The history, a precious wealth of experience, for Balma Capoduri & C. started in 1924. The considerable investment in machinery and facilities pointed to a clear industrial vocation of a Company where everything, from cardboard packaging to aluminium containers for one of its most successful products, “Coccoina”, used to be autonomously planned and produced within the Company. Over the years, new technologies (information science and industrial automation), new products and needs (above all environmental protection) have developed; but Balma, Capoduri & C.- thanks to its experience and renewal oriented entrepreneurial philosophy - has always been able to keep up with the times, sometimes even ahead of its time: as an example, we can mention the pilot plant for reducing pollution both inside and outside the factory that was installed when ecological problems were no cause for concern as they are nowadays. This dynamic entrepreneurial spirit underlines all the achievements of Balma, Capoduri & C. throughout a series of events where every fundamental stage is a necessary stepping-stone to the next one.

Balma, Capoduri & C. is founded at Voghera and the "ZENITH" trade-mark is registered. In April its first products are shown at the Trade Fair in Milan: the "ZENITH" tray for copying letters with the relevant accessories, cloths and interleaves.

The production of the "ZENITH" reinforcement punch starts. In a sole operation it punches paper sheets and applies gum-coated disks to protect the holes. The product is presented with success at the Paris Fair. The Company’s internationalisation has begun.

The first models of staplers and wire staples bearing the "ZENITH" trade-mark are created: they are entirely planned, manufactured and packaged inside the Company.

It is the year in which the now mythical "Coccoina" is born. The "white solid office glue" which will have great success and as many imitations. Yet, the trade-mark, the formula (a white scented paste) and the original packaging (the typical metal container) unmistakably evoke its origin: Balma, Capoduri & C.

"Coccoina, Coccoina … It is not a drug but a solid glue that amazes and arouses enthusiasm in those who use it”: from November 21st radio stations in Milan, Turin and Genoa start broadcasting commercials promoting the "Coccoina" trade-mark.

The Company starts the production of a new series of desk-staplers with the typical dome-shape, a stylistic solution inspired by some models of cars very popular at the time.

The difficult years of the war are only a bad memory. Reconstruction is easy and quick, thanks to close collaboration between managers and workers. To strengthen that solid relationship, the "ZENITH Golden Badge" is introduced to reward the most loyal and faithful workers and collaborators.

In response to the difficult post-war crisis, the "ZENITH" 548 plier is put on the market. But there is more: new products and new export targets such as Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, Canada and the U.S.A.

Balma, Capoduri & C. has always focused attention on the product starting from the planning stage. In recognition of this, the "ZENITH" 548 plier stapler is awarded the "Compasso d’Oro", the most prestigious Italian prize for industrial design.

Another very successful and amply imitated article is put on the market. It is the “ZENITH” staple remover, which still stands out from the others because of its fine finish and functionality, the latter supported by an ergonomical handle and by its ability to remove staples of any size.

The new "ZENITH" trade-mark, a star with 5 points, is registered and as from that time it is a characteristic of all the mechanical accessories manufactured by the Company.

From Balma, Capoduri & C. another contribution towards more rational and efficient work: the desk stapler. Its main features are a top loading system, loading capacity of up to 250 staples, a new anti-jamming device and an elegant design.

At the factory situated in Via Edison a new workshop becomes operative. Thanks to greater space, more efficient processing methods are adopted by employing sophisticated automation systems. The production of the liquid glue "Coccoina 84" starts in the same year and it will obtain the same commercial success as the "Coccoina" paste.

The “ZENITH” ELE 1 electric stapler - containing an internal removable stapler - is put on the market. In recognition of its quality and safety it is awarded the IMQ mark. Meanwhile, to facilitate the work of the sales department, all new packaging starts bearing bar codes.

The new surface-treating and finishing department becomes operative. Here, state-of-the-art technology with the new automatic spraying, degreasing and passivation plant - goes hand in hand with environmental protection. In the same year, the “ZENITH” 590 plier stapler is put on the market. It differs from the others in that it is easy to use, light, finely finished and can hold up to 200 staples.

Balma, Capoduri & C. starts marketing articles not produced within the company. However, carefully selected with regard to their quality and reliability: "Carl" rolling slicers trimming boards and heavy duty punches, "Etona" heavy duty staplers and relevant staples, "Bilcom" pen and tape correctors.

A new trade-mark is added to “Coccoina”, by now synonymous with glue. It is “LAKOL”, a new, highly adhesive, solvent-free stick glue and therefore, Consumer friendly.

This is the year of the launching of "ZENITH" 595 plier stapler. Made of metal with the cap in ABS shockproof plastic it combines qualities of great strength with non-common softness and lightness for a stapler which shows ideal for works of a certain care too. Unique in its kind, it can staple paper thickness of a certain consistence, using indifferently four staple sizes.

Balma, Capoduri & C. in Internet. The web site shows the Company history, presents its distributive network, the lastest news and above all it gives the user the possibility to “browse” inside the complete catalogue discovering the features of the products with the aid of photographs and exhaustive technical information.

The company starts the realization of a extension to the factory of 12.000 sq. mt., in addition to the existing one of 8.500 sq. mt. built in different phases starting from 1974. The modernization trend continues and in a short time all the working proceeding currently in the old historical factory in the heart of the town, are transferred to the new building as placed in the surroundings of Voghera, between Torino-Piacenza motorway and the circular road of the town.
As concerns the environmental defence, some special plants are present; specially for the check of atmosphere emissions, two types of purifying plants have been employed, one catalytic-based for the painting department emissions, the other one with living coal for the chlorinated solvents. For the effluents treating a chemical-physical purifying plant has been made.

The new "ZENITH" staples remover ref. 586 is presented, together with the well-known "ZENITH" staples remover ref. 580, at the Fairs CART in Milan and PAPERWORLD in Frankfurt bearing the same high quality performance and attention to features, but in real pocket size.

The "ZENITH" plier stapler ref. 590 FUN has the same characteristics as the 590 model, but it is also provided with an ABS anti-shock transparent coloured cap offering a choice of five brand-new and charming colour combinations. On the occasion of the 2000 SMAU Exhibition in Milan, it is pointed out among those articles to be candidated for the 33rd “SMAU Industrial Design Award”.

The new "ZENITH" stapler ref. 501 shows an exceptional versatility and may be used as a desk-stapler but also, with equal ease, as a plier stapler, thanks to its well designed dimensions, the refined ergonomics of the base made in a special anti-slide plastic, pleasant to the touch.

"Coccoina" family has been enriched with an important novelty: "Coccoina" glue sticks in 10, 20 and 40 g. sizes whose image recalls immediately and unmistakably "Coccoina" traditional colours: grey/aluminium colour of the famous tin and blue colour of the trade-mark . The innovative glue composition has been studied to be more adhesive and its almond fragrance is more definite ... according to the best "Coccoina" tradition!

The building of the new offices, nearby the production plants, completed the moving of the historical seat of Viale della Repubblica to the new seat of Via Thomas A. Edison 4, Voghera.