Behind CIMA’s gears: precision at full speed
In high-performance industries such as Motorsport, Aerospace, and E-mobility, the rules are unforgiving. A margin of error measured in microns can separate victory from defeat, and the clock is always ticking. Clients working in these environments face relentless pressure: innovate quickly, meet strict regulations, and deliver without compromise. What clients need is not a supplier, but a technical partner who sees ahead, moves fast, and makes innovation happen. This is exactly where CIMA stands out.
“For a motorsport enthusiast like me, working at CIMA is like being in an amusement park,” says Riccardo Gileno, Racing & Industrial Engineering Coordinator. “We collaborate with almost all Formula 1, Formula E, MotoGP, and WRC teams. Meeting top-level designers, earning their trust, and contributing to their results is something I’m deeply proud of. The days fly by, you’re so immersed in what you’re doing that it doesn’t even feel like work.”
From problem to solution: the art of customization
At CIMA, no two projects are alike. Every gear and every component is engineered around the client’s specific needs and constraints. This approach is not just about technical ability—it’s about listening, problem-solving, and adapting under pressure.
“There’s a great sense of pride when a customer comes to us with a problem and we’re able to solve it,” Gileno explains. “That’s how you build loyalty: clients know that when challenges arise, CIMA will find a way forward.”
One striking case involved a new German motorsport client preparing for the 2026 season. They had designed an unconventional gear with geometries that pushed the limits of feasibility. Their traditional suppliers refused to sign off, arguing it couldn’t be manufactured. Redesigning was impossible: every surrounding component was already in production, and missing the deadline meant jeopardizing their participation in the championship.
“When the drawing landed on our desk, it stopped us in our tracks,” Gileno recalls. “It was unlike anything we had seen before. But instead of saying ‘It can’t be done,’ we pulled together as a team. After a few hours of intense brainstorming, we approved the feasibility with only minor adjustments. The gear was built exactly as envisioned and is now undergoing testing. I like to think that, in some way, we saved their place on the 2026 grid, and hopefully, this is just the start of a long collaboration.”
Precision measured in microns
Quality at CIMA it’s a discipline, refined over decades and carried out with near-obsessive attention to detail. Precision is measured in thousandths of millimeters, and the slightest deviation can have serious consequences.
The company’s workshop are where this pursuit of perfection is most visible. These are areas where skilled operators “chase” the micron, guided by years of experience and intuition. The technical office works hand in hand with these teams to ensure every tolerance and specification is achieved without compromise.
“To meet certain design requirements, the technical office and the workshop must operate in complete harmony,” Gileno notes. “We’re talking about tolerances so tight that if our collaboration wasn’t seamless, achieving them would be impossible.”
A powerful example came with Formula 1 engine gear. The client needed to minimize gear backlash to improve combustion precision, requesting tolerances at the very limits of what modern machine tools can achieve. “We pushed beyond those limits without sacrificing quality,” says Gileno. “The proof of our success? You can see it on Sundays, when the lights go out and the cars launch from the grid.”
Not a supplier. A technical partner.
In the world of mechanics and its various application sectors, each department speaks its own language—sales, production, logistics... The technical office acts as a translator and facilitator, helping to bridge these different perspectives and ensuring that documentation, tooling, and specifications are perfectly aligned with the needs of the shop floor. This collaborative approach transforms potential friction points into a smooth and efficient workflow.
Innovation also plays a key role. While the software and tools may be the same as those used by other companies, what sets CIMA apart is how they are customized, and how they are combined with over 80 years of expertise. This unique blend ensures that every project benefits not only from cutting-edge equipment, but also from a culture deeply rooted in precision and engineering excellence.
Clients see this value clearly. Gileno recalls one case where a customer struggled with NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) issues. “Their transmission was generating so much noise and vibration that it led to anomalies and failures. We worked together in a co-design process, optimizing the gear geometry and then moving to production. The issue was resolved, and today we are already on our third project with them. That’s when our real value emerges: we don’t just manufacture; we build solutions alongside our clients.”
The human factor and the future
What truly makes the difference at CIMA is not just machinery or methods, but people. “Clients choose us because they find both a cutting-edge production department and highly skilled technicians,” Gileno explains. “We have more than 80 years of gear expertise, passed down through generations of engineers. Our strength lies in combining advanced technology with technical know-how, and in the trust we build with customers by supporting them from the earliest design stages.”
For Gileno, pride also comes from the working environment itself. “After 13 years, I can honestly say it has never felt like work. The technical challenges, the trust of clients, but above all the respect and calm I share with my colleagues. That’s what makes me proud.”
Looking to the future, he is confident about CIMA’s role in the ongoing transformation of mobility. “Some believe electric vehicles won’t use gears, but that’s not true. If anything, gears in EVs will be more complex than ever. I’m certain CIMA will play a key role in this evolution.”
From motorsport to e-mobility, CIMA continues to shape the future of high-performance engineering. Learn more about our projects and expertise on our website writing at sales@cimaingranaggi.it.
Riccardo Gileno is CIMA Racing & Industrial Eng. Coordinator
He began his journey at CIMA in 2012 as an industrialization technician within the technical department. After an initial significant experience, he decided to challenge himself in a more operational role outside the group. He returned to CIMA in 2016, bringing his contribution to the production department. Since 2020, he has led a technical team of industrialization specialists focused on three key sectors: industrial, racing, and electric.