Foundation and First Activities

In 1859, the fervent patriot Francesco Glisenti, a patriot of Mazzinian sentiments, founded the Glisenti Foundry together with his brother Isidoro. Specializing in the production of weapons and bullets for the army. The foundry was born as a production unit integrated into a larger industrial system, including the Alfredo mine, the Tavernole blast furnace, two hammer forging workshops and a mechanical processing workshop.

Expansion 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, accompanied by the Honorable Giuseppe Zanardelli.

Reorganization and New Direction

In 1907, the mining and arms activities were sold and Guido Glisenti renovated the cast iron foundry in Villa Carcina. In the 50s, 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 Guido Glisenti Foundry one of the very first foundries in Europe to produce this innovative material industrially.

Acquisition and Modernization

In 1980, the Dalla Bona family acquired the foundry and relaunched 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 new vertical moulding line completed the product range to be with medium and high volume castings.

Recent Awards and Investments

In 2010, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Confindustria, Fonderie Guido Glisenti received a Special Award for 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 forming 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, 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.
Today, with 165 years of experience behind it, Fonderie Guido Glisenti 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, that are the result of a unique combination of tradition, competence and creativity, together with a concrete focus on environmental, social and governance sustainability.

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, strong of solid foundations and constant investments in innovation that allow it to offer its customers increasingly evolved and efficient solutions.