History

Founded in 1940 as a craft business specializing in signage and advertising displays, UPM Group is now a well-established industrial company and a leading General Contractor for the retail sector.

With operations across Europe, the Group partners with brands through an integrated approach that combines design, production, and operational coordination.

Through continuous research and development with a phygital perspective, UPM Group specializes in retail branding and visual solutions, delivering services and furnishings that transform spaces into engaging experiences.

The value of experience

1940

On october the 14th 1940, in Modena, UPM (Unione Pubblicitari Modenesi) is set up for the production of signs and other forms of advertising in use at that time.

1950

UPM pioneers road signboards as a form of communication. The production of the first luminous signs begins.

1960

UPM becomes a solid manufacturing company both locally and regionally.

1970

In 1970 “Gualdi Insegne Luminose” is founded.

1980

UPM bought high tech machines for the production of signs and adopted for the first time digital technologies.

1990

UPM and Neon Gualdi merge and create UPM Immagine Pubblicitaria srl.

2000

A new line of business has created: UPM General Contractor joins the well-established UPM Visual Solutions and widens UPM’s offer on the market.
UPM MODENA spa is now a group.

2015

The group becomes UPM ITALY, beginning the internationalization process.
The company proceeds to a capital increase in order to create UPM France.

2017

The Group acquires STEFRA, the prestigious carpentry workshop, specialized in the production of customized furnishings for business and private.

2020

With the acquisition of the current UPM Brussels the internationalisation process begins

2023

Restyling of the Group’s brands

2024

Opening of the Swiss and Spanish branches, establishment of UPM Contract and UPM Uk

2025

UPM Group unveils two major innovations: Mosso, 3d printing & design for retail e Holobox, Custom holographic experiences, powered by AI.