50 Years Young!

by Marco Ferrara, Director of Assofluid

There was no e-mail, not even faxes and mobile phones. When ASSOFLUID took its first steps 50 years ago, celebrating its anniversary on 22nd February this year, carbon paper was used to make copies, protests against the Vietnam war were
in full swing and the Beatles were at the height of fame, about to release the White album.
Only an era of such strong ideals could have given rise to the enthusiasm and courage needed to found an association like ASSOFLUID. Yes, because ASSOFLUID was a lightning bolt, a genial idea of 13 pioneers, giving voice and credit to entrepreneurs in the specific industrial sector of fluid power, gaining, in so doing, well deserved recognition for its burgeoning excellence. Over 50 years, epochal industrial changes have taken place, from manual labour with simple machinery to state of the art Industry 4.0, passing through innovation like digitally controlled machinery. Incredible company changes have been seen, small workshops have become globally present multi-nationals. We have seen communication revolution, with the arrival of the telefax, the first machine in use in ASSOFLUID in 1986, and the first association website in 1990. How can we ever forget the first computers, in the same years, giant machines invading our office space? Even offices have changed: from the original HQ in Milan’s Via Della Moscova city centre address, 2009 saw the move to Cinisello Balsamo, together with other industrial associations. 50 years have seen employees, councillors, presidents come and go, but one thing has stayed the same, the companies. Today, we number 180 and hope for further future growth, but what counts more than anything else is the richness of history, the roots solidly embedded in the local industrial fabric and the desire of each associate member to strive for a common goal: valuing their work, sharing their passion, commitment and desire to be at the forefront in Italy and the world.
Otherwise, 50 such wonderful years would never have existed.