Luigi Maggioni and the Italian Industry: UNIMEC’s founder is now a Master Mechanic

Last November 17, Luigi Maggioni was awarded the title of Master Mechanic.

The recent weeks turned out to be extremely rich in awards and recognitions for UNIMEC. After winning the first prize in the “Parola d’Impresa” contest, it was Luigi Maggioni’s to receive another important award.

Last November 17, Luigi Maggioni was awarded the title of Master Mechanic by UCIMU-SISTEMi PER PRODURRE, the Association of Italian Manufacturers of machine tools, automation and robotics. This recent award is in addition to the Gold Medal for Industrial Achievements that he received from Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi back in 2009 and a Meritorious Citizenship Award from the Township of Arcore for his consistent involvement in social and philanthropic initiatives.

The “Master Mechanic” initiative was developed as an industry-wide recognition for exceptional entrepreneurs who made a difference in the evolution of the Italian industry and who invented or developed revolutionary machines and solutions capable of improving not only productivity, but also workplace and environmental safety.

Luigi founded UNIMEC back in 1981 and, with the help of his son Alessandro and his daughter Stefania, created outstanding brand recognition throughout the world with six locations: two in Italy and four in France, Germany, Spain, and the U.S.

This award is especially meaningful when we consider that in July of 2001, Luigi Maggioni, along with his family and each individual employee at UNIMEC, gave the company a second chance after a sudden tornado (a natural phenomenon virtually unheard of in Italy) literally blew the entire Headquarters to smithereens, destroying everything and leaving Luigi severely injured. UNIMEC rose from its own ashes and bounced back stronger than ever from this devastating tragedy.

The real strength of UNIMEC consists of always reaching for the stars: “Una Spinta Verso l’Alto” (“Pushing Up”) is also the title of a biographical book, about the history and the values of the company. This book contains stories and anecdotes from Luigi and from Alessandro and Stefania, who inherited his energetic entrepreneurial spirit.

It was Luigi’s relentless energy and commitment to excellence that led him to the Master Mechanic title that he was just awarded.

“I am not denying it, receiving this award is very emotional,” said Luigi. “The years of hard work at UNIMEC are piling up now, but by working hard, I have always found the strength to go forward and do more and better. I always say that the worst day of the week is Friday, and the best is Monday!”

Luigi also added, “This title is far from being a finish line for me, but it is one of the many moments that life puts on our paths; my wish is to convey to my children and grandchildren the awareness that challenges are always a way to improve and grow, because the story of UNIMEC must go forward”.