History
2006-2007
To meet the growing LPG composite cylinder demand, RAGASCO increased capacity by implementing a significant investment and major efficiency improvements in the LPG cylinder production line. An investment of over10 million € more than doubled previous capacity. The result is the most modern, efficient and automated production line of its kind worldwide.
In 2007 Ragasco produced its 2 millionth cylinder and achieved its highest yearly production with over 750,000 units. Ragasco also introduced a 33.5L cylinder with immediate market acceptance.
The company's high pressure segment began preparing for serial production of type 4 CNG cylinders. All improvements and strategic steps are supported by a steady and long ownership duration.
2004-2005
Ragasco LPG composite cylinders (12.5L, 18.2L and 24.5L) were highly acknowledged and immediately received by customers and end-users on all continents - with Europe as the main market.
Ragasco received approval for North America where the first sales were introduced while the 1 millionth cylinder rolled off the production line in 2005.
Defense and high pressure projects were specifically focused by the development department while within the Hexagon Composites family, the company experienced industrial and stable ownership.
2003
Ragasco owner Hexagon purchased the CNG systems division from Raufoss United and established this as a separate entity under Hexagon Composites ASA. The CNG cylinder production of Ragasco was, as a part of this process, merged into the new entity under the name of Raufoss Alternative Fuel Systems (RAFS). In 2003 Ragasco reached the milestone of 500,000 Complet cylinders produced.
2002
Raufoss Composites AS merged with the daughter company Ragasco and used this name for the merged companies. Ragasco introduced the new Complet 5 kg products with success in the market.
2001
Hexagon Composites purchased 100% of Raufoss' and Statoil's shares in Raufoss Composites AS including the daughter company Ragasco
2000
In April - Statoil increased and moved their investment from RAGASCO to Raufoss Composites AS. Statoil ownership became 50% of the shares in Raufoss Composites AS, with Raufoss ASA owning the remaining 50%. In February - the Complet cylinder factory was finished and started up producing the new and innovative Complet. Ragasco produced 150,000 cylinders during the first year of operation.
1999
The CNG systems department of Raufoss Composites were transferred to Raufoss United (100 % Raufoss ASA) whose strategic focus was the automotive industry. Raufoss Composites AS similar focus was developing and producing innovative and axis symmetrical composite products. Raufoss Composites still produced the CNG cylinder as a supplier to Raufoss United.
The lightweight CNG concept was introduced into truck applications and delivered to Volvo as the main customer.
1998
Statoil LPG agreed to a long term TOP agreement with Ragasco AS for delivery of the new and innovative Complet cylinder.
Statoil I&K invest 33.4% in Raufoss Composites' subsidiary RAGASCO, a production unit with sole focus on manufacturing the Complet LPG cylinders.
Decision to invest in a highly automated - high production volume factory for LPG cylinders was made and the industrialization project commenced.
Deliveries of CNG cylinders continued for both bus and personal car applications.
1997
The Composites Division in Raufoss Technology was "divested" and Raufoss Composites AS was established as a separate 100% owned subsidiary of Raufoss ASA.
The lightweight CNG systems concept was introduced for personal cars, with deliveries to Volvo.
1996
Composites were established as a separate division in Raufoss Technology AS.
Product development extended to include riser/offshore projects as well as the new low pressure LPG cylinder concept.
A new lightweight systems concept for CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), including pressure cylinders, for buses were designed and introduced in the market. Deliveries were made to Volvo as the main customer.
1990 - 1995
The product development focus was on high-performance pressure vessels and missile structures, specifically targeting the defense and automotive markets.
1980 - 1990
Development, qualification and manufacturing of high performance pressure vessels - 700 bar working pressure - for defense purpose. Development and manufacturing of composite antennas and structures.
