Foundation and First Activities

In 1859, the passionate patriot Francesco Glisenti, a supporter of Mazzinian ideals, founded Fonderie Guido Glisenti, together with his brother Isidoro. The foundry specialized in the production of weapons and ammunition for the army and was established as part of a broader industrial system that included the Alfredo mine, the Tavernole blast furnace, two hammer forging workshops, and a mechanical processing facility.

Growth and Success

In few years, Glisenti became one of the main suppliers of weapons for the Italian and foreign army, producing about 60,000 10.35 caliber centerfire pistols (the famous “Glisenti caliber” model 1872), 25,000 Vetterli rifles and 24,000 Chassepots rifles for the French government. On August 23, 1890, to seal the prestige achieved, the king of Italy Umberto I, Queen Margherita and the Prince of Naples and future king Vittorio Emanuele visited the Villa Carcina factory, together with Giuseppe Zanardelli.

Reorganization and New Direction

In 1907, the mining and arms activities were sold and Fonderie Guido Glisenti renovated the cast iron foundry in Villa Carcina. In the 50s, the production was standardized on cast iron castings for FIAT truck bases and hydraulic pumps.
The first experiments of ductile iron castings date back to that period, making Fonderie Guido Glisenti one of the very first foundries in Europe to produce this innovative material with and industrial approach.

Acquisition and Modernization

In 1980, the Dalla Bona family acquired the foundry and revitalized the company by specializing in the production of components for the tractors, earthmoving machinery and industrial vehicle industry. In 1987 a new horizontal moulding plant was installed and in the 2000s a vertical moulding line was added in order to enlarge the product range including high-volume castings.

Awards and Investments

In 2010, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Confindustria, Fonderie Guido Glisenti received a Special Award for the 150 years of activity. In the same year, a new automatic system for the preparation and handling of cold box cores was installed. In 2014 a new horizontal moulding plant replaced the old one and in 2016 the shot blasting plant was completely renovated.

Expansion and Future

In 2018 the acquisition of the “Lead Time” foundry in Caldarola (MC) was completed. It was an operation that allowed Glisenti to expand its range of products towards supply markets.
Since 2019, the company has launched an important investment program for the modernization of production plants, in line with the latest technological standards and the principles of Industry 4.0. This has improved the efficiency and flexibility of production and strengthened competitiveness on the market.

A promising future

Today, with 165 years of experience behind it, the Guido Glisenti Foundry has gained a deep knowledge of the sector. This experience, combined with a constant search for innovation, allows the company to offer cutting-edge solutions, the result of a unique combination of tradition, competence and creativity, always with a concrete focus on environmental, social and governance sustainability.

Led by the Dalla Bona family, Fonderie Guido Glisenti looks to the future with optimism, strengthened by solid foundations and constant investments in innovation.