Founded by Michel LAFORGUE, in BELIN BELIET (Gironde, France), At this time there were no French manufacturers able to offer machines for the wood-working industry (especially for the sawmills). Taking advantage of this observation, M.LAFORGUE decided to create his company and compete against the foreign products as North American and Scandinavian ones.” At the very beginning Segem numbered 5 people who designed, assembled and installed equipment, The manufacturing however was outsourced. .

The first workshop was created, making a significant part of the designed products. An engineer and two industrial designers joined the Design Team.

Significant developments :
- A sales network was created, first acting with agents, then with sales engineers, covering the whole country.
- New expansion for the Design Office with the integration of an engineer and a technician in electricity-automation.
- The first machine-tools are purchased.

The company decided to stimulate exports, therefore a high-qualified engineer speaking 4 languages, was hired as Sales Manager.

Concerned by the environmental issues, Segem widened its range with installations produced for Recycling and wood-energy. This growing sector is of major importance to Segem, which is striving to take advantage of a fast-growing market.

Taking over from Michel Laforgue, Hervé FROUIN with his industrial and international experience will put new life into SEGEM. The main executives are participating in this takeover.