History
Zodiac Marine & Pool was created on 27th September 2007. The new company benefits from the Zodiac Group tradition to master the elements through a boldly innovative approach since its foundation in 1896.
1896
Maurice Mallet (1861-1926) acquires workshops belonging to the aeronaut Paul Jovis, at 7 and 9 Rue des Cloÿs, in Paris.
Foundation of the company " Mallet, Mélandri et de Pitray ", specialized in the design and manufacture of aeronefs and are incharge of the airfield in the Bois de Boulogne.
1909
The company becomes the Société Française de Ballons Dirigeables et d'Aviation Zodiac. This airship company manufactures self propelling airships.
The Zodiac brand is registered on 2nd February 1909.
1934
Launch of a 2-seat inflatable kayak prototype, followed in 1936 by a second one in the shape of a catamaran equipped with a sail.
1937
At the request of the Aéronavale, the French Naval Air Service , Zodiac and Pierre Debroutelle develop inflatable bomb and torpedoes carriers.
1940
Pierre Debroutelle creates the "A-type" prototype for the future inflatable boats. The first tests are carried on the river Seine.
1952
Dr Alain Bombard crosses the Atlantic on a Zodiac boat.
1963
Development of the nautical market in France and first Boat show in Paris.
1964
Opening of the first subsidiary: Zodiac Española
1965
The company changes its name to simply "Zodiac"
1969
Zodiac is the world leader in inflatable boats, and N°1 in France in the recreational boating industry.
1970
Creation of Zodiac North America
1978
Opening of Zodiac Italia
1980
Bombard - L'Angevinière take over, French number 2 in inflatable boats.
1983
Foundation of Zodiac Inflatable Technologies Inc. in Canada.
1985
The pools market expands, Zodiac creates the Winky inflatable pool in 1986 (Zodiac Original).
1987
Purchase of B. Kern (Germany) and Europool (Italy): constitution of a European business segment for above-ground pools. Shares take over of Zodiac Hurricane-Marine (Canada).
1994
Acquisition of "Sweepy", manufacturing electric pool cleaners.
1995
Debes & Wunder a German company joins Zodiac in March.
1996
Acquisition of Baracuda a company specialized in the design and manufacture of pool cleaners. Based in North America, South Africa, Europe and Australia.
Acquisition of FTI (USA), water purification systems and Driclad in Australia.
Zodiac celebrates its first century anniversary on 22nd December 1996
1998
Acquisition of Avon, the British brand of high-end inflatable boats.Acquisition of D.B.C, a manufacturer of evacuation systems for passenger vessels.
1999
Acquisiton of AUTOFLUG's marine activities ( liferafts and life jackets).
2001
Takeover of CLEARWATER, salt-chlorination water treatment solutions (Australia)
2003
Acquisition of P.S.A, French manufacturer of pool heating systems and dehumidification units for swimming pools.
2004
Purchase of EVAC, a Finnish company developing environmentally friendly vacuum toilets and wastewater collection and treatment solutions for the marine industry.
2005
Purchase of POLARIS (USA), a brand leader on the pool cleaners market.
2006
Common acquisition with Carlyle Group of JANDY Pool Products, an American manufacturer of pools equipment (pumps, filters, pressure control, pool heatings).
2007
Acquisition of NORSK INOVA, a major Norwegian manufacturer of waste treatment for cruise ships. Its know-how and activities are complementary with those of Evac
27 September 2007
Creation of Zodiac Marine & Pool through the association of the Marine Segment of Zodiac Group with JANDY Pool Products Company .
2008
Acquisition of Cover-Pools (Utah), a company manufacturing automatic pool covers.
www.zodiacaerospace.com