The gestation of what would become the current ULMA Group took place at the end of the 50s, when six young mechanics started up business in old premises in Oñate with the intention of dedicating themselves to maintenance and auxiliary work for the then prosperous local chocolate industry. Some years later, in 1961, following several meetings with José Mª Arizmendiarrieta, the inspiration behind the Mondragon Cooperative Experience, they decided to create the Industrial Cooperative, Talleres ULMA S.C.I. dedicated to the production of wrapping machines. In 1963 the dynamism of its founders was evident with the introduction of the first prefabricated scaffolding JJEIP, to the Spanish market, and their specialisation for the production of fencing and platforms, first used at the World Cycling Championship held in Lasarte in 1965.
In parallel, four workers from Forjas de Zubillaga acquire a locksmiths and accessories workshop and dedicate themselves to the production of balconies, metallic doors and other forged products, officially constituting the GAITU S.C.I. cooperative in 1962, later renamed as ENARA. Its growth and consolidation lead to the production of flanges through the acquisition of a drop forging hammer which would transform the company and serve as the basis for its subsequent development.
It was in 1986 when the Oñate Regional Group, OÑALAN, was formed, comprised of ENARA, ULMA and OINAKAR, the latter supported by Caja Laboral and dedicated to the sale of forklift trucks since 1984. In 1986 OÑALAN became known as ULMA Group, with the new corporate brand created years later in 1992.
These are the beginnings of the ULMA Group, where the vision and entrepreneurial nature of its founders prevailed and that of the thousands of partners and workers who were witness to and continued to invest in a cooperative model which benefits society as a whole.
The brands, created to market initial products and companies, and which form the foundations and origins of the current ULMA Group, are testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit, knowledge and determination of its founders.
