Our History - A Legacy of Innovation in Air Movement
From two European pioneers to a global leader in air movement - now part of the Regal Rexnord family of brands.
1950 - 1960: Founding Years in Italy and Germany
Nicotra began producing centrifugal fans in the early 1960s, quickly becoming a leader in the Italian ventilation market thanks to its reliable, high-quality products. Between the 1980s and 1990s, the company expanded across Europe with new subsidiaries and production sites dedicated to Air Handling Unit fans. Building on this success, Nicotra further extended its global presence from the 1990s onward, establishing operations across Asia and solidifying its position as a worldwide brand.
Gebhardt, founded in 1958, entered the ventilation market with innovative direct-driven centrifugal fans using external rotor motors. This compact design drove rapid growth, leading to European expansion through acquisitions and subsidiaries, followed by entry into Asian and North American markets. Investments in a dedicated motor production facility in Germany and the development of heavy-duty industrial fans further established Gebhardt as a leading European manufacturer.
1980s – 1990s: European Expansion and Global Growth
Nicotra established subsidiaries across France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the UK, supported by local teams and stocked inventory.
Gebhardt expanded through acquisitions and partnerships across Europe, introducing industrial and process fans.
Both companies entered Asia and the Middle East, opening facilities in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, India, and Australia.
2005: Nicotra Gebhardt Merger
In 2005, Nicotra acquired GebhardtVentilatoren, combining two strong engineering heritages to form Nicotra Gebhardt, a global leader in air movement technology. This merger united Italian design and flexibility with German engineering precision, creating a powerful synergy that continues to define the brand today.
2018: Joining Regal Beloit
In 2018, Nicotra Gebhardt was acquired by Regal Beloit Corporation, a U.S. leader in motion control and power transmission. The acquisition strengthened Regal’s global presence and expanded its lineup of energy-efficient air-moving systems.
2021 - Today: Part of the Regal Rexnord Family
Today, Nicotra Gebhardt part of Regal Rexnord Corporation stands as a global benchmark for innovation, energy efficiency, and reliability in ventilation and air handling solutions. With more than 68 years of experience and a presence in over 70 countries, the company delivers high-performance fan systems tailored to diverse applications. Its product range covers centrifugal, roof, axial, and process air fans, designed both for serial production and specialized projects. Through modern production technologies, continuous R&D investment, and dedicated service, Nicotra Gebhardt ensures efficiency, reliability, and long-term partnerships with customers worldwide.
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