Maestrini S.r.l., an Italian company specialised in nautical fittings and accessories, celebrates its 60th anniversary as a symbol of quality, innovation, and Made-in-Italy excellence. Founded in 1964 by Giulio Maestrini in Quarona, a town at the base of Monte Rosa, the company has expanded significantly from its beginnings as a small workshop specializing in brass-threaded fittings for the Piedmontese market.
Today, Maestrini operates a 9,700 sq.m production facility, reaching both national and international markets, and is recognized for its innovative approach and product customization.
The company’s growth has been driven by the founder’s children, Manuela and Ivan Maestrini, who have been instrumental in advancing the company toward Industry 4.0 standards and establishing a solid presence in global markets. Manuela, now the Administration Manager, and Ivan, President and CEO, have each played pivotal roles in maintaining Maestrini’s commitment to quality and expanding its range of offerings to meet the evolving demands of the nautical industry.
Early development and expansion
The journey began in 1964, when a 25-year-old Giulio Maestrini acquired a small business with his colleagues. Within a few years, he took over as the sole owner, directing the company’s growth. Manuela recalls, “Dad was convinced that quality was the key to success,” a belief that has underpinned Maestrini’s steady expansion over the decades. This focus on quality led to a gradual but solid development, laying the foundation for Maestrini’s reputation as a reliable producer of high-quality fittings.
In the 1990s, as Manuela and Ivan joined the business, they guided it through a crucial transformation from a family-run, artisanal operation into a larger industrial entity, capable of meeting the challenges of global markets. The shift to international operations, as Manuela notes, “has been essential to our growth,” allowing Maestrini to diversify its customer base and emphasize product quality as a competitive advantage, especially against manufacturers from emerging economies.
Breakthrough in the nautical sector
A major milestone in Maestrini’s evolution was its entry into the nautical sector, driven by the increasing demand for reliable hydraulic fittings in shipbuilding. This move required both flexibility and technical precision, as the industry demands high-quality components that can withstand harsh marine environments.
Ivan points out, “The nautical sector was a demanding test bench, but we can safely say that the exam was passed with flying colors.” The adoption of innovative materials and advanced solutions allowed Maestrini to create specialized products, such as sea intakes and valves, that achieved international acclaim.
Among these, the ‘Vittoria’ series all-bronze ball valve stands out. This product, with its all-bronze construction, including internal parts typically made of brass, filled a market gap and became a standout success. Manuela notes that this innovation “has helped solidify our reputation and distinguish us in the global market,” a testament to Maestrini’s commitment to solving industry-specific challenges through high-quality engineering.
Innovation and Industry 4.0 Integration
Innovation remains central to Maestrini’s strategic goals. Today, 2 of its 3 production departments adhere to Industry 4.0 standards, integrating advanced technologies that enhance efficiency and allow for greater product customization.
The in-house tooling department further supports Maestrini’s capability to tailor products to customer specifications by enabling autonomy in mold creation and maintenance. Ivan emphasizes, “We produce all molds and tooling in-house, which allows us to offer customized and tailor-made solutions,” a flexibility highly valued by the company’s international clientele.
In addition, Maestrini prioritizes the selection of high-quality alloys to comply with international standards in various markets, including those for drinking water and nautical applications. Its in-house laboratory facilitates ongoing testing to ensure regulatory compliance and stay ahead of industry developments, further enhancing the company’s reputation for reliability.
Commitment to sustainability and future ambitions
Maestrini also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Since 2022, it has participated in the Lake Orta reclamation project, supporting environmental restoration efforts. The project, known as the ‘Contratto di Lago’, has shown promising results, and Maestrini hopes to inspire other companies to contribute to sustainable initiatives. “We are proud to be part of this effort,” says Manuela, highlighting the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility.
Looking forward, Maestrini aims to expand its product line, with plans to introduce motorized and three-way ball valves. The company’s guiding philosophy, rooted in Giulio Maestrini’s vision, remains focused on delivering the highest-quality products as efficiently as possible.
60th Anniversary celebrations and recognitions
In 2024, Maestrini marked its 60th anniversary with a special celebration at its production facility. The event brought together employees, family members, local officials, and community representatives to honor the company’s achievements.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ‘Mural of Sustainability: Blue Rebirth’, an art project dedicated to nature and Maestrini’s commitment to sustainable practices. The mural, featuring 5 panels symbolizing water’s eternal cycle, reflects Maestrini’s philosophy and pays tribute to its roots.
Manuela emphasizes the company’s desire to keep its family-oriented values at the forefront of this celebration: “We wanted to give a family tone to the celebrations, putting my father Giulio at the center and involving the employees and their families.” This approach underscores the importance of the individuals who have contributed to the company’s success.
Accolades and certifications
Maestrini’s ongoing commitment to quality is underscored by numerous certifications from prestigious bodies, including DVGW for gas and drinking water fittings, and RINA and Lloyd’s Register for the nautical sector. These recognitions have helped cement Maestrini’s status as a manufacturer in a highly competitive market. Ivan affirms, “The quality of our products has always been a priority, and these certifications demonstrate our dedication to maintaining high standards.”
Looking ahead
Maestrini’s future goals include expanding its product range, especially in motorized and three-way ball valves, and increasing its offerings for large yacht fittings. The company is also exploring new sectors, with a continued focus on product customization to meet the needs of a diverse and evolving market.
“Our target market includes shipyards and machine shops engaged in yachting, but we are also looking at new sectors,” Manuela explains, noting that international markets account for around 50% of Maestrini’s turnover, with strong demand for its quality products abroad.
The company aims to uphold its legacy of Italian industrial excellence while balancing tradition with innovation. Ivan and Manuela conclude: “We want to continue following the path traced by our father, with the same dedication and passion that has guided the company all these years. 60 years after its foundation, Maestrini exemplifies the strengths of Italian industry, blending quality, innovation, and sustainability.”
One of the key moments in the development of Maestrini was the landing in the nautical sector, a path undertaken thanks to the quality of the hydraulic fittings that began to be appreciated also in the shipbuilding sector. The company’s production flexibility was instrumental in facing the technical challenges required by the nautical sector
Thanks to the adoption of innovative materials and the introduction of state-of-the-art technical solutions, the company has developed a series of products specifically for the nautical sector, such as valves and sea intakes, which have also met with great success internationally.
The focus on innovation is one of the pillars of Maestrini’s strategy. The company has constantly invested in cutting-edge technology, and today 2 of its 3 production departments comply with the ‘Industry 4.0’ model.
Maestrini has an in-house tooling department that gives it a high degree of autonomy in mould making and tool maintenance. This in-house capability is key to offering extensive product customisation, one of the company's distinguishing features.
