An industrial story guided by vision and rigor

REEL’s history began in 1946 with the founding of Ferrand & Frantz by Charles Frantz and Pierre Ferrand, initially focusing on industrial metalwork. In 1951, the company designed and produced its first modern overhead crane, marketed under the REEL brand. This innovation laid the groundwork for an industrial approach that would drive future success. The popularity of this first crane led to the production of hundreds more bearing the REEL name. Around the same time, the company entered the nuclear sector by designing a loading gantry for the Marcoule nuclear site, while also building its maintenance activities.

In 1971, the company was renamed REEL, after the very crane that had established its reputation. With the launch of France’s nuclear energy program, REEL developed its first loading machines for nuclear facilities and began its international expansion. This included delivering over 60 loading systems to countries such as France, China, and South Africa.

REEL diversified its portfolio by entering the aerospace sector, starting with the development of suspended maintenance platforms for the Boeing 747. Over time, its presence grew in countries like Spain, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Canada.

The company increasingly focused on creating custom, specialized, and automated equipment to meet the demands of its clients.

The 1990s were dominated by REEL’s focus on nuclear energy, with nuclear-related projects accounting for 90–95% of its activities, including the construction of the La Hague site. In 1996, REEL celebrated its 50th anniversary and entered the North American market through the acquisition of COH, marking a key phase of its international development. This expansion continued with the acquisition of NKM in the Netherlands in 1999 and NOELL Cranes Systems in 2002, enabling REEL to establish itself as a major player in the aluminum market.

During this period, REEL also expanded into the defense sector, designing specialized equipment for submarines. In aerospace, the company participated in programs such as the Airbus A380 and A350. These strategic moves reinforced its global presence and opened new channels for growth.

REEL continued its expansion into new markets with the acquisition of Imeca, a key player in the offshore sector, in 2011. In 2015, the company strengthened its aluminum industry activities by integrating Alesa, followed by its diversification into new areas with the acquisition of NFM Systems in 2017. This momentum accelerated in 2021 with the addition of AEI, specializing in robotics, and CMF to its portfolio.

The year 2021 was a pivotal moment for REEL. It marked the company’s 75th anniversary and saw the acquisition of REEL Möller GmbH (formerly FLSmidth), further consolidating its position in global markets.

With over 57 locations worldwide and more than 3,000 employees, REEL operates in some of the most demanding industries. The company’s future is rooted in technical innovation, industrial excellence, and a strong focus on human resources, prioritizing training, knowledge transfer, and sustainable engagement.

The 2021 acquisition of CNIM Systèmes Industriels exemplifies this vision. It has enabled REEL to broaden its expertise, particularly in space, defense, and complex systems, further solidifying its international leadership and preparing the company for the challenges of tomorrow.