A journey spanning more than half a century, with people at the centre.
It was supposed to be a big 50th anniversary party. Everything was ready: logo, invitations, programme, menus, operational staff. But then, as for many, the pandemic came and stopped everything. The wait became long, incredibly long. But not in vain.
Three years later, on 2 July 2023, Comel finally celebrated. And it did so in style, with an event capable of combining emotion, gratitude and a forward-looking vision. The celebration logo changed, with a symbol that told much more than a simple delay: 50+3. Three years that only strengthened the desire to share this important milestone with everyone.
A day to remember
From the early afternoon, Comel’s headquarters were transformed into a place of meeting, celebration and remembrance. More than 1,000 people attended: employees, former collaborators, friends, customers, suppliers and institution representatives. The three teams from the group companies were present: Comel, Maspica and Derrigal.
Guests were welcomed by an impeccable, smiling and professional team. The production route was explained through an original and engaging idea: a small train running through the departments, big screens, audio headphones for everyone, to listen to Comel’s history, values and production pride.
Where it all began
An area of the event, curated like a small business exhibition, brought back all the strength and warmth of the early years: unpublished photographs, original documents, the first production machine and even the very first invoice issued. A wall celebrated key milestones, while images flowed across immersive screens like a visual narrative beginning in 1970.
It was the story of Luigino, with his skilled hands and big dreams, together with his first collaborators – men and women who believed in the vision of a workshop that over time would become an industry benchmark.
Every detail recalled the reality of the origins: the passion for a job well done, the challenges faced and the victories obtained day after day.
A journey that touched the hearts of those who were there at the beginning and inspired those who today carry that legacy forward.
Find out the historyAn exquisite refreshment buffet was served in the lorry departure yard, transformed into a green and white lounge with floral decorations, balloons bearing the customised logo and themed seating. All around, people hugging each other again, excited faces, lots of “do you remember the time…”.
Real emotions. Comel is also this.
And dinner was served inside the new logistics headquarters – 5,000 square metres dressed for celebration. Elegant tables with flowers and the 50+3 anniversary logo at the centre, a specially designed menu and a strong desire to join in.
On stage, meticulously prepared and featuring a striking set design, a series of deeply meaningful moments unfolded. With emotion and heartfelt words, Matteo and Martina Giacometti retraced the most significant milestones in Comel’s history: from its origins as a small workshop to today’s achievements, built on automation, technology, and industrial vision. Challenges faced, changes experienced, objectives achieved: everything was recounted with authenticity and pride.
Then, a special memory united everyone present: a delicate thought dedicated to those who left a profound mark, both inside and outside the company. Intense words were spoken in memory of mother Paola and the birth of the Favonia ETS Foundation, created to honour her values and commitment.
The long applause that followed transformed that moment into a collective embrace, sincere, heartfelt and full of gratitude and hope for the future.
And then, laughter!
Breaking the spell with grace and intelligence came Marco and Pippo, “the duo that is a trio”, with a show tailor-made for the event. Sketches, jokes and irony about Comel, its bending machines, certification acronyms and even the company train. Loud laughter, complicity and standing ovations. After all, even quality can make people smile.
The grand finale
The cutting of the cake – enormous, with the “50+3” logo – was entrusted to the determined and tireless founder Luigino, who wanted to greet every guest personally, pose for photographs, exchange jokes and receive handshakes and affectionate words.
When the time came to say farewell, there was a thought for everyone: a celebratory shopper bag containing a golden tray with engraving of the logo, and other commemorative gadgets.
As the night wore on, Luigino paused for a moment. He looked around the room and smiled. And in the darkness, among the soft lights and happy chatter, someone noticed a butterfly gently fluttering. It was the symbol of the Favonia Foundation. Perhaps just a coincidence. But many that evening thought that Paola was there beside them, as always.
A celebration to honour the past, experience the present and continue believing in the future.
