Lombardini: a century of italian innovation in diesel engines

When it comes to compact diesel engines, the name Lombardini stands for reliability, quality and innovation. Founded in 1922 in Novellara, this Italian company has evolved and grown over time, always focusing on the needs of the agricultural, industrial and marine markets.

From a small workshop to a global leader

Starting as a small mechanical workshop, Lombardini initially produced both spark ignition and diesel engines, eventually specializing exclusively in high-performance diesel engines. In 1933, brothers Adelmo and Alberto Rainero Lombardini founded “Officine Meccaniche Fratelli Lombardini” in Reggio Emilia. That year, with a workforce of 20 employees, the company produced 500 engines—both spark ignition and diesel—and decided to focus solely on diesel engines for agriculture and industry.

Thanks to continuous technological research and a strong commitment to innovation, the company expanded its international presence by opening plants in Europe and Asia and collaborating with leading strategic partners.

Innovation serving performance and sustainability

One of Lombardini’s core strengths has always been the ability to combine power and durability with efficiency and reduced emissions. Since the 1950s, starting with the launch of the LA series featuring the first single-cylinder direct injection diesel engine, up to today’s modern common rail engines, the company has anticipated many industry trends by investing in advanced technologies and functional design.

Specialization and technological development

In the 1970s, under Franco Lombardini’s leadership, the company ceased production of finished products (such as tractors and water pumps) to focus on small-displacement engines, particularly direct injection diesel engines.

In 1974, a second plant dedicated to gasoline engines was opened in Rieti. In 1979, the Research and Development Center was established, a project initiated by Franco Lombardini, who passed away in 1980 and to whom the center is dedicated.

By 1980, production exceeded 200,000 engines per year. The 1980s saw the introduction of important families of water-cooled multi-cylinder diesel engines (FOCS and CHD) and the creation of the Lombardini Marine division. New subsidiaries were opened and international collaborations strengthened.

Internationalization and continuous innovation

In the early 1990s, Lombardini expanded its group by acquiring A.C.M.E. and opening a plant in Slovakia. In 1995, it obtained ISO 9001 certification.

In 1999, it joined the American group Mark IV Industries and acquired Ruggerini Motori.

In the new millennium, production was strengthened in Slovakia and India, with facilities dedicated to diesel engines for light vehicles.

Rehlko: The new frontier of italian power

In 2007, Lombardini became part of Kohler Co., a global leader in the powertrain sector, and today is known under the brand Rehlko—a symbol of a future focused on sustainability and digitalization. Rehlko continues to offer reliable, versatile and easy-to-maintain engines designed for a wide range of applications, from agriculture to marine, industry to compact machinery.

Why choose Lombardini/Rehlko?

• Proven Experience: Nearly 100 years in the diesel engine sector;
• Advanced Technology: High-performance engines with low environmental impact;
• Global Network: Support and spare parts available worldwide;
• Flexibility: Engines suitable for multiple professional applications.

What choosing Lombardini/Rehlko with Cirifalco Group means

As an official distributor, Cirifalco Group offers original Lombardini/Rehlko engines with qualified technical assistance and immediate availability of spare parts.

Choosing a Lombardini/Rehlko engine means relying on almost a century of experience, cutting-edge technology and dedicated support.