ASP Technologies
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | électronique d2, La Cie, Ltd. |
| Founded | July 1, 1987 in Tigard, Oregon, United States |
| Founder | Joel Kamerman, Robert Kamerman, Tudy Kamerman, Roger Bates (La Cie, Ltd.); Pierre Fournier, Philippe Spruch (électronique d2) |
| Fate | Acquired by Seagate Technology (2014) |
| Headquarters | Tigard , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Philippe Spruch (CEO as of at least 2013) |
| Products | External storage devices (hard drives, RAID systems, optical and flash drives), computer monitors |
| Parent | Seagate Technology |
LaCie (; English: "The Company") is a Franco-American enterprise specializing in computer hardware, particularly external storage solutions such as hard drives, RAID systems, optical and flash drives, along with computer monitors. The company provides storage devices with capacities reaching several terabytes and supports multiple connection standards including FireWire 400, FireWire 800, eSATA, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, and Ethernet. Their product range also includes portable bus-powered options.
The company's display products are tailored for graphics professionals, with a strong focus on delivering precise color reproduction.
Company history
LaCie emerged from the merger of two distinct storage enterprises: the Paris-based électronique d2 (established in 1989) and the Oregon-founded LaCie (established in 1987). In 1995, électronique d2 acquired LaCie and consolidated operations under the LaCie brand name. Both firms initially concentrated on SCSI storage solutions primarily designed for the Macintosh platform.
électronique d2 was launched in Paris by Pierre Fournier and Philippe Spruch, initially assembling external SCSI hard drives. By 1990, the company expanded its manufacturing facilities and shifted focus toward product innovation and research and development. It established European branches in London (1991), Brussels, and Copenhagen, broadening its market beyond Macintosh users to include PC customers. The acquisition of LaCie, then a Quantum subsidiary based in the United States, in 1995 provided an entry point into North America. By 1998, the LaCie brand replaced d2 worldwide.
La Cie, Ltd., founded in July 1987 by Joel Kamerman and family members in Oregon, prioritized profitability over revenue growth, emphasizing product differentiation through design and software integration as well as vertical integration. In December 1990, Plus Development—owned by Quantum—acquired La Cie. As part of Quantum, La Cie became Apple's exclusive manufacturer of Apple-branded external SCSI hard drives utilizing Quantum disk technology. Joel Kamerman and Scott Phillips played key roles in securing this partnership with Apple. After merging with électronique d2 in 1995, Philippe Spruch took over as CEO and continued in this role through at least 2013.
In March 2012, Seagate Technology announced its intention to acquire LaCie for $186 million; the transaction was finalized in 2014. Subsequently, LaCie's US headquarters were relocated back to Tigard, Oregon in August 2013.
Timeline
- 1987 Joel Kamerman, Robert Kamerman, Tudy Kamerman, and Roger Bates establish La Cie, Ltd. in Tigard, Oregon, launching the Cirrus Drive—the first external drive to receive an industrial design award.
- 1989 Pierre Fournier (32) and Philippe Spruch (26) found électronique d2 in Paris.
- 1990 Plus Development, a subsidiary of Quantum Corp., acquires La Cie; d2 moves into expanded premises on rue Watt in Paris.
- 1991 The first subsidiary opens in London (UK); development begins on the initial d2 SCSI card compatible with PCs.
- 1992 Offices established in Brussels and Copenhagen; new drive models designed by Philippe Starck and Neil Poulton are introduced.
- 1993 German branch founded in Düsseldorf; d2 relocates headquarters to larger facilities in Massy, near Paris.
- 1994 Subsidiaries launched in Rotterdam and Basel.
- 1995 New offices opened in Madrid and Milan; électronique d2 acquires LaCie from Quantum, expanding into North America.
- 1996 Subsidiaries established in Stockholm and Canada (Toronto); électronique d2 becomes publicly listed on Paris’s nouveau marché.
- 1997 LaCie's US operations move to new Portland facilities; électronique d2 acquires NATI for repair services; launch of premium 21" monitors with color management tools.
