Italy boasts a strong tradition in the production of construction machinery. Lifting machines, excavators, and related components have always been a point of pride. Some of these companies continue production today, while others have faded away. Here are some of the most renowned companies present at Italian and international expos.
Palazzani
Founded in 1935, Palazzani Industrie S.p.A. established itself as a pioneer in the production of agricultural equipment and earth-moving machinery. The Brescia-based company has over 80 years of history. In 1954, they introduced their first range of wheel loaders and cranes, solidifying their presence in the lifting sector. In 1980, the company expanded its offerings with aerial platforms, new models of wheel loaders, and backhoe loaders.
Merlo
Founded in 1911 in Cuneo by Giuseppe Amilcare Merlo, Merlo S.p.A. has a rich history of innovation and tradition in the earth-moving sector. Initially focused on spare parts and precision mechanics, the small workshop specialized over the years. In 1966, the company began producing its first dumpers and mixers. A significant milestone came in 1981 with the introduction of the first telescopic handler, the SM30. Since then, Merlo has specialized in telescopic handlers, becoming a market leader in design and innovation. In 1996, they introduced the Turbofarmer agricultural handlers.
Venieri
Venieri was founded in Belricetto di Lugo by Ferdinando and Carlo Venieri in 1948, with their first product being the “Cingoletta,” a 40-horsepower crawler tractor. In the 1960s, the Venieri name began appearing at major Italian agricultural fairs. In the 1970s, production expanded to the earth-moving sector, and in 1974, VF Venieri S.p.A. was established. Today, the company continues its activities, selling in major world markets.
FAI
The history of F.A.I. (Fabbrica Attrezzature Industriali) began in 1963 with its founding by Giovanni Bettanin in Noventa Vicentina, Vicenza. Initially focused on agricultural machinery, the company expanded its product range to include excavators and skid-steer loaders, strengthening its presence in the earth-moving machinery sector. In 1988, F.A.I. partnered with the Komatsu Group, a leading global manufacturer of earth-moving machinery, to produce mini-excavators in Italy under Komatsu’s license. By September 1989, Komatsu acquired 10% of F.A.I., and production of Komatsu mini-excavators for the European market began in Este.
Benati
Benati is one of the oldest companies in the sector, founded in 1887 as a plow manufacturer before transitioning to excavators and earth-moving machinery. The company’s rapid expansion in the 1960s saw it open branches in the UK, USA, and Canada. Benati quickly became synonymous with backhoe loaders. Currently, it is part of the CNH group.
Laltesi
Founded in 1954 in Alseno, Piacenza, Laltesi S.p.A. produced excavators and earth-moving machinery, achieving a significant market share in Italy. Known for models like the Laltesi 111 and 3411, the company continued until 1987 when it faced administrative closure. In 2022, the brand was acquired by Freemac, a company in Pontenure, Piacenza, specializing in special vehicles and collaborating with the British Wilorton Holding in various sectors.
PMI Padania Macchine Industriali
Founded in 1973 in Carpaneto Piacentino, PMI (Padania Macchine Industriali) is a historic company in the Piacenza district, established thanks to Laltesi. It participated in several editions of Samoter, the historic Verona fair for earth-moving and construction. Initially focused on producing tracked and wheeled excavators, the company later expanded to special equipment. In 1997, it was acquired by C.M.O.2., another Piacenza company. PMI gained some international recognition, with enthusiasts nostalgically remembering models like the PMI 450, PMI 700, PMI 900, PMI 850, and the PMI 2200 excavator.
Imer
IMER (Industrie Macchine Edili Riunite) was founded in 1973 from the merger of two companies, one in Poggibonsi and the other in Certaldo, both established in 1962. Over the years, Imer embarked on a path of internationalization, entering French, Spanish, and American markets. Currently, production is divided into four sectors:
- Imer Equipment: Construction site machinery and equipment.
- Imer Access: Aerial platforms.
- Imer Concrete: Concrete plants and truck mixers.
- Kato Imer: Earth-moving machinery.
Fraste
Fraste Spa’s history began in 1964 when Benito Fracca, the company’s president, founded his business in mechanical construction. Shortly after, the first drilling machine was produced, marking the start of activities in the drilling field. The Nogara headquarters, near Verona, was inaugurated in 1967. Over the years, production expanded to the European and Australian markets.
Messersi
Messersì was founded in 1957 as a mechanical workshop by brothers Italo and Fabio Messersì. Together with three employees, they began producing construction equipment in a small workshop in Senigallia. Driven by the founders’ strong entrepreneurial spirit and the expanding construction market, the company grew rapidly. Today, their mini-excavators and mini-dumpers can be found worldwide.
Other Historic Companies
Other notable companies include Hydromac by the Bruneri brothers, Cariboni, Cofra, and the legendary Longhini, originally from San Rocco al Porto (Lodi). Active in the 1960s, Longhini was known for its dumpers and excavators and also produced equipment like grapples for pipelines and pipe carriers. Speaking of dumpers, another currently active company is Perlini, a manufacturer of dumpers. Many workshops and companies were active in producing construction machinery during those years, significantly contributing to the sector’s development.