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January 1987
The Institute for Machine Tools and Production Engineering
(WZL) of Aachen Technical University starts the initiative
to join users and vendors of CIM-Technologies to share information
on practical experience with the then rather new but expensive
equipment. 15 industrial enterprises incorporate a consortium
(CIM-Verein NRW e.V.) as a non-profit venture. It soon turns
out that the non-profit organization may cover only a fraction
of the tasks ahead.
October 1987
Foundation and incorporation of CIM-CENTER NRW GmbH,
a for-profit IT-consultancy. CIM GmbH shall provide objective
advice on how to apply CIM-Technologies to solve business
problems, not necessarily to justify the purchase of a mainframe
computer. CIM's prospective chairman of the board defines
the mission as "Interpreting CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing)
the other way around: Manufacture, Integrate, then maybe Invest
in hard- and software. So don't start with the computer; start
with the business problem!". Ever since CIM GmbH has stepped
back from close affiliation with any hard- and software companies.
Shareholders at this point of time are: · CIM-Verein-NRW e.V.
(49%) · State of NRW (25,5 %) · Consortium of banks (WestLB,
Sparkasse Aachen) (25,5%) The state of NRW provides the base
funding for the start-up. Prof. W. Eversheim becomes chairman
of the board
April 1988
CIM GmbH moves into its offices in Aachen, Metzgerstraße.
Dr. Peter Kettner and Dr. Hubert Schmidt are managing directors
May 1993
CIM GmbH expands and moves into the building of ADITEC gGmbH,
Steinbachstr. 25
July 1994
Götz Marczinski follows Hubert Schmidt as managing director
of CIM GmbH
November 1994
CIM GmbH incorporates CIM Management GmbH as a 100% subsidiary.
CIM Management GmbH serves as a management holding for CIM's
investments in other companies.
December 1994
Funding from the state of NRW terminates. Management
consulting for industrial enterprises proves to be the cash-cow
of CIM GmbH. Due to the high growth of this market segment
CIM-technologies contribute just 30% to total sales of CIM
GmbH.
June 1995
Incorporation of STANDARD OpenBase GbR mbH. The the purpose
of this company is to promote the standard for the description
of metal cutting tools. The companies carrying the bulk of
the standardization work become shareholders: · Sandvik AB
(20%) · Widia Valenite (20%) · Kennametal Hertel (20%) · Plansee
Tizit (20%) · CIM GmbH (20%)
April 1997
The CIMSOURCE StOB format becomes German Industrial Standard
(DIN 4000 TT 75-94)
June 1997
CIM's management buys the shares of the state of NRW.
July 1997
Dr. Peter Kettner dies. CIM's management team is enlarged
by 4 directors.
23. October 1997
10 year anniversary of CIM, the articles of incorporation
are adjusted to the new realities. CIM now operates two separate
business units, software development and management consulting
respectively. The company name is changed to: CIM GmbH Informations-
und Produktionsmanagement
May 1998
Software development broadens its offering. CIMSOURCE Global
Tool Information becomes the brand for a comprehensive product
line:
CS - MatKey, the workpiece material database
CS - CAMbase, the database for NC-Systems, CNC-controls and
Tool Management Software
CS - CADfile, the CAD-files on a separate disk
CS - Professional, the full service package
July 1999
"CIMSOURCE Great Lakes Office" in Ann Arbor, Michigan (close
to Detroit) becomes operational
September 1999
"CIMSOURCE Great Lakes" sells first contract
June 2000
CIMSOURCE goes online. METAV trade show in Düsseldorf,
Germany witnesses the launch of www.toolsunited.com.
30. Juni 2000
CIM's management buys the shares of the consortium of banks.
For short term financing reasons, these shares are held by
CIM GmbH. All shares are converted to EUROs.
September 2001
CIM was successfully certified
by TÜV Rheinland/Berlin-Brandenburg.
October 2002
15 years CIM Aachen
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