUFACTURING ADVANCED PLASTIC, RUBBER AND MAGNETIC COMPONENTS. 
Built on a strong industrial heritage, ILPEA has evolved from a local company into a global industrial group, developing plastic, rubber, and magnetic components with a strong focus on high-performance sealing applications. From its headquarters in Malgesso, in the Lake Varese area of Italy, the Group has progressively expanded across multiple continents, building a worldwide manufacturing network shaped by proximity to customers and a constant drive for responsiveness and efficiency. Today, ILPEA continues this journey as a trusted partner, combining engineering expertise, structured R&D, and a global presence to deliver tailored sealing solutions, while pursuing a strong commitment to sustainability and continuous environmental improvement.

The Milestones of our Industrial Journey

2026

Opening of a new plant in Thailand, strengthening the Group’s presence in Asia.

2025

Continued worldwide development with an acquisition in Bulgaria and new start-ups in Egypt.

2019

Launch of ILPEA Energy Systems, focusing on components for electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and alternative propulsion vehicles.

2014 – 2018

Start-up in South Africa, new ventures in Argentina and Romania, and a new plant in Russia to support growing global demand.

2012

Opening of a production plant in Tangier, Morocco, enhancing automotive competitiveness.

2003 – 2005

Acquisition in Mexico and start-ups in Poland and Turkey.

2001

Merger with Holm Industries Inc, including OEM Miller, a U.S. company known for major innovations in TPV corrugated hoses and other injection-molded technologies. This acquisition strengthened ILPEA’s expertise in hose technologies and expanded ILPEA’s manufacturing presence in the USA and Mexico.

1998

Expansion into the USA and establishment of new plants in Brazil.

1996

Acquisition of Garvalplast Ibérica, Pertesca, and Pintesca, strengthening the automotive hose business.

1989 – 1996

MBO of Pantasote’s European activities and establishment of joint ventures (JVs) in Hungary and India.

1981 – 1983

Acquired IGP (Industria Gomma Pasquotti – Orcenico), marking ILPEA’s entry into the rubber sector. ILPEA entered the automotive industry as a Tier 1 supplier to major European car makers, manufacturing seals and slush skins for instrument panels.

1970-1972

Merger with the U.S. group PANTASOTE INC., launching global expansion. The second Italian plant was opened in Pasiano (Pordenone).

1968

The first production of ferrite was established as IOS (INDUSTRIE OSSIDI SINTERIZZATI), securing independence from ferrite imports and strengthening financial capacity.

1967

JV in Germany with Canfield GMBH. Galvarplast  evolves in I.L.P.E.A, later ILPEA

1960 – 1963

Founded in Malgesso (Italy), producing refrigerator grids and PVC compound as GALVARPLAST. Production start up of magnetic gaskets for refrigerators, developing innovative solutions since the very beginning, such as the first magnetic gasket in Italy.

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