The origins of Tecnomasio go back as far as 1863 when mechanical and civil engineer Luigi Longoni, instrument maker Carlo Dell'Acqua, and optical scientist Ignazio Porro founded a company in Milan.

[1][2][3] Initially the company produced scientific apparatus, including microscopes,[4] heliostats, cathetometers, theodolites and arc lamps.

During the next two decades the factories in Milan played a major role in supplying electrical generators and transformers for Italian hydroelectric plant.

[6] In 1988 the company became part of the ABB Group after the merger of its parent Brown Boveri with ASEA, later it would become part of Adtranz, and after Adtranz became fully owned by DaimlerChrysler the name of Italian sub division became Daimler Chrysler Rail System (Italia) SpA.

As of 2010 the Vado Ligure plant is part of Bombardier Transportation Italy S.p.A. and manufactures locomotives.