The 1970s

In the 1970s, the company was committed to reaching goals of technological nature: in 1970, the first small-displacement diesel engine with direct injection was built. The new unit was able to operate at 3600 RPM. In 1979, construction began on a Research and Development Center. Upon completion, it was dedicated to Franco Lombardini, who had died prematurely in 1980.
 
In 1986, the special independent Lombardini Marine division was founded to manufacture marine engines. It was felt that such a division could produce better results .

Thanks to Lombardini’s continuous efforts to raise the technological level of its products, the company was able to launch a line of water -cooled diesel engines in 1988:

• FOCS (Fully Overhead Controlling System)
• CHD (Compact Heavy Duty).