The inception of our business dates back to 1951, when the parent company of Tensacciai was established as a specialized sub-contractor. Post-tensioning was still an experimental method and its applications were rare. However, thanks to the vision of its founders, Tensacciai started to operate in the field of post-tensioning in 1956. In the 60s the beginning of the toll-roads development programme
in Italy opened up huge opportunities in infrastructure construction, opportunities that Tensacciai was quick to seize, which ushered a period of remarkable growth for the company. A programme of technological renewal began in the 70s with the use of the strand. In fact, 0.6” diameter strands started to be used, and the system of multiple and simultaneous tensioning was developed. The application of the strand at the time barely heard of in post-tensioning, made it possible to carry out a a multiple tensioning system which, by securing the iso-tensioning of cable components under stress complied with design and performance requirements previously unimaginable. In the following years new technologies were developed, including developments in the field of rock and ground anchors. Among these, the Tensacciai “APS” anchor, the first cable with valves and protected bond length, which soon became a commercial success. Thanks to its versatility and ease of use, this is a system that is now widely employed all over the world. On the back of these successes, new families of anchor and post-tensioning systems were designed and brought to market. To mention but one, the Tensacciai “TAC” system for cyclic tension, the only system in the world which allows the decrease of tension under stress, thanks to the contrivance of having the wedge placed inside the jacks during tensioning operations, instead of being placed in its seat on the strand. In the 80s Tensacciai established new companies in Brazil, Argentina and India. All the while a company reorganization and fresh capital allowed the Company to grow organically and secure an increasing market share in the international markets. Branches and affiliate companies were established in Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands. In recent years Tensacciai has streamlined its operating structure, while innovating and rationalising its product offering. The Tensacciai “TSR” family of stay cable anchorages was fully developed and brought to market. The Company’s design and research efforts found successful applications in several landmark projects, such as the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam completed in 1996, which included the installation of stays of up to 127 15.7 mm. More than 30 cable-stayed bridges have been built since 1992 using our stay cable systems. Among the most striking projects, it is worth mentioning the cable stayed bridge over the Po River near Piacenza in Northern Italy, along the High Speed Railway line between Milano and Bologna: the first example in Europe of this kind of structure. The Company’s push into international markets has continued to develop in the new millennium, resulting in Tensacciai becoming directly involved in projects in all five continents. In 2011 Tensacciai was acquired by Gruppo de Eccher, one of Italy’s top international contractors, in a transaction that is widely expected to unlock tremendous synergies and unlock substantial value to both companies. For a start, the affiliation with Gruppo de Eccher provides Tensacciai with access to a huge commercial network and virtually unlimited financial resources. From an operational standpoint it also means access to an organization capable of designing, manufacturing and installing systems anywhere in the world, with the support of high-end engineering capabilities and under tight quality control procedures. All processes are attested by the ISO9001 certification. In 2012 Tensacciai merged with Tesit, another successful post-tensioning contractor with international experience in post-tensioning, steel bars, structural bearings and expansion joints, which allowed it to become a prominent player in the field of specialised subcontracting. In the same year Tensacciai also entered into a global exclusive licensing agreement with Rome-based Tecniche Idraulico-Stradali S.r.l. (TIS) - a leading company with experience in designing and producing structural bearings, expansion joints and anti-seismic devices since 1973.
