Finmeccanica was incorporated on 18 March 1948 with the aim of rebuilding the Italian mechanical and shipbuilding industry after World War Two. In 2008, the Group celebrates its 60th anniversary.
 
Its intention with this important anniversary is not to celebrate its past, but rather to review its history as a way of preparing for the future.
 
Like other large companies in the sector, Finmeccanica has had it ups and downs and has pursued various objectives, dictated in part by the evolution of the world and in part by far-sighted management decisions.
 
However, Finmeccanica and the companies that have joined the Group over the years, have had a constant feature that has withstood difficulties and changes - know-how, in technological, industrial, entrepreneurial and human terms. This know-how has enabled Finmeccanica to overcome obstacles, to find new directions and to build the foundations for its success in recent years. A new strategic vision has identified the Group' strong points and has strengthened them.
 
Finmeccanica is now in the ideal position to review its history. It is an integrated industrial Group which, thanks to its size and range, has taken up the challenge in highly competitive scenarios, boosting its international reputation. It employs many people in Italy and abroad, and takes full advantage of the skills and know-how that constitute the priceless legacy from its past and the solid foundation for its future.