- 1998 Acquisition of ASP Technologies, Inc., a Macintosh clone manufacturer; "LaCie" adopted as the global corporate identity.
- 1999 Disposal of NATI by LaCie.
- 2000 Australian subsidiary founded; introduction of PocketDrive—a compact 2.5" external hard disk.
- 2001 Establishment of Japanese subsidiary; release of 18-inch flat-panel monitors and DVD players.
- 2002 Launch of Fusion CD-RW drive.
- 2003 Introduction of "LaCie Big Disk," a 500 GB external hard drive; debut of portable drives designed by F.A. Porsche; first triple-interface hard drives released.
- 2004 Release of "LaCie Bigger Disk," a 1 TB external hard drive.
- 2009 Acquisition of Caleido, a peer-to-peer storage startup known for its Wuala product.
- 2012 Seagate announces intent to purchase LaCie for $186 million pending regulatory approval.
- 2014 Completion of Seagate's acquisition of LaCie initiates integration processes.
Products
Originally concentrating on external SCSI hard drives, LaCie has broadened its product portfolio to encompass early CD writers, pioneering DVD drives, magneto-optical drives, SyQuest drives, tape backup solutions, RAID systems, as well as portable USB and FireWire storage devices.
Designers
During the 1980s, computer peripheral designs were typically plain, beige metal enclosures. Catering specifically to creative professionals who used Apple Macintosh, LaCie distinguished itself by developing "designer drives" that appealed to the aesthetic preferences of content creators.
Prior to the 1995 acquisition of électronique d2, most LaCie products were designed by Ziba Design based in Portland, Oregon. This collaboration produced acclaimed models such as the Joule tower, Cirrus, and Tsunami. By that time, LaCie had secured industrial design awards for every external storage device it introduced.
From 1991 onwards, the Paris-based company électronique d2 gained prominence by recruiting renowned industrial designers including Philippe Starck and Neil Poulton. Their emphasis was on ergonomic functionality paired with unique styling. Starck designed three "toaster" style drives—named "K1," "Apollo," and "Tokyo"—crafted from gravity-cast aluminum and inspired by the chrome aesthetics of 1950s toasters. These projects were overseen by Neil Poulton and Christophe Pillet. A fourth design by Starck was developed as a model but never moved into production.
Neil Poulton, originally from Scotland, holds the longest-standing relationship with électronique d2/LaCie. Since 1991, he has designed numerous products including the "Shark," "FM Tuner," and the award-winning "le Coq" hard drive. Beyond product design, Poulton created d2’s visual identity through graphics, packaging, trade show booths, and logos. After LaCie's acquisition in 1995, he developed the company's current logo and corporate branding. His portfolio includes top-selling lines such as the "d2," "Pocketdrive," "Rugged," and "Little Big Disk." Notably, his funnel-shaped "Firewire Speakers" received France's prestigious "Janus de l'Industrie" award in 2007.
Christophe Pillet, recognized for his luxury furniture designs, contributed to LaCie’s design efforts between 1994 and 1996 following his departure from Starck’s studio.
In 2003, CEO Philippe Spruch engaged Porsche Design to create a collection that achieved significant commercial success from 2003 through 2006.
By 2006, LaCie introduced a range of colorful products featuring Karim Rashid’s bold designs alongside Ora-Ïto’s widely popular Brick drive. Due to trademark conflicts, Ora-Ïto’s award-winning 2007 USB Hub was rebranded.
In 2007, several LaCie creations were acquired by Paris’s Centre Georges Pompidou for their permanent exhibit collection. Included were Poulton's designs such as "le Coq," "d2," "LBD," "Firewire Speakers," "Pocketdrive," and "Rugged"; Ora-Ïto's "Brick" and "USB Hub"; plus two drives designed by Porsche Design.
Both Neil Poulton and Ora-Ïto continue to serve as principal designers for LaCie.
Innovations
LaCie was among the pioneers to feature switchable built-in termination on its Cirrus, Tsunami, and ZFP SCSI drives tailored for Macintosh systems.