Exel's operations started in 1960 when three chemists founded a company which specialized in the production of electronic detonator caps. The company's name was derived from the words Explosive Electronics. Product development took the company quickly to sports in the 1970s. The manufacture of industrial applications was started in 1980. Today Exel is the largest pultruder in the world and ca. 80 % of the turnover comes from Industry Division.
1960s
Production of hearing protectors
Development of flexible production techniques
1970s
Start of composite products
Start of cross-country ski pole production
Breakthrough in cross-country sales (Innsbruck Olympic Games
1976)
First demanding carbon fibre profiles introduced
1980’s
Start of manufacture of industrial applications
Start of laminate and windsurfing mast production
1990’s
Start of doctor blades and other paper machine applications
Start of antenna profile production
Acquisition of Prostick brand
1997
Acquisition of Exel Kunststoff GmbH
Launching of Nordic Walking
1998
Acquisition of International Gateway AB
Exel listed on Helsinki Stock Exchange
2000
Acquisition of the business operations of Fiberspar Performance
Exel's share to Helsinki Stock Exchange Main List
2001
Acquisition of Menzolit-Fibron GmbH's pultrusion business
2004
Acquisition of Bekaert's pultrusion business
2005
Acquisition of Faserprofil GmbH's pultrusion business
2006
Acquisition of Pacific Composites Pty. Ltd's shares