An adventure story of an Italian company
The story of Nuovo Pignone told through innovation and people
An industrial adventure with more than 180 years of history that continues to this day. It is the story of Pignone di Firenze, which, under various names, has existed since 1842. Reading about the history of this company is instructive and interesting. And this is possible, at least for the most recent part of its history, with Michele Stangarone’s book “Nuovo Pignone 1954-1999. Un’entusiasmante storia tecnica. Da Firenze all’Italia al mondo” (A fascinating technical history. From Florence to Italy to the world) published a few months ago.
It all began, as has been said, in 1842, when the Pignone foundry began its activity in Florence, on the south bank of the Arno, and in more than a century it became one of the largest Florentine manufacturing companies, integrated into the industrial and working fabric of the city. At the end of the Second World War, however, Pignone faced a serious restructuring crisis and was on the verge of closure. However, a major collective mobilisation and government intervention ended with Eni’s acquisition of Enrico Mattei and the birth of Nuovo Pignone. This is where Stangarone’s book begins.
This text covers some of the milestones in the technical history of the company, real turning points that radically changed its course from 1954 to 1999. In particular, the book covers the entire management of Eni (1954-94) and the beginning of the subsequent management of the American General Electric.
What Michele Stangarone has written is the thrilling story of a gamble, a gamble that, in a few decades, has seen a company rise from almost nothing to a position of excellence, bringing work and prestige to Italy and the world. The book – full of photos – explains everything step by step, innovation by innovation.
Nuovo Pignone 1954-1999. Un’entusiasmante storia tecnica. Da Firenze all’Italia al mondo
Michele Stangarone
Giunti Editore, 2024
The story of Nuovo Pignone told through innovation and people
An industrial adventure with more than 180 years of history that continues to this day. It is the story of Pignone di Firenze, which, under various names, has existed since 1842. Reading about the history of this company is instructive and interesting. And this is possible, at least for the most recent part of its history, with Michele Stangarone’s book “Nuovo Pignone 1954-1999. Un’entusiasmante storia tecnica. Da Firenze all’Italia al mondo” (A fascinating technical history. From Florence to Italy to the world) published a few months ago.
It all began, as has been said, in 1842, when the Pignone foundry began its activity in Florence, on the south bank of the Arno, and in more than a century it became one of the largest Florentine manufacturing companies, integrated into the industrial and working fabric of the city. At the end of the Second World War, however, Pignone faced a serious restructuring crisis and was on the verge of closure. However, a major collective mobilisation and government intervention ended with Eni’s acquisition of Enrico Mattei and the birth of Nuovo Pignone. This is where Stangarone’s book begins.
This text covers some of the milestones in the technical history of the company, real turning points that radically changed its course from 1954 to 1999. In particular, the book covers the entire management of Eni (1954-94) and the beginning of the subsequent management of the American General Electric.
What Michele Stangarone has written is the thrilling story of a gamble, a gamble that, in a few decades, has seen a company rise from almost nothing to a position of excellence, bringing work and prestige to Italy and the world. The book – full of photos – explains everything step by step, innovation by innovation.
Nuovo Pignone 1954-1999. Un’entusiasmante storia tecnica. Da Firenze all’Italia al mondo
Michele Stangarone
Giunti Editore, 2